Animation BA Degree

The Animation (Visual Media) BA (Hons) Degree at Ballyfermot College offers an exciting way to upgrade animation skills to a professional standard. This Level 8 degree challenges students to blend the roles of artist, storyteller, and technician. Throughout the programme, learners produce high-quality animated shorts through self-directed study and teamwork. These collaborative films are then screened at the annual Graduate Showcase. By joining this course, students step into an elite creative community. The college’s alumni network even holds nine Academy Award nominations, including Oscar-winning work on Avatar.

Certification

Graduates of this programme earn a BA Honours Degree in Visual Media – Animation. This prestigious Level 8 qualification is officially validated and awarded by the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Course Content

Training takes place in purpose-built animation studios featuring top-of-the-range PCs and Cintiq displays. The college provides industry-leading software like ToonBoom! Harmony and TV Paint, and every registered student receives a full Adobe Creative Cloud license. Because a university validates this degree, the curriculum focuses heavily on high-level theory, professional practice, and hands-on production. (Note: Since this is a university-awarded degree, QQI component codes do not apply).

Year 1

• Design and Technology

• Visual Media Theory

• Professional Practice

Year 2

• Applied Theory

• Visual Media Production

Suitability

This course perfectly suits HND graduates who want to take their animation skills to an honours degree level. It is also ideal for highly motivated learners who thrive working independently. For those looking to refine a personal artistic voice, create festival-quality films, and step directly into top-tier animation studios, this programme provides the perfect launchpad.

Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must hold 120 ECTS credits from the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Classical and Computer Animation, or a strictly equivalent qualification.

• If English is not the applicant’s first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) is required.

Portfolio Requirements:
Candidates must attend an interview and bring an original portfolio (either flat or digital) of artwork completed within the past year. The portfolio needs to show strong skills in both figurative and abstract styles, including:

• Life Drawing: Sketchbooks containing at least 10 samples of life drawing.

• Developmental Work: Layout and design samples, scripts, treatments, and storyboards.

• Animation Tests: Practical tests paired with conceptual development and thumbnail work to provide clear context.

• Personal Journals: Observation sketchbooks and journals that highlight broader artistic and cultural interests.