From virtual reality and augmented reality, 3D printing and immersive games as well as visualization to interactive media, Multimedia and Animation have transformed the way we communicate and interact with others through media platforms. The induction of digital technologies and software has also added impetus to the already soaring growth in this sector. Avenues of a career in animation are available not only in close fields of Visual Arts, Cinema, Art, Fashion, Computers but also in seemingly unrelated areas of Business, Marketing, Medicine, Research, Public Policy, Psychology as well. This article aims to bring you the top animation courses as well as the institutions offering them across the globe.
Also Read: Photography Career
This Blog Includes:
Undergraduate Animation Courses
Typically extending from 3-4 years, a bachelor’s degree in this field, for instance, a Bachelor of Arts in Animation is intended to provide a strong fundamental understanding of liberal arts, as a whole like art history and background as well as animation-related topics. This includes computer animation, visualization techniques, experimental animation, interactive animation, visual effects, media and cinema studies, contemporary arts, and so forth. Owing to the practical nature of the subject, universities include as part of the curriculum of these animation courses, a mix of theoretical learning along with internships, projects, research, study abroad trips, etc.
Eligibility: Higher Secondary [XIIth] in any stream from a recognized college/university.
Also Read: Animation Course After 12th, BSc Visual Communication
Postgraduate Animation Courses
Diving deeper into advanced fields of animation, a Master of Arts in Animation is 1-3 years is designed to equip individuals who want to build on their current level of animation knowledge. This is achieved through components like thesis, projects, seminars, workshops, long-term practical placements, advanced proficiency in computer 2D/3D animation as well as a combination of core, diverse specializations, and a range of electives. Examples of electives in master’s level Animation courses include television history, Computer Game & Art, Strategic Management, Fashion Photography, Communication, Video Production, Screenwriting, etc.
Eligibility: An undergraduate preferably in Animation or in any other related field.
Also read: Cinematography Courses, Graphic Design Courses
Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma Courses
These are short-term Animation courses [6 months-2 years] that focus on a particular aspect of Animation like 3D Animation, texturing, lighting, motion graphics, character rigging, etc in a practical and industry-inclined manner. In essence, these are offered as skills development degree programs and emphasize building proficiency through various elements, most importantly, industry experiences. The eligibility requirements for these programs vary from one course to another.
Doctoral Courses
A handful of interested students can choose to enter Ph.D. Animation courses to develop high-level research skills in interdisciplinary fields of Animation, Multimedia and Psychology, Economics, Globalisation, ethical issues, wildlife, Law, and a host of other disciplines. Usually, Ph.D. students work under a professor on research projects, fieldwork, and preparation of their own dissertation.
Eligibility: A Master’s degree in animation is recommended along with some work experience in related fields.
Online Animation Courses
- Learn Professional Pixel Art & Animation for Games – Udemy
- Angular Styling & Animations (for Angular 2+) – Udemy
- Learn SVG Animation – With HTML, CSS & Javascript – Udemy
- UI Animation using Sketch 3, Principle App, and Flinto – Udemy
- jQuery for Beginners – Create Website Animations Easily – Udemy
- Learn to Animate: Animation Principles – Udemy
2D Animation Online Course
- After Effects Motion Graphics Beast – Udemy
- Cinematography for 2D Animation Essentials – Udemy
- 2D Animation in Moho from Basic to Advanced – Udemy
- 2D Animation With No Drawing Skills in AE – Udemy
- The Complete Spine Game Rigging & Animation Course – Udemy
3D Animation Online Course
- The Beginner’s Guide to Animation in Unity (v5 to v2020+) – Udemy
- The Blender 2.8 Encyclopedia – Udemy
- Blender Character Creator v2.0 for Video Games Design – Udemy
- Learn 3D Animation – The Ultimate Blender Guide – Udemy
- Ultimate Blender 3D Character Creation & Animation Course – Udemy
- Fusion 360 for 3D Printing – Designing with Components – Udemy
- 3D in After Effects CC: Working & Animating in 3D Space – Udemy
- Maya for Beginners: Complete 3D Animation Fundamentals – Udemy
Top Universities Offering Animation Courses
To help you further in your research, we have curated a list of the top animation colleges across the globe that you must explore while considering Animation courses.
Name of University | Location | THE Rankings |
Animation Courses |
University of Edinburgh | UK | 30th | BA (Hons) Animation MFA Animation Ph.D. Informatics-IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics & Animation |
The University of Melbourne |
Australia | 31st | BFA (Animation) |
University of Southern California |
USA | 53rd | BA in Animation & Digital Arts MFA in Animation & Digital Arts |
Ohio State University- Columbus |
USA | =80th | MFA in Design [Digital Animation & Interactive Media] |
Purdue University | USA | =94th | BSc Animation |
Queensland University of Technology |
Australia | 186th | Bachelor of Business/BFA (Animation) |
Centennial College | Canada | – | Diploma in Animation-3D |
Top Universities Offering Animation Courses in India
- VIT University
- National Institute of Design
- Amity University
- Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD)
- PA Inamdar College of Visual Effects, Design and Art
- IIFA Multimedia
- MIT Institute of Design, MIT Art, Design and Technology University
- Unitedworld Institute of Design
- Arena Animation
- Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
- Asian Academy of Film and Television
- World University of Design
- NSHM Knowledge Campus
- Picasso International Animation – VFX – Gaming College
- Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay
Application & Admission
As a general rule in order to study abroad for Animation courses, one may be required to submit official SAT/GRE/GMAT or IELTS/TOEFL scores, as applicable, along with copies of official transcripts, CV, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and/or a scholarship essay. Universities conduct admissions through strict deadlines and it only helps the candidate to apply early.
Also Read: Multimedia Courses
FAQs
Yes, animation is a viable major for a large number of undergraduate students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for artists and animators is expected to grow at the same rate as the national average over the next ten years.
While animation is a complex art that can take years of schooling to master, it’s surprisingly easy for a hobbyist — and even some self-taught professionals — to get started from the comfort of your own home and begin producing animations from scratch with just a little studying, hard work, and practice.
They can earn Rs. 25,000-40,000 with three to five years of experience. A skilled animator with a strong portfolio of excellent animation work could easily earn Rs. 50,000-60,000 per month.
Animation courses gear up individuals for high-paying jobs in diverse fields, be it entertainment, technology, marketing, or any other. If you also wish to study this field but feel hesitant as to what course and university to choose or the career opportunities suitable for you, take the assistance of the AI tool at Leverage Edu which suggests unique options as per your interests and preferences thus preparing you for a vibrant career in your chosen field of interest.