BA (Hons)
Animation and Visual Effects
BA (Hons)
Animation and Visual Effects

Key Information


Duration

3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

W270

Duration

3 years (4 years with Foundation Year)

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

W270

Academic Years

Course Overview

Animation and Visual Effects at Lincoln offers an introduction to the innovative world of animation and visual effects through moving image, digital visualisation, and contemporary narrative.

The course enables students to develop into creative animators and artists with the flexibility to practise their craft in a variety of media. It covers a range of skills, including the fundamentals of animation, storytelling, performance, design, drawing, 3D modelling, 2D and computer-generated animation, compositing, animation theory, and the production of short films.

The Lincoln School of Film and Media has had success at the Royal Television Society awards. In 2019, student film Papier won Best Animation at the awards. The animation was made by students Tabitha Lay, Emily Leaning, Katie Thomas, Natasha Ray, and Charlie Bartlett. Student animations Harlem Nocturne and Uplifted were also nominated in the Best Animation category at the awards.

This programme is also available with an Arts Foundation Year, which can provide an alternative route of entry onto the full degree programme. Find out more at https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/.

Course Overview

Animation and Visual Effects at Lincoln offers an introduction to the innovative world of animation and visual effects through moving image, digital visualisation, and contemporary narrative.

The course enables students to develop into creative animators and artists with the flexibility to practise their craft in a variety of media. It covers a range of skills, including the fundamentals of animation, storytelling, performance, design, drawing, 3D modelling, 2D and computer-generated animation, compositing, animation theory, and the production of short films.

The Lincoln School of Film and Media has had success at the Royal Television Society awards. In 2019, student film Papier won Best Animation at the awards. The animation was made by students Tabitha Lay, Emily Leaning, Katie Thomas, Natasha Ray, and Charlie Bartlett. Student animations Harlem Nocturne and Uplifted were also nominated in the Best Animation category at the awards.

This programme is also available with an Arts Foundation Year, which can provide an alternative route of entry onto the full degree programme. Find out more at https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/.

Why Choose Lincoln

Access industry-standard facilities and equipment

Take part in study trips and overseas visits to exciting destinations

Learn from staff with industry experience as film, television, and video games animators

Take part in industry competitions and award schemes

Work collaboratively with students across multiple disciplines

Subject are ranked in the top 20 overall in the UK*

* Guardian University Guide 2024 (out of 55 ranking institutions)

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

This course aims to provide a thorough grounding in classical animation principles as well as an introduction to digital techniques for animation and visual effects.

Life drawing forms an integral part of the programme, combined with developing narrative, character design, and animation techniques. Students are encouraged to participate in various stages of production, such as character animation, art direction and lighting, digital compositing and effects, post-production techniques, and production management.

In the final year, they can work as part of a team to produce a short film that sets the premise for their personal showreel.

Industry practitioners are part of the teaching team on the course including film, television, and video games animators.

How You Study

This course aims to provide a thorough grounding in classical animation principles as well as an introduction to digital techniques for animation and visual effects.

Life drawing forms an integral part of the programme, combined with developing narrative, character design, and animation techniques. Students are encouraged to participate in various stages of production, such as character animation, art direction and lighting, digital compositing and effects, post-production techniques, and production management.

In the final year, they can work as part of a team to produce a short film that sets the premise for their personal showreel.

Industry practitioners are part of the teaching team on the course including film, television, and video games animators.

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Animation Principles 2024-25ANI1014MLevel 42024-25This module is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of animation. Through a series of exercises that explore the techniques used to animate a basic sequence, the learner is introduced to the fundamental concepts behind all animation.CoreCGI Principles 2024-25ANI1034MLevel 42024-25This module will introduce students to contemporary digital methods and software tools used for producing 3D CGI and animation.CoreDesign for Animation 2024-25ANI1035MLevel 42024-25This module offers the chance for students to engage in the design process for animation. This includes idea generation, character design, background design, prop design and colour systems.CoreDrawing for Animation 1 2024-25ANI1036MLevel 42024-25This module delivers fundamental learning and skill development in the area of Drawing for Animation. Life drawing is an essential skill required for animation and will be used in this module to help develop proficiency in expressing movement, emotion and gestures competently and effectively.CorePioneers of Animation 2024-25ANI1037MLevel 42024-25This module outlines the important developments that have occurred within the field of animation since its conception in the late 1800s and traces the theories, debates and movements that have steered the medium, from early pioneers to current practitioners.CoreStory & Film Language 2024-25ANI1038MLevel 42024-25This module will address three main aspects of animation production; story, character and film language. The module is based on a model of learning that enables students to explore past, contemporary, short and long character driven narratives, story format, structure, plot thrusts and character development.CoreAnimation Practice 2025-26ANI2039MLevel 52025-26This module explores the creation of a narrative through a typical animation production workflow. There will be focus on narrative elements to help with the construction of a short piece. Students will be introduced to a range of films within a chosen theme which are used to promote understanding of film language and the construction of a short scene or moment.CoreCGI Production Methods 2025-26ANI2040MLevel 52025-26This module will address two important aspect of production design in 3D animation: character and set construction with an emphasis on visual storytelling. The module is based on a model of learning that incorporates research on visual reference, artististic and technical skills and design principles in problem-solving contexts.CoreCharacter Animation 2025-26ANI2041MLevel 52025-26The character animation module develops a professional skill level in animation required for the production environment. This module aims to challenge students through the further development of physical believability within their animation through a more detailed understanding of staging, timing and weight. The student will also gain an understanding of acting techniques in order to develop personality within their characters and gain an understanding of the relationships of screen acting and performance within professional character animation.CoreDrawing for Animation 2 2025-26ANI2042MLevel 52025-26The drawing for animation module is intended to develop a professional drawing skill set for production level animation.CoreResearch & Professional Practice 2025-26ANI2043MLevel 52025-26This module aims to develop critical thinking and analysis with an emphasis on self-directed study, to prepare learners for the dissertation module at level 6. The emphasis of this module is on the tools of research, including primary and secondary forms, and how vital these are in informing a body of critical work. Students will apply the tools of research to an essay proposal, showing evidence of critical analysis and including a literature review, which will enable them to progress to their dissertation module.CoreAnimation Dissertation 2026-27ANI3044MLevel 62026-27The Dissertation module underpins the theory already outlined at level 5 to enable students to research and write their own dissertation paper on an animation topic of their choice.CoreAnimation Pre-Production 2026-27ANI3001MLevel 62026-27The module aims to prepare students for the creative and professional challenges of bringing a conceptual idea to the stage of feasible project proposal, which can be presented to a client, employer or commissioner.CoreAnimation Production and Team Practice 2026-27ANI3002MLevel 62026-27Within this module, students have the opportunity to take forward the work created and developed in pre-production, to form the central element of the production. Students may negotiate their time, referring to the plan produced in pre-production, to form small cohesive teams, reflective of how a production would be structured in a professional animation practice.CoreDigital Compositing 2026-27ANI3045MLevel 62026-27The module is based on a model of learning that incorporates knowledge, skills and design principles in problem-solving contexts. Whilst maintaining a focus on the established techniques and processes of digital compositing using industry standard compositing tools, asset handling practices and how they may be used in specific animation processes and workflows, students will adopt a learning process which enables them to approach problems and offer solutions that are appropriate, distinctive and adaptable.CoreShowreel & Portfolio Development 2026-27ANI3046MLevel 62026-27The aim of this module is for students to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained during their studies to create a final year professional portfolio to show future employers.Core

Modules


† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Animation Principles 2025-26ANI1014MLevel 42025-26This module is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of animation. Through a series of exercises that explore the techniques used to animate a basic sequence, the learner is introduced to the fundamental concepts behind all animation.CoreCGI Principles 2025-26ANI1034MLevel 42025-26This module will introduce students to contemporary digital methods and software tools used for producing 3D CGI and animation.CoreDesign for Animation 2025-26ANI1035MLevel 42025-26This module offers the chance for students to engage in the design process for animation. This includes idea generation, character design, background design, prop design and colour systems.CoreDrawing for Animation 1 2025-26ANI1036MLevel 42025-26This module delivers fundamental learning and skill development in the area of Drawing for Animation. Life drawing is an essential skill required for animation and will be used in this module to help develop proficiency in expressing movement, emotion and gestures competently and effectively.CorePioneers of Animation 2025-26ANI1037MLevel 42025-26This module outlines the important developments that have occurred within the field of animation since its conception in the late 1800s and traces the theories, debates and movements that have steered the medium, from early pioneers to current practitioners.CoreStory & Film Language 2025-26ANI1038MLevel 42025-26This module will address three main aspects of animation production; story, character and film language. The module is based on a model of learning that enables students to explore past, contemporary, short and long character driven narratives, story format, structure, plot thrusts and character development.CoreAnimation Practice 2026-27ANI2039MLevel 52026-27This module explores the creation of a narrative through a typical animation production workflow. There will be focus on narrative elements to help with the construction of a short piece. Students will be introduced to a range of films within a chosen theme which are used to promote understanding of film language and the construction of a short scene or moment.CoreCGI Production Methods 2026-27ANI2040MLevel 52026-27This module will address two important aspect of production design in 3D animation: character and set construction with an emphasis on visual storytelling. The module is based on a model of learning that incorporates research on visual reference, artististic and technical skills and design principles in problem-solving contexts.CoreCharacter Animation 2026-27ANI2041MLevel 52026-27The character animation module develops a professional skill level in animation required for the production environment. This module aims to challenge students through the further development of physical believability within their animation through a more detailed understanding of staging, timing and weight. The student will also gain an understanding of acting techniques in order to develop personality within their characters and gain an understanding of the relationships of screen acting and performance within professional character animation.CoreDrawing for Animation 2 2026-27ANI2042MLevel 52026-27The drawing for animation module is intended to develop a professional drawing skill set for production level animation.CoreResearch & Professional Practice 2026-27ANI2043MLevel 52026-27This module aims to develop critical thinking and analysis with an emphasis on self-directed study, to prepare learners for the dissertation module at level 6. The emphasis of this module is on the tools of research, including primary and secondary forms, and how vital these are in informing a body of critical work. Students will apply the tools of research to an essay proposal, showing evidence of critical analysis and including a literature review, which will enable them to progress to their dissertation module.CoreAnimation Dissertation 2027-28ANI3044MLevel 62027-28The Dissertation module underpins the theory already outlined at level 5 to enable students to research and write their own dissertation paper on an animation topic of their choice.CoreAnimation Pre-Production 2027-28ANI3001MLevel 62027-28The module aims to prepare students for the creative and professional challenges of bringing a conceptual idea to the stage of feasible project proposal, which can be presented to a client, employer or commissioner.CoreAnimation Production and Team Practice 2027-28ANI3002MLevel 62027-28Within this module, students have the opportunity to take forward the work created and developed in pre-production, to form the central element of the production. Students may negotiate their time, referring to the plan produced in pre-production, to form small cohesive teams, reflective of how a production would be structured in a professional animation practice.CoreDigital Compositing 2027-28ANI3045MLevel 62027-28The module is based on a model of learning that incorporates knowledge, skills and design principles in problem-solving contexts. Whilst maintaining a focus on the established techniques and processes of digital compositing using industry standard compositing tools, asset handling practices and how they may be used in specific animation processes and workflows, students will adopt a learning process which enables them to approach problems and offer solutions that are appropriate, distinctive and adaptable.CoreShowreel & Portfolio Development 2027-28ANI3046MLevel 62027-28The aim of this module is for students to apply the skills and knowledge they have gained during their studies to create a final year professional portfolio to show future employers.Core

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

How you are assessed

For this course assessment is 100% by coursework in each year. The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Assessment methods include practical work, written assignments, and reviews of their own creative outputs. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

Each term includes advisory progress reviews. All studio modules are assessed on both studio production and supporting research presentation, with varying weightings.

How you are assessed

For this course assessment is 100% by coursework in each year. The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Assessment methods include practical work, written assignments, and reviews of their own creative outputs. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln's policy is to ensure that staff return assessments to students promptly.

Each term includes advisory progress reviews. All studio modules are assessed on both studio production and supporting research presentation, with varying weightings.

Student Work Showcase

Study Trips 

Students on this course have the opportunity to take part in study trips and overseas visits. Recent destinations have included the Anime Festival in Tokyo; Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France; the Walt Disney Studios and Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles; NBC; the University of California; and Warner Bros. Studios.

Those who choose to participate in optional field trips are expected to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses. Any trips included within a compulsory module, such as a visit to an animation or VFX studio in previous years, are fully-funded.

I was able to secure a role as a Junior Animator on the acclaimed LEGO video games series at TT Games, before I even graduated. I wouldn't have been able to do this were it not for the phenomenal guidance and expert tuition I received at the University of Lincoln.

Specialist Facilities

Students can access specialist industry-standard facilities and equipment, including sound design and digital film production facilities, dedicated studios, workshops, Mac and PC suites, a render farm, and gallery space. All Animation and Visual Effects students currently have free access to Adobe Creative Cloud software for the duration of their studies via our media and design labs. Additional material costs will depend on the mediums you choose to work in.

Explore Facilities
A student drawing on a computer tablet to create an animation

What Can I Do with an Animation and Visual Effects Degree?

This degree aims to equip graduates for careers in animation and computer games artistry, and as 3D artists who work in visual effects, broadcast, commercial production, and visualisation. Our graduates have secured jobs with leading practitioners across the animation industries including TT Games, Tandem Films, Lupus Films, Double Negative, Cinesite and Framestore CFC. Lincoln graduates have worked on films such as The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Ethel and Ernest, The Snowman and the Snowdog, The Jungle Book, Man of Steel, Inception, Wonder Woman, and the featurette We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Entry Requirements 2024-25

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit, or equivalent.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

Applicants will also need at least three GCSEs at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Entry Requirements 2025-26

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications.

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may be considered.


The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Arts Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/course/afyafyub/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

Students participating in optional field trips are expected to pay for the cost of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses. Any trips included within a compulsory module are fully funded.

Additional material costs depend on the mediums you choose to work in.

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Course -Specific Additional Costs

Students participating in optional field trips are expected to pay for the cost of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses. Any trips included within a compulsory module are fully funded.

Additional material costs depend on the mediums you choose to work in.

Find out More by Visiting Us

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

Book Your Place
Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.