England has become a global powerhouse in the animation world, producing talent for studios like Disney, Pixar, Aardman, Framestore, Blue Zoo, and Industrial Light & Magic. If you’re an aspiring animator looking for high-quality training, this guide covers the 15 best animation schools in England, what they offer, their fees, and why they stand out.
Top 15 Animation Schools in England and Fees
1. National Film and Television School (NFTS) – Beaconsfield
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is widely regarded as the best animation school in the UK and one of the most respected globally. Known for producing Oscar, BAFTA, and Annie Award winners, NFTS offers a highly practical and industry-focused environment. Students work on real film pipelines, engage with live briefs, and access Hollywood-level facilities.
Programs Offered:
- MA in Directing Animation
- MA in Visual Effects
- MA in Games Design
- Certificate in Character Animation
Why It Stands Out:
NFTS animation programs emphasize storytelling, character performance, and production pipeline mastery. Students often collaborate with film, sound design, and cinematography students, which simulates professional studio environments.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,000 – £14,000 per year (UK students)
- £30,000 – £33,000 per year (International)
2. Bournemouth University – Faculty of Media & Communication
Bournemouth University has an elite reputation in animation and VFX, partly due to its research powerhouse, the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA). The school consistently ranks among the world’s top animation institutions.
Programs Offered:
- BA (Hons) Computer Animation Art & Design
- BA (Hons) Computer Animation Technical Arts
- MA 3D Computer Animation
- MA Digital Effects
Why It Stands Out:
Its graduates work at Pixar, DreamWorks, ILM, and Aardman. The course blends art, computing, and visual storytelling, making it ideal for those pursuing technical animation or digital arts.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £18,000 – £20,000 per year (International)
3. University of Hertfordshire – School of Creative Arts
The University of Hertfordshire offers one of Europe’s biggest and most respected animation departments. Their programs are highly rated by Creative Skillset and have strong links to London studios.
Programs Offered:
- BA (Hons) 2D Animation
- BA (Hons) 3D Animation & VFX
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
Hertfordshire graduates frequently land roles at top studios like Framestore, MPC, and Blue Zoo. The school has industry-standard facilities and a curriculum designed around real production workflows.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £15,000 – £17,000 per year (International)
4. Royal College of Art (RCA) – London
The Royal College of Art is globally acknowledged for its avant-garde approach to art and design, making it ideal for students who want to pursue creative animation and experimental media.
Programs Offered:
- MA Animation (Specializations: Experimental, Narrative, Documentary)
Why It Stands Out:
RCA fosters innovation, storytelling, and artistic expression. Many graduates go on to become award-winning independent animators, film directors, and studio founders.
Estimated Fees:
- £15,000 – £16,000 per year (UK)
- £30,000 – £32,000 per year (International)
5. University of the Arts London (UAL) – Central Saint Martins
CSM is one of the UK’s most iconic creative institutions. Its animation program is competitive and known for producing graduates who excel in 2D/3D animation, motion graphics, and short filmmaking.
Programs Offered:
- BA (Hons) Animation
- MA Character Animation (UAL – LCC)
Why It Stands Out:
Students benefit from London’s creative ecosystem, guest lectures from industry professionals, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £25,000 – £28,000 per year (International)
6. University of Portsmouth – School of Creative Technologies
Portsmouth offers a practical, technical, and research-driven animation program ideal for students who want hands-on experience in digital media pipelines.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- BSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
The university has strong placement opportunities with UK studios and a curriculum aligned with industry needs.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £18,000 – £20,000 per year (International)
7. Staffordshire University – London Digital Institute
A popular choice for game animation and 3D modeling. Staffordshire uses high-tech facilities, VR labs, and motion capture studios.
Programs Offered:
- BA (Hons) Animation
- BA (Hons) Game Art
- BA (Hons) CGI & Visual Effects
Why It Stands Out:
Great for students who want to enter the gaming, CGI, or VFX sectors. The university is known for high graduate employability.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £16,000 – £19,000 per year (International)
8. Teesside University – School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies
Teesside has been a hub for computer animation and VFX education for over 25 years. It hosts the famous Animex Festival.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- BA Computer Character Animation
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
The school is known for industry integration, and its alumni work globally in animation, film, and gaming.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £14,000 – £17,000 per year (International)
9. University of Westminster – Harrow Campus
Westminster’s animation degree is performance-driven, focusing heavily on character animation and storytelling.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
Students work with professional rigs, motion-capture tools, and internship opportunities within London’s animation scene.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £17,000 – £20,000 per year (International)
10. Coventry University – School of Media and Performing Arts
Coventry’s animation program emphasizes storytelling, visual development, and production design.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
Known for strong industry links and modern facilities that allow students to build diverse portfolios.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £16,000 – £19,000 per year (International)
11. Middlesex University – Faculty of Arts & Creative Industries
Middlesex offers a creative and filmmaking-oriented approach to animation.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
The university is based in London, giving students access to animation studios, film festivals, and networking events.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £16,000 – £18,000 per year (International)
12. Falmouth University – School of Film & Television
Falmouth is well-known for its artistic and imaginative approach to animation.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- BA Game Art
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
Offers a visually creative environment, ideal for students who want to explore 2D, stop-motion, and narrative animation.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £17,500 – £20,000 per year (International)
13. University of Salford – School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Located in Greater Manchester, Salford is ideal for students entering the broadcasting, gaming, and animation industries.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
- BA Digital Media
- MA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
The course focuses on digital storytelling and technical skills.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £15,000 – £18,000 per year (International)
14. London Metropolitan University – School of Art, Architecture and Design
Best known for combining animation, illustration, and digital arts training.
Programs Offered:
- BA Animation
Why It Stands Out:
Great for students seeking creative freedom and a multidisciplinary style.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £17,000 – £18,000 per year (International)
15. Ravensbourne University London
Ravensbourne is highly respected for digital arts programs and modern technology integration.
Programs Offered:
- BA (Hons) Animation
- BA (Hons) Games Development
- MA Digital Media
Why It Stands Out:
Known for excellent studio partnerships and hands-on production projects.
Estimated Fees:
- £9,250 per year (UK)
- £16,500 – £20,000 per year (International)
Why Study Animation in England?
England offers world-class animation programs backed by advanced studios, award-winning faculty, top-tier facilities, and access to Europe’s expanding media and film industry. Whether you’re interested in 2D animation, 3D animation, VFX, motion graphics, game animation, or digital arts, you’ll find programs tailored for all creative pathways.
Conclusion
Choosing the right animation school in England depends on your interests—whether you prefer 2D animation, 3D animation, VFX, motion graphics, filmmaking, or game design. The institutions above offer world-class facilities, talented faculty, and industry connections to help launch your animation career.