Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media (Animation)

Location

Applicant Type

School Leavers

Level

Level 3

Subject

Creative Media, Animation & Games Design

Course Overview

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of animation, mastering techniques from traditional hand‑drawn to cutting‑edge digital 3D animation. This course equips you with the skills to bring your creative visions to life, whether it’s captivating 2D characters, intricate 3D worlds or stunning visual effects. Begin with the core principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, and squash and stretch, which are essential for all styles.

Dive into traditional 2D animation, creating expressive character movements and storyboards, then transition to digital 2D using industry‑standard tools like Adobe Animate and Toon Boom Harmony. Explore the exciting realm of 3D animation, from basic modelling and rigging to advanced character animation with Autodesk Maya and Blender.

Appreciate the craftsmanship of traditional techniques like stop‑motion and Claymation, creating frame‑by‑frame animations with physical media. Enhance your animations with digital compositing, integrating visual effects and post‑production processes for added depth. Understand the full animation production pipeline from concept to final rendering, while learning to collaborate effectively in a studio environment.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a professional portfolio and demo reel showcasing your diverse skills, ready to create compelling content for film, television, video games and advertising. Join us to become a versatile animator equipped for success in the ever‑evolving field of animation.

Entry Requirements

Due to the course being an A-Level equivalent we have to ensure the learners we recruit are capable of succeeding at this level of study. To support us in establishing suitability we have the following minimum requirements depending on entry route: Four GCSEs at Grade 4 / Grade C including English and Maths. Alternatively, a Level 2 qualification at a Merit preferably UAL Level 2 in Creative Media Production & Technology and evidence of engaging with making progress from Grade 3 to Grade 4 in English and Maths. All applicants will need to attend an interview with the course team to review a portfolio of work and establish suitability for the study programme.

Assessment and Feedback

Learners are assessed entirely through coursework, using project‑based assessments with unique scenarios that build confidence and independence in creative project work. Informal developmental feedback is provided in every session, with a dedicated review week each term to reflect on progress and review individual learning plans. Assessment outcomes and targeted, skill‑specific feedback are shared digitally via student email, with the opportunity to resubmit each assessment once. The qualification consists of eight units in the first year and five units in the second year. In each year, the final unit determines the overall grade, allowing earlier units for skill development and response to feedback before grading. Final units are graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, while earlier units are assessed on a pass or fail basis using supportive language to encourage personalised progression.

Fees and Funding

This course is free to UK learners under 19 who are not in employment.

Future study/career options

On completion of the qualification, learners typically progress into Higher Education, including Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree programmes, or move directly into careers within the creative sector. Due to the highly transferable skills developed throughout the two‑year programme, progression opportunities are broad and extend beyond the media industry alone. Common career pathways for graduates include roles such as 2D or 3D Animator, Character Designer, Modeller, Technical Animator, Illustrator, Writer for Animation, Television and Film, or Visual Effects Artist.

Study Commitment

2 years

Additional Information

Full Time