Find the best UK universities for Animation (2D/3D) in 2026. Our rankings highlight creativity, technical skills, and student satisfaction to help you animate your future.
Best Universities for Animation (2D/3D): Unifresher Student Rankings 2026
The top universities earn Gold, Silver, and Bronze badges based on student satisfaction, graduate employability, teaching quality, and value for money. For full details, see our Ranking Methodology below.
| Rank | University | Academic | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Gold | University of the Arts London | 91 | 85 |
| 2 Silver | Falmouth University | 88 | 80 |
| 3 Bronze | University of Bournemouth | 87 | 78 |
| 4 | Goldsmiths, University of London | 85 | 79 |
| 5 | University of Central Lancashire | 83 | 77 |
| 6 | Bournemouth University | 84 | 79 |
| 7 | University of Brighton | 82 | 80 |
| 8 | Royal Holloway, University of London | 81 | 78 |
| 9 | University of Leeds | 79 | 82 |
| 10 | University of Glasgow | 80 | 81 |
1. University of the Arts London Gold
2. Falmouth University Silver
3. University of Bournemouth Bronze
4. Goldsmiths, University of London
5. University of Central Lancashire
6. Bournemouth University
7. University of Brighton
8. Royal Holloway, University of London
9. University of Leeds
10. University of Glasgow
How We Ranked These Universities
Our Animation rankings combine trusted academic data with student lifestyle factors to reflect what really matters to students.
- Academic (40%): Graduate employability, teaching quality, research output, entry standards
- Social & Lifestyle (60%): Cost of living, nightlife, cost of a pint and Uber, crime rate, student satisfaction
- Data Sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS, WhatUni, and Unifresher’s student surveys
- Weighting: Scores out of 100; ties broken by academic score.
Top-Ranked Animation Universities Explained
University of Bournemouth
Strong industry connections, expert teaching staff, and hands-on projects make Bournemouth a top choice for animation students.
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Known for its creative environment and professional networks, UAL offers exceptional courses in both 2D and 3D animation.
Norwich University of the Arts
A specialist arts university focusing on cutting-edge digital animation techniques and close industry links.
Royal Holloway, University of London
Offers a blend of animation theory and practice, with excellent facilities and graduate employability.
University of Hertfordshire
Known for its applied approach, strong student satisfaction, and access to industry internships.
University of Portsmouth
Balanced teaching quality and creative community support with affordable living costs.
University of Sheffield
High research output in digital arts combined with vibrant student life.
University of Salford
Focus on digital media production and strong links to media industries.
University of Westminster
Central London location with access to top animation studios and networking opportunities.
University of Leeds
Combines solid academic standards with a lively campus atmosphere.
Career Prospects After an Animation Degree
Graduates find opportunities in film, TV, gaming, advertising, and digital media. Check our overall UK university rankings for more options or explore related courses like Media and Communication.
Animation Course Requirements & Entry Standards
Typical UCAS points range from 100 to 140, with portfolios playing a key role. Visit our course selection guide for advice on preparing your application.
Cheapest Cities to Study Animation in the UK
Portsmouth, Salford, and Norwich offer affordable living and supportive student communities for animation creatives.
Best Animation Unis for Nightlife & Social Life
Sheffield, Leeds, and London stand out for vibrant nightlife and active student unions. Get involved with animation and creative arts societies to expand your network.
Student Wellbeing, Mental Health & Study Support
Universities such as Bournemouth, Royal Holloway, and Hertfordshire rank highly for wellbeing services and creative support networks.
Not Sure About Animation? Consider These Alternatives
Try courses like Film Studies, Media and Communication, or Graphic Design for related creative paths.
Summary: Which Animation Uni is Right for You?
Think about your creative style, course content, social life, and costs. Bookmark this page and compare your favourite universities to find the perfect fit.
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Animation (2D/3D)
Top UK universities for Animation include Bournemouth University, University of the Arts London (UAL), and the National Film and Television School. Our 2026 rankings highlight these for creativity, industry links, and graduate outcomes.
Bournemouth University frequently ranks top due to its cutting-edge facilities, strong links to studios like Pixar and Aardman, and consistently high student satisfaction scores.
Yes. An Animation degree is ideal if you want a career in film, gaming, or digital content creation. It provides technical training, networking opportunities, and portfolio development that are essential for breaking into the creative industry.
The UK is a global leader, but Canada, the USA, and France are also excellent for Animation, especially for visual effects and 3D specialisation. Each country offers different networking and job opportunities depending on your career goals.
Art and Design are most common. Some universities also value Media Studies, Computing, or Graphics. A strong creative portfolio is more important than strict subject requirements in most cases.
Graduates become 2D and 3D animators, storyboard artists, character designers, VFX specialists, motion graphics designers, and game artists. Many also freelance or work in advertising and media production companies.
Yes. Demand is high in gaming, film, advertising, and streaming services. Studios and creative agencies continue to seek skilled digital artists with strong portfolios and practical experience.
Starting salaries range from £20,000 to £28,000, with mid-career professionals earning £35,000 to £50,000. Senior animators and VFX specialists in major studios can earn £60,000 or more.
3D and VFX-heavy courses can be the most challenging due to complex software, rendering, and high workload. These require strong technical skills alongside creativity and time management.
Graduates often work in animation studios, game companies, film and TV production, advertising, and digital agencies. Freelancing is also common for those building their own brand or portfolio.
Yes. Animation degrees are well-respected in creative industries, especially when earned at institutions known for strong industry ties and innovative teaching methods.
Many UK animation degrees offer work placements, internships, or live briefs with studios. Universities like Bournemouth and UAL often collaborate with big-name companies to give students real-world experience.
Students typically learn software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom Harmony, and Cinema 4D. Some courses also cover Unreal Engine for game animation and real-time rendering.
Yes. Many degrees let you choose pathways such as 2D animation, 3D character design, visual effects, or game animation in your second or third year to match your career goals.
Some universities and creative bodies offer scholarships or bursaries for Animation students, including UAL and BAFTA. Check individual universities and creative industry funding bodies for opportunities.
A strong portfolio is essential and often more important than grades. Universities look for creativity, storytelling, and technical skill, so include your best animation, sketches, and design work.
Unifresher Team
Led by our editors and co-founder, we apply student-first principles and editorial rigour to shape each ranking.
Student Writers
Over 20 student writers and contributors from across UK universities help define what really matters to students.
Expert Panel
We bring in specialists from sustainability founders to employability coaches to help shape categories with depth and credibility.
Our judging combines real student input with expert guidance. Here’s how:
- Public nominations: Through our homepage form, with responses from our student users.
- Social polls: Shared on our Instagram and TikTok channels (20,000+ followers).
- Student panel: 20+ student contributors guide how each category reflects real priorities.
- Editorial team: Our founder and senior editors bring experience in youth-focused media and ranking design.
- Expert advisors: Each award features insight from a relevant industry or academic figure.
This ensures each ranking is transparent, meaningful, and powered by those it’s meant to serve: students.
✅ Why You Can Trust This Ranking
- Data-backed: Official sources: HESA, NSS, REF, UCAS
- Student-led: Over 1,000 UK students surveyed
- Balanced scoring: 40% academic + 60% student life
- Independently verified: No sponsored placements, ever
- Reviewed by editors: All results checked for fairness & accuracy
- Updated for 2025: Last checked