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BA (Hons) Animation (Top-Up)

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Have you completed a Foundation Degree in animation or another relevant subject and looking to forge a successful career in animation? This BA (Hons) Animation (Top-Up) degree is perfect for you!

In this one year course, you will focus on commercial application, refining the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of animation.

You will explore a broad range of animation techniques and processes to develop your practice and bring your ideas to life. You will learn from tutors with many years' experience of the animation industry and learn in our animation studio which hosts industry-standard equipment and software, such as 24” Cintiq pro graphics tablets, a green screen and stop motion facilities.

Entry requirements

Pass or higher in a Level 5 Foundation Degree, Diploma in Higher Education or HND (in a related Art and Design or Digital Arts subject).

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be asked to submit a digital portfolio (details will follow through email from our Admissions Team) or invited to Newcastle College University Centre to discuss your portfolio in-person.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject(s), you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and maths or the Level 2 equivalence (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre, we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this degree, you will receive an Honours Degree (BA) in Animation (Top-Up) awarded by NCG.

What will I learn?

Project proposal
Project development
Commercial realisation
Critical research project.

How is the course taught?

Studio practice
Seminars
Lectures
Specialist workshops
Guest speakers
Independent research
Critiques
Tutorials.

How am I assessed?

Portfolio of work
Written assignments
Practical assessments
Presentations.

Enrichment Opportunities

During your degree, there will be opportunities to take part in work experience in the form of work placements at local agencies, freelance projects, projects set by industry, competitions and festival entries.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course, you could progress onto a Master's Degree in a relevant subject, such as our Master's Degree (MSc) in Immersive and Creative Technologies.

You can progress into the digital arts or animation industry through employer links and communication in your commercial realisation modules.

You could also pursue a career in teaching and progress to study onto a PgCE qualification.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Alfie Flounders

Level 6 Photography

"I love the independence of the course and being able to reflect back on the development of my skills since I started here."

Alessio Pesci

Level 6 Creative Digital Design Professional Degree Apprentice

"The tutors were really supportive and I think the whole class would agree with that. We felt really welcomed and really calm, and I feel that support was always there throughout. I’d 100% recommend an apprenticeship with Newcastle College University Centre."

Paul Smyth

Lecturer | Digital Arts

"I run my own 3D animation company and I'm one of the lecturers on the BA (Hons) Animation course. I try to not only bring in industry skills, but also push experimentation with new technologies to further our students' skills."