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The BSc Computer Animation Arts combines traditional and digital animation techniques, and covers all elements of the animation production pipeline.
Computer animation, modelling and effects require both artistic and technical approaches to complex visual problem-solving.
Fusing traditional skills with cutting-edge technology, this dynamic and innovative course provides you with the skills to work in a wide range of areas within the computer animation industry.
This course provides the skills required for work in animation, 3D modelling, visual effects, visualisation, and computer games. It will also encourage you to specialise in a chosen area and stretch your technical and artistic abilities.
The BSc Computer Animation Arts is a practical and mainly project-based course and throughout the course you will produce a range of digital outputs. From Year 3 onwards, you can specialise in a range of different areas including film, TV and games and your Year 4 Honours project allows you to specialise in a a specific area of interest.
If you’d like to view some of our student work please view the showreel above or browse through the images below. If you’d like to follow the course online, find us at Twitter and Facebook, or alternatively browse more of our student output at ArtStation.
Explore course work
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Our Programme Leaders have recorded video sessions to help you discover all there is to know about our courses. From professional accreditation to programme modules and career opportunities, our Programme Leaders will help answer all your questions. You can view the video for this course by clicking the link below.
Computer Animation Arts is industry-recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
The BSc Computer Animation Arts also provides opportunities in Year 3 to undertake a work-based learning placement with digital production companies. This allows you to apply your learning in real-world business environments.
UWS graduates enjoy careers in computer games, animated films and video, visual effects, and architectural visualisation. Graduates are employed by industry heavyweights and award-winning studios including: Disney, ILM, Warner Studios, MPC, Sony Pictures, Rockstar North, Di4D, Hydra Studios, Wild Child Animation, Ammonite, Revenant, Lupus, BBC, STV, The CharacterShop, Playground Games, Mental Ltd, Tag Games, Codemasters, Rivet Games and Firebrand Games. Graduates have also set up their own companies.
Students have progressed to postgraduate study in animation, architectural visualisation, Web and media on completion of the Honours degree.
You will have access to extensive computing facilities throughout your studies with one hundred and twenty specialist computers for animation, all with the latest versions of Autodesk and Adobe teaching software.
We welcome Scottish, UK and international students and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page for information on our different entry requirements, including country-specific details for EU and non-EU qualifications.
Applicants may be required to submit a portfolio of artwork as part of the application process.
All academic degrees/awards at UWS are taught in English. For applicants whose first language is not English*, the University sets a minimum English language proficiency level. All English language qualifications must have been gained within two years of the start of your UWS course.
* applicants who are exempt from English language requirements include:
In general terms, if you are applying to study a course at, or above, Year 1 (SCQF Level 7) bachelor’s degree level, then the UKVI’s minimum level of English proficiency is Common European Framework for References of Languages (CEFR) at B2 (Upper Intermediate).
At UWS, we define our general English language requirements using the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) as follows:
These are minimum requirements and some courses may require a higher standard for admission†.
† Exceptions to this level of IELTS scoring exist for some accredited or professionally-recognised courses (see IELTS Score Exceptions section below for more information).
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf) applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For Midwifery courses that lead to professional registration with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (BSc Midwifery), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BSc Paramedic Science degree leads to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC); it has different IELTS requirements than other Health-related courses. Although it is not possible to apply for this degree directly as an international student, for applicants who meet SAAS residency requirements and for whom English is not their first language, then the following IELTS scores are required:
For our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and MSc Advanced Biomedical Science degrees, which may lead to professional registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
Our BA (Hons) Social Work and MSc Social Work degrees are professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council and applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
For our Certificate of Higher Education courses, applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:
In additional to IELTS, we also accept a number of alternative English language for application and admission to our courses for both home/EU and international students at bachelor's degree study at Year 3 (SCQF Level 9), and above. From Cambridge to TOFEL iBT qualifications the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out about non-IELTS English Language Tests
UWS has also reviewed a range of High / Secondary School qualifications studied by non-EU applicants that can be used as a basis of entry to a UWS. These range from Botswana GCSEs to USA High School Graduation Diplomas, the number of these qualifications is extensive.
Find out more about international English Language high-hchool qualifications
Applicants who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option to study one of our preparatory and pre-sessional English courses. The UWS courses available are:
Why not add language modules in BSL, French or Spanish to your studies which can count towards your degree or as extra modules? Go on! Broaden your horizons, extend your international perspective and enhance your CV.
Study languagesThe BSc Computer Animation Arts involves mainly project-based assessment, geared towards the production of material that showcases your abilities to employers. From Year 3 on, you can specialise in a range of different areas including film, TV and games.
The course is highly practical, concentrating on skills, with appropriate theory mainly assessed through practical output. You will also develop a range of transferable written and practical graduate skills useful for employment inside and outside of the animation and media industries.
100% of Computer Animation Arts students were satisfied overall with the course (National Student Survey 2025).
It is always possible to augment your studies and broaden your horizons by learning a new language and prepare for the best international opportunities. Contact us to find out more on learning a language and studying abroad.
UWS has been delivering career-focused computing degree courses for nearly 50 years. Computing courses at UWS are designed in collaboration with leading companies to produce work-ready graduates with the skills that industry needs.
We work with major industry leaders to give our students work-based learning opportunities to put their knowledge into practice. Our students graduate ready for career success in this fast-changing, dynamic industry.
You will focus on the principles of animation, planning and practice. You will learn how computer tools are used for artistic representation and work on 2D and 3D animation.
You will continue to focus on the principles of animation, planning and practice. You will develop further skills in 2D and 3D animation.
You will focus on advanced modelling and texturing techniques, and on independent, specialist project work. This includes the production of a demo reel and scripting for automation and simulation.
You will undertake a substantial project, creating a piece of work that showcases your skills and enhances your employability after graduation. You will also study acting for character animation and virtual environments.
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops.
There will also be group work and independent learning to ensure you develop transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
Programme Specification and Module Descriptors for Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available to download (PDFs). These provide you with core information concerning your chosen subject.
£1,820 cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£9,250 Cost per year of study, but not more than £27,750
£18,000 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£1,550 per module (20 credits)
£3,000 per module (20 credits)
£1,820 per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£9,535 per year of study (4 years of study for the price of 3 years)
£18,000 per year of study
£305 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£1,590 per module (20 credits)
£3,000 per module (20 credits)
Estimated cost per year of study.
Ready to apply? All UK & EU Undergraduate applications should be made through UCAS. Further information for international, part-time and exchange applications can be found below.
Apply on UCASAll UK and EU applicants for undergraduate study, not applying through an agent or partner, should apply through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
Please refer to our Undergraduate Application Guide for domestic & EU/EEA to find more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS. You can find out more about applying for this undergraduate course on UCAS.
Students from non-EU/non-EEA countries can apply directly to UWS via our dedicated online application system. The latest we can process your application is 6 weeks before the course start date to allow for visa processing times. For more information on when and how to apply to study at UWS please refer to our International Undergraduate Application Guide.
For part-time & online study, you should apply directly to the University through our online application system, not through UCAS. Please select the part-time mode of study when submitting your application. Before you begin your application, it is important to read the part-time application step-by-step guide for a smooth process.
To come to UWS as a visiting student on a study abroad or exchange programme, you must apply entirely through our online system.
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
UK students
Our enquiry team is here to help: ask@uws.ac.uk
International students
Contact our dedicated international team: international@uws.ac.uk
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DiscoverWe will always try to make sure that we publish accurate course information but we do not accept responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We will also try to make sure that we deliver our courses in line with our published information. However, we may not always be able to do so and you can find further information about this in our enrolment terms and conditions.