BA (Hons) Animation

This three years or four-year international route Bachelor's of Arts BA (Hons) in Animation will introduce you to the fundamentals of the creative industry and will give you the opportunity to refine a career path. This programme has been selected by BSBI from among the many prestigious international degrees offered by University for the Creative Arts.

Faculty of Creative Industries

Start application online

BSBI is constantly striving to bring new opportunities and challenges to its students.

Combining theory with practice, the BA (Hons) Animation course enables you to develop a series of short films through being taught via a blended learning approach. The curriculum incorporates latest industry technology and meets contemporary digital standards too, ensuring you are equipped with relevant software for the field. The four-year international route programme includes a foundation year, which will introduce you to the fundamentals of the creative industry and will give you the opportunity to refine a career path. You’ll build a strong portfolio needed to progress directly into your BA degree, whilst being prepared to use English language in an academic context.

Programme Overview

Get a clear picture of what the BA in Animation program is all about and what you'll learn.

Programme Fee

See the breakdown of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Animation program fees to plan your investment.

Key Programme Information

Discover essential BA in Animation program information, such as duration and admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

Discover the necessary qualifications and documents needed to apply.

Programme Structure

Explore the BA in Animation programme's structure, including the coursework and supplementary learning experiences.

Programme Overview

Berlin School of Business and Innovation is in partnership with University for the Creative Arts (UCA). As a result of this partnership, BSBI is able to offer the BA (Hons) Animation programme. UCA is an acclaimed creative institution in the UK that ranks highly in all three of the major UK league tables. The university has also been ranked 13th out of all UK universities in the Guardian League Table 2020; and ranked no.7 in the 2021 Guardian League Tables for Business, Management & Marketing.

The BA in Animation programme at BSBI is designed to immerse students in the dynamic world of animation, equipping you with both technical skills and creative vision. This programme covers essential areas such as 2D and 3D animation, character design, storytelling and visual effects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the animation industry. Throughout this animation bachelor’s degree, you will work on industry-standard software, preparing you for a variety of roles in film, television, advertising and digital media. Delivered in collaboration with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), the animation bachelor’s programme offers a blend of practical learning and academic excellence, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the competitive animation industry with a globally recognised degree.

The BA (Hons) Animation course will build your animation skills through lectures, seminars, practice related briefs and exercises as well as life drawing practice and sound production. You will also be supported through live industry briefs. In your final year you will be able to undertake primary and secondary research and demonstrate your newly acquired skills via demonstration of a strong portfolio of production.

The programme is delivered 100% on-campus with full access to state-of-the art facilities.

You will earn a bachelor’s degree with 120 UK credits per year (equivalent to 60 ECTS per year). This helps student mobility in the EU when it comes to transferring credits from one higher education institution to another.

The BA in Animation course is aimed at those aspiring to build a successful career in the field of animation and animated filmmaking. You will be supported to develop a critical understanding in the field of animation in order to confidently formulate and pitch ideas professionally, as well as work on screenings.

Programme Fee

Hamburg : October

BA 2025 October: International students Price: €11,000 | EU Students Price: €8,450

Foundation International Route 2025: February | October: International students Price: €11,000 | EU students Price: €8,450

Price 2026: €11.000 (International and EU) 

Special offers: Up to 20% savings for International Students | 10% savings for EU Students Terms and conditions apply.

The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement.

SECURE YOUR PLACE ON THIS PROGRAMME BY APPLYING TODAY.

FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY HERE >>

Portfolio Scholarship Competition

Students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and the chance to receive a scholarship on tuition! This competition is valid on the Faculty of Creative Industries programmes being offered at the Hamburg campus.

Best Portfolio (Study for Free!)

1 Student | 100% Scholarship on Tuition

Second Best Portfolio

10 Students | 50% Scholarship on Tuition

Third Best Portfolio

20 Students | 40% Scholarship on Tuition

Find out more about how to apply here.

Programme Structure

The learning and teaching will consist of a variety of elements such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, animated/non-animated video, practical work, seminars and trips. The assessment strategy will include individual/group reports and/or presentations, case studies, essays, portfolio development, reflective journals and experiential work based activities. You will study up to four days per week, in smaller class sizes and more frequent sessions. Teaching takes place Monday to Saturdays, during morning, afternoon, or evening sessions.

Modules

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION IN ART DESIGN AND MEDIA

  • English for Academic Purposes, Research and Study skills
  • Exploring Practices, Process, Materials and Techniques
  • Investigating Specialist Practice
  • Final Major Project

YEAR 1

  • Animation: Contexts and Concepts
  • Digital Skills
  • Drawing for Animation
  • Animation Principles

YEAR 2

  • Animated Cultures
  • Advanced Digital Techniques
  • Short Film
  • Research and Concept
  • Animated Cultures: Study Abroad Option
  • Advanced Digital Techniques: Study Abroad Option
  • Study Abroad Exchange

YEAR 3

  • Destinations
  • Proposal and Pitch
  • Final Film
  • Dissertation

Study in

Hamburg

  • Delivery: On campus 
  • Duration: 3/4 years (international route)
  • Intakes: February, October 
  • Campus: Hamburg, Germany
  • Degree awarded by University for the Creative Arts
  • Price: BA 2025 October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
  • Price: Foundation International Route 2025: February, October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
  • Price 2026: €11.000 (International and EU) 
Discover more

Download Factsheet>>

The School’s admissions process is subject to the Consumer Contracts (Terms and Conditions). Information on your Right of Withdrawal and our Refund Policy can be found in the BSBI study agreement

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the BA in Animation course students should be able to:

Knowledge

  • Apply good knowledge of English to communicate relevant international, cultural, contemporary knowledge and historical, theoretical and professional contexts.
  • Demonstrate a range of general, specialist and transferable skills and competencies relevant to both postgraduate study and future employment.
  • Create a resourceful application towards presenting progressive animations results in terms of authorship, team efforts and all aspects of commercial animation production.

Application to the industry

  • Apply autonomy to deliver primary and secondary research involving the identification and use of relevant resources.
  • Create individual responses to all forms of animation production.
  • Demonstrate specialist skills and competencies related to their chosen field of specialism within animation and the wider creative arts industries.

Skills

  • Demonstrate professional skills through project management presentation and communication of ideas.
  • Develop a special focus on their chosen and specified field of animation results.
  • Develop an in-depth technical skillset to demonstrate their broad level of authorship and agency in their creative practice.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the theoretical debates relevant to animation in its wider cultural context
Download Factsheet

Career Progression

BSBI’s industry focused study environment is dedicated to supporting our students in reaching their career goals. Upon successful completion of the BA in Animation course, students will be able to pursue a role in the following areas:

  • Freelance animation
  • In-House animation
  • Project management
  • Web and app animation
  • Filmmaking Special effects
  • Art director
  • Set designer
  • Education
  • Freelance 3D artist

BSBI’s dedicated Careers Service helps Animation students and alumni reach their career goals and realise their potential. The Service offers specialised support and aims to build long-lasting relationships with local and national employers.

Visit the Careers Service website.

Foundation International Route Option

Minimum Age: 17 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 11 years of schooling)

How to Create an Exceptional Portfolio will be available in this integrated international route foundation in art design and media course to guarantee you a direct progression into your BA degree course.

Academic Qualifications: ECCTIS UK equivalent to GCSE

BA (Hons)

Minimum Age: 18 (titles awarded upon completion of at least 12 years of schooling)

For direct Year 1 BA entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal.

Academic Qualifications: A school leaving certificate with a pass to pursue higher education in Germany e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or Matura. Alternatively, an international baccalaureate, international school leaving certificates, BTEC/national diploma or advanced vocational certificate of education will be accepted.

If you do not meet the above academic requirements, applicants with professional qualifications and/or four years of full-time work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirements:

Access to Proof of English Guide (UCA) here.

You can apply now to study with BSBI! It’s quick and easy, here’s how it works:

  • Create an account here
  • Select the programme and intake you want to apply for
  • Complete all sections of the online application
  • Submit online application
  • Our Admissions Team will liaise with you with regards to next steps

BSBI, in partnership with leading creative institution, University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is offering the opportunity to enrich your vocational qualification with this Year 3 direct entry bachelor’s degree in just a year.

The course will enable you to reach your full design potential with the help of industry experts. You’ll build a strong portfolio of powerful software skills and demonstrate effective thinking methods to navigate the challenges of today’s creative industry.

This course is ideal for those looking to enhance their expertise, confidence and skills in graphic design. You’ll become equipped with the latest skills in digital design software in order to produce an industry-standard portfolio for future career opportunities.

This Year 3 direct entry programme is tailored to students looking to build upon their knowledge of the graphic design industry and clearly communicate their creative ideas through a final major project.

Modules
Contextual Research and Critical Perspectives
Final Major Project
Professional Practice

Key Facts
Location: BSBI Hamburg Campus
Duration: 1 year (full time)
Intakes: October
Awarding Body: University for the Creative Arts
Price: BA 2025 October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)
Price: Foundation International Route 2025: February|October | €11,000 (international students) | €8,450 (EU students)

Entry Requirements
Graduates from a vocational academy/institute are not required to present a portfolio upon certified successful completion of their vocational training and are eligible for a direct entry into year 3.

Same is applicable for students who completed HND in Graphic Design, Illustration or Animation or direct year 3 progression upon successful completion of level 5/Year 2 by a UK awarding body.

English Language Requirements:
Graduates from a Schengen zone vocational academy/HND/ Level 5 progression by UK awarding body are not required to present an IELTS language test but required to pass BSBI English diagnostics test which will be provided by BSBI for direct entry year 3 BA Degree.

Download Factsheet

Computer Equipment

In recent developments of hybrid learning, we require each student to arrive equipped with a laptop. We, therefore, recommend the purchase of a design-friendly mobile laptop. Please click below to read more about the technical requirement.Technical Entry Requirement

Your Portfolio Submission

For year 1 entry you’ll be required to submit an online portfolio via our BSBI Applicant Portal. Before submitting your artwork, please have a look through the Portfolio Cookbook

What is a Portfolio?

  • Your portfolio is a collection of your best work. We want to see what inspires you, how you develop your work, your creative thinking processes, how and what you create and what makes you a unique creative individual.

What Should My Portfolio Contain?

  • Your portfolio might contain sketches and paintings, digital art and design. It might also contain sound work, short films.
  • Upload up to 12 pieces of work which can include audio or video files.

How do I Submit My Portfolio?

  • We’ll only be accepting portfolios digitally. You can do this once you’ve applied via our online submission system within the Applicant Portal.
  • You can also link to external websites such as Vimeo and YouTube.

Further information on how to compile and upload your portfolio will be provided by our admissions team via our admissions portal once you have applied.

Learn all about what Hamburg has to offer as an international study destination by clicking here

Student Work

Our BA (Hons) Animation students at BSBI produce innovative, high-quality work that showcases their creativity, technical skills and passion for storytelling. Below is a selection of projects created during their studies, reflecting the diverse talents and unique perspectives that thrive within our programme. These pieces highlight the real-world applications of the techniques and concepts learned throughout the BA in Animation course.

Hear from our Students and Alumni


Learn more about their BSBI journey

  • "BSBI creates a fun and interactive environment where it opens conversations and doors to create new connections."

    Aya
    UAE

  • "Improve my ability to understand different cultures, live with people from other backgrounds, and enhance my language skills."

    Matteo
    Italy

  • "The BSBI faculty's genuine passion for the subject and student success cultivates an enthusiastic and engaged learning environment."

    Liubov
    Russia

  • "BSBI and the knowledge I’ve acquire here has supported me to develop my soft skills, with a focus on management and projects."

    Karla
    Dominican Republic

The Virtual Student Lounge

BSBI offers you the opportunity to attend our Virtual Student Lounge to help you gain an insight into life at the school. Through a video call consultation, you’ll be able to get a virtual campus tour, learn more about our programmes, bursaries and scholarships, and get answers to any questions you might have regarding the admission procedure.

You’ll also be able to discover more about living and studying in Europe’s start-up capital, Berlin and find out more about the services on offer at BSBI.

Book Your Place

FAQ's

Yes, animation is a highly demanding job, especially with the growing need for digital content in the entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries. The demand for skilled animators is expected to increase as businesses and media increasingly rely on animated content for engaging visual communication and storytelling.

To be an animator, you typically need a bachelor's degree in animation, graphic design, fine arts, or a related field. Studying for the BA (Hons) in Animation will give you everything you need to pursue a career in animation, including a significant improvement in your animation skills, a critical understanding of the field, and the ability to formulate and pitch ideas professionally. Key qualifications also include proficiency in animation software like Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, or Blender and a strong portfolio showcasing your artistic and technical skills.

To be a successful animator, focus on building a strong foundation in both traditional art and digital tools. A degree can be a great way to do this. A bachelor’s can also help you continuously improve your skills through practice and training, give you knowledge of best practices, and help you develop a diverse portfolio.

A BA (Hons) in Animation is one of the best courses for aspiring animators. It provides comprehensive training in various animation techniques, software proficiency, and storytelling skills. This course often includes hands-on projects and industry placements, ensuring students are well-prepared for professional roles in the animation industry.

Choosing animation as a career offers numerous benefits, including creative fulfilment, diverse job opportunities, and the ability to work in various industries such as film, gaming, and advertising. Animation allows you to bring stories and characters to life, making it a rewarding career for those passionate about art and technology.