Undergraduate School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences ⭐ Professional Accreditation

University of the West of Scotland

BSc (Hons) Computer Animation Arts

A premier, project-based honours degree carrying the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, combining traditional and digital art techniques across the complete animation production pipeline.

Paisley September

Duration

4 years full-time or 8 years part-time

IELTS (min)

6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)

Course overview

About the Course

The BSc (Hons) Computer Animation Arts fuses high-level artistic expression with cutting-edge visual problem-solving technologies, producing portfolio-ready professionals for global screen industries.

01

This practical, project-based undergraduate course covers all elements of the modern production workflow, from asset modelling and character design to intricate visual effects and real-time computer simulation.

Programme structure

Course Modules

This programme is structured to build strong subject knowledge, academic readiness and applied professional capability through each stage of study.

  • Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics (COMP07002) - 20 Credits
  • Asset Creation for Animation & Games (COMP07062) - 20 Credits
  • Drawing & Design Foundation (COMP07063) - 20 Credits
  • 2D Digital Animation & Compositing (COMP07064) - 20 Credits
  • Narrative & Creative Storytelling (COMP07065) - 20 Credits
  • Introduction to the Animation Industry (COMP07066) - 20 Credits
  • 3D Character Animation (COMP08003) - 20 Credits
  • Digital Sculpting & Texturing (COMP08064) - 20 Credits
  • Lighting, Rendering & Compositing (COMP08065) - 20 Credits
  • Visual Development & Concept Art (COMP08066) - 20 Credits
  • Audio & Sound Integration (COMP08067) - 20 Credits
  • Collaborative Animation Project (COMP08068) - 20 Credits
  • Advanced VFX & Technical Animation (COMP09015) - 20 Credits
  • Pre-Production & Project Development (COMP09071) - 20 Credits
  • Team Production Project (COMP09072) - 40 Credits
  • Professional Practice & Career Design (COMP09073) - 20 Credits
  • Work-Based Placement / Optional Module - 20 Credits
  • Honours Project / Major Studio Dissertation (COMP10012) - 40 Credits
  • Advanced Character Performance (COMP10065) - 20 Credits
  • Emerging Tech & Real-Time Production (COMP10066) - 20 Credits
  • Portfolio Curating & Showreel Design (COMP10067) - 20 Credits
  • Critical Studies in Animation & Media (COMP10068) - 20 Credits

Placement Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Step directly into award-winning global entertainment studios

Graduate Outcomes

100%

Student satisfaction rating recorded in the National Student Survey (NSS 2025).

By generating comprehensive digital outputs and industry-vetted showreels, graduates bypass standard training loops. Alumni establish permanent trajectories as 3D modellers, concept artists, layout co…

What our students say

Students here have fantastic access to state-of-the-art facilities on the campus, both in strength and conditioning, and lab space. We also have links to extern…

Michael King, Division Board Representative

Key placement benefits

  • 3D Character Animation & Biomechanics
  • Digital Sculpting, Texturing & PBR Workflows
  • Advanced Visual Effects (VFX) & Compositing
  • Real-Time Engine Production & Technical Art

Placement providers

  • Elite VFX & Film Heavyweights (e.g., Disney, ILM, Warner Studios, MPC)
  • Global Interactive Game Developers (e.g., Rockstar North, Playground Games, Codemasters)
  • Specialized Facial Capture & Animation Studios (e.g., Di4D, Wild Child Animation)
  • National Broadcasting Networks (e.g., BBC, STV)

Tuition information

Tuition Fees

2026/2027 Academic Year

Scholarships Available
£18,900 per year of study

£3,150 per 20-credit syllabus module block

Flexible payment options via university installation schedules are configurable through finance portal endpoints.
Additional Enhanced International Scholarships of up to 40% are open to qualifying self-funding non-EU applicants.

*Gross tuition parameters undergo structured annual review. Values shown strictly reflect international undergraduate benchmarks.

English language

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate English language proficiency parameters for direct entry.

6.0

IELTS Score Required

Minimum 5.5 in each individual component

Accepted alternatives

Other recognized tests

  • TOEFL iBT

    78

  • Pearson PTE Academic

    54

  • Duolingo English Test

    105

Equivalent verified language certifications are evaluated case-by-case by our international team.

Maximum Exemptions Available

Professional Relevance

Formally carrying the UK Screen Quality Mark

Industry-vetted structure ensures assessments strictly duplicate studio environments, utilizing authentic production schedules, asset briefs, and portfolio juries.

ScreenSkills Select Quality-Mark

ScreenSkills Select Industry Endorsement Framework

Signals to global employers that the course structure delivers the exact technical and artistic skills needed for screen industry pipelines.

An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this creative discipline.

Official admissions guidance

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants are expected to satisfy general UWS undergraduate admission criteria. All non-EU country-specific academic qualification profiles are thoroughly evaluated on an individual basis by the admissions panel. Crucially, applicants are required to submit a comprehensive digital portfolio of artwork showcasing creative potential and visual design abilities.

Our specialized international teams are prepared to run an official qualification check and confirm your application profile.

Request a Free Assessment →
Free No obligation Response within 1 business day