Masters in Animation in UK is a popular choice for students interested in a career in the field of animation. The duration of masters in animation and vfx in UK is typically 1 year, with some programs offering the option of a placement or study abroad year. The tuition fees for overseas students for MA animation in UK range from approximately GBP 12,000 to GBP 30,000 per year (equivalent to INR 12,31,275 to INR 30,66,900). Graduates of Masters in Animation in UK can expect to make a median annual salary of approximately GBP 12,000 (INR 1258590) to GBP 20,000 (INR 2097650), depending on their industry and job experience.

Why Pursue a Masters in Animation in the UK?

Choosing to pursue a masters in animation in the UK can give several benefits for aspiring animators. Here are some reasons to consider:

  • 28% of animation graduates have become IT professionals while 17% are working as web and multimedia design professionals.
  • Ample job opportunities in various sectors due to the UK's thriving animation industry and demand for skilled professionals in animation.
  • Rate of employability of the course is 98% mainly because of the skills gained by the candidates
  • Candidates can also apply for scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by universities and organizations to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
  • Candidates get part-time employment of 40 hours during holidays and 20 hours during weekdays

Specializations in Masters in Animation in UK

Areas of specialization for Masters in Animation in UK are as follows:

  • MA in 2D Animation - Provides a combination of artistic and technical training on 2D animations
  • MA in 3D Animation - Training on 3D character animation, traditional animation, computer game art, motion graphics, or visual effects animation.
  • MA in Character Animation - Course for designers and illustrator who want to create animations
  • Masters in Visual Effects (VFX) - It is a practice-led course that develops technical and computing skills, animation, lighting and editing capabilities.
  • Game Design and Development - Game programming within a core computing education for careers in game development and creation

Masters in Animation in UK vs Masters in Animation in Canada

The difference between Masters in Animation in UK vs Masters in Animation in Canada based on few parameters are:

Parameters Masters in Animation in UK Masters in Animation in Canada
Tuition Cost GBP 12,000 to GBP 30,000 per year (INR 12,58,590 to INR 30,66,900) 20,000 CAD - 50,000 CAD per annum (INR 12,40,655 - INR 31,01,639)
Annual Salary GBP 12,000 (INR 12,58,590) to GBP 20,000 (INR 2097650) CAD 30,000 - CAD 40,000 per year (INR 18,60,983 - INR 24,81,311)
ELP requirement IELTS: 6 and above
TOEFL 85 and above (Depending on university)		 IELTS: 7.0

TOEFL-IBT: 100 (Depending on university)
GMAt/ GRE Not required GMAT Required

Top Universities for Masters in Animation in UK

The tuition fees for Masters in Animation in UK vary depending on the university and the specialization. Here are some of the top universities offering masters in vfx in UK and their tuition fees:

University Name Program Total Tuition Fees (INR)
Royal College of Art MA Animation GBP 33,600 (INR 35,22,002)
University of the Arts London MA Animation London GBP 25,970 (INR 27,22,214)
Bournemouth University MSc in Computer Animation GBP 15,750 (INR 16,50,938)
University of Portsmouth MSc in Computer Animation GBP 17,900 (INR 18,86,787)
University of West England MA Computer Animation GBP 18,750 for 15 credits (INR 19,65,403)
University of Abertay Dundee MSc Computer Games Technology GBP 17,000 (INR 17,81,965)
University of East Anglia MA Animation GBP 19,250 (INR 20,17,813)
University of Salford MA Animation GBP 16,380 (INR 17,16,976)
University of Northumbria MA Animation GBP 17,500 (INR 18,34,376)

1 GBP = INR 104.71, dated 21st July, 2023

Admission Process for Masters in Animation in UK

The admission process for masters in animation UK is as follows:

  1. Shortlist the universities and decide the course candidates intend to pursue.
  2. Visit the official websites of universities.
  3. Check the eligibility criteria, requirements and fees.
  4. Upload the documents required for the application.
  5. Take standardized tests, if required.
  6. Attend an interview, if required.
  7. Submit the application form.
  8. Pay the application fee.
  9. Once selected, candidates must apply for UK student visas.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Animation in UK

Candidates must check the eligibility criteria to apply for Masters in Animation in UK. The eligibility criteria for MA animation UK are as follows:

  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant subject, such as animation, fine art, or design.
  • A strong portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and abilities in animation.
  • A good score in English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  • A personal statement that explains your interest in animation and why you would be a good fit for the program.
  • Recommendation letters from professors or professionals.

Admission Documents Requirement

The documents required for admission in top colleges for Masters in Animation in UK are as follows:

  1. Completed application form.
  2. Official transcripts from all universities attended.
  3. English language proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
  4. Portfolio of work (animation, sketches, etc.)
  5. Statement of purpose or personal statement
  6. Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
  7. Application fee payment
  8. Proof of financial support or funding (for international students)
  9. Passport or other government-issued identification

Application Fee for Masters in Animation in UK

Candidates must be aware of admission requirements to get admission to their preferred universities. The application fee of the best animation masters UK universities are as follows:

Name of University Application Fee
Royal College of Art GBP 2000 deposit (INR 2,09,414)
University of the Arts London GBP 4,000 deposit (INR 4,18,829)
Bournemouth University GBP 3,000 deposit(INR 3,14,121)
University of Portsmouth NA
University of West England 50% of the total cost before or at registration 
University of Lincoln GBP 5,000 deposit (INR 5,23,536)
University of Abertay Dundee No deposit required
University of East Anglia GBP 2000 deposit (INR 2,09,414) 
University of Salford GBP 5500 (INR 5,75,890) 
University of Northumbria GBP 5,500 (INR 5,75,890) 

1 GBP = INR 104.71, dated 21st July, 2023

Admission Deadline

The admission deadline of the top universities for Masters in Animation in UK are as follows:

Name of University Application Deadline 2023
Royal College of Art Round 1 (closed)

Round 2 (closed)

Round 3 - No deadline, programmes will close when sufficient offer acceptances are received 
University of the Arts London Round 2: 3rd April, 2023 (Closed) 
Bournemouth University 31 March, 2023 (Closed)
University of Portsmouth 30 April 2023 (Closed)
University of West England 1 August for September Intake 
University of Abertay Dundee 30 June 2023 
University of East Anglia 31 July 
University of Salford 30 June 2023 (Closed)
University of Northumbria 31 March 2023 

Admission Requirements for Masters in Animation in UK

The IELTS and TOEFL score required for masters in animation in UK are detailed below:

Name of University ELP Score Required Score Requirement
Royal College of Art IELTS: 6.5 (no less than 6.0)
Pearson (PTE): overall 62		 No GRE Required
University of the Arts London IELTS: 6.0 and above
Pearson (PTE): overall 51
TOEFL iBT: 80		 No GRE Required
Bournemouth University IELTS: 6.5 or above, minimum of 6.0 in each component No GRE Required
University of Portsmouth IELTS: 6.5 or above, minimum of 6.0 in each component

TOEFL: minimum 91

PTE: minimum 61

 No GRE Required
University of West England IELTS: 6.5 with 5.5 in each component.

PTE: Overall score of 62 with at least 51 in each component

TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 90 or above

 No GRE Required
University of Abertay Dundee IELTS: overall 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5

TOEFL: overall 78 (individual elements: L-17, R-18, S-20, W-17)

Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE: overall 169 on Cambridge Grading Scale

 No GRE Required
University of East Anglia IELTS: 6.0 overall, minimum of 5.5 in two components and 6.0 in the others

PTE: 64 overall, minimum of 59 in two components and 64 in the others

TOEFL iBT: Overall 79

Duolingo English Test: 115 overall, minimum of 100 in two components and 115 in the others

 No GRE Required
University of Salford IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5 No GRE Required
University of Northumbria IELTS: 6.5 with no element below 5.5

PTE: 62 with no element below 5.5

 No GRE Required

Masters in Animation in UK Cost

Candidates must consider Masters in Animation in UK cost of living to settle there. The cost of living in UK for animation masters degree UK is tabulated below:

University Name Annual Cost of Living
Royal College of Art GBP: 31,118 (INR 32,58,281) (Includes

Rent, Food, Household goods, Household bills, Insurance, Personal items, Leisure items, Course materials, Travel, Gas and Electricity)
University of the Arts London GBP 16,800 (INR 17,59,082) (includes accommodation, tax, transport, food and personal expenses)
Bournemouth University GBP: 15,254 (INR 15,97,205) (Includes Rent, Bills, Local bus travel, Food, toiletries and household items, Laundry costs, Insurance, TV license, Course materials, Takeaways and eating out)
University of Portsmouth GBP 14,772 (INR 15,46,736) (Includes Accommodation, Transport, clothes, food, entertainment and utilities)
University of West England GBP 4,923.90 - 13,066.20 ( INR 5,15,568 - 13,68,126) (Includes Internet access, TV provided in all town houses and flats, Laundry, Bike storage, Lift, CCTV, Gym membership)
University of Abertay Dundee GBP 5,760 - 9,500 (INR 6,03,114 - 9,94,719)
University of East Anglia GBP 9,060 (INR 9,48,648) (Includes Internet access, Laundry, food, personal expense, entertainment)
University of Salford GBP 13,590 (INR 14,22,972) (Includes Internet access, Laundry, food, personal expense, entertainment)
University of Northumbria GBP 15,228 (INR 15,94,482)(Includes Internet access, Laundry, food, personal expense, entertainment)

1 GBP = INR 104.71, dated 21st July, 2023

Masters in Animation in UK Scholarships

The scholarships for masters in UK are:

University Name Name of Scholarship Eligibility Rewards or Grants
Royal College of Art Sir Frank Bowling Scholarships Underrepresented communities, prioritising Black and African diaspora British applicants GBP 1m
University of the Arts London UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award full-time taught master’s course Covers the cost of tuition fees, accommodation at one of UAL’s halls of residence
Bournemouth University Academic Excellence Scholarship A minimum of an upper second-class Honours degree from a UK university £3,500 tuition fee reduction
University of Portsmouth Vice Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship Eligibility depends on country £1,600 fee reduction that will apply to your first year of study
University of West England Chancellor's Scholarship Required to undertake an internship working within the International Office or other departments 50% of tuition fees
University of Abertay Dundee Abertay International Scholarship Internation student studying on campus £3,000 per annum, for a maximum of 4 years total study
University of East Anglia Music Centre Award Students who show exceptional musical achievement and commitment GBP 800
University of Salford Salford International Excellence Award talented, inspiring and creative international students GBP 5000
University of Northumbria The Arctic Wolf Scholarship for September 2023 International applicants Varies

Jobs after Masters in Animation in UK

The university in the UK for Masters in Animation in UK Course offers various types of Job profiles to the candidates with a high package of salary. Here cited below certain job roles of the candidates pursued MS in animation in UK universities:

Job Title Estimated Annual Salary (INR)
Animator GBP 12,000 - GBP 15,000 (INR 1256487 - 1570609)
Games Developer GBP 9000 - 18000 (INR 9,42,365 - 18,84,731)
Graphic Designer GBP 6000 - 12000 (INR 6,28,243 - 12,56,487)
Illustrator GBP 15,000 (INR 15,70,609)
VFX Artist GBP 20,000 (INR 20,94,146)
Web Designer GBP 12,000 (INR 12,56,487)
Animator GBP 15,000 (INR 15,70,609)

1 GBP = INR 104.71, dated 21st July, 2023

Top Recruiters for Masters in Animation in UK

The top recruiters of certain top universities for Masters in Animation in UK are tabulated below:

  • Sony Pictures Imageworks
  • Disney
  • Warner Bros. Animation
  • Cartoon Saloon
  • Framestore
  • Aardman Animations
  • Illumination
  • Blue Zoo
  • Pixar

Work Permit

Students can work part-time on or off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays. After graduation, students can apply for a work permit to remain and work in the UK.

  • The UK government offers a Graduate Route visa for international students who have completed a degree at a UK higher education institution.
  • This visa allows students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation.
  • To be eligible for this visa, students must have completed an eligible degree at a UK higher education institution and must have a valid Tier 4 or student visa at the time of application.

ROI for the Top Colleges Providing the Masters in Animation in UK

The ROI for the top colleges offering Masters in Animation in UK are tabulated below:

University Name Annual Tuition Fees (INR) Annual Cost of Living Annual Expense Annual Salary ROI %
Royal College of Art GBP 33,600 (INR 35,22,002) GBP 31,118 (INR 32,58,281) GBP 64,792.9 (INR 67,84,289)








 

GBP 14,321 (INR 15 LPA)

 22%
University of the Arts London GBP 25,970 (INR 27,22,214) GBP 16,800 (INR 17,59,082) GBP 42,770 (INR 44,78,331) 33%
Bournemouth University GBP 15,750 (INR 16,50,938) GBP 15,254 (INR 15,97,205) GBP 31,004 (INR 32,46,345) 46%
University of Portsmouth GBP 17,900 (INR 18,86,787) GBP 14,772 (INR 15,46,736) GBP 32,672 (INR 34,20,996) 43%
University of West England GBP 18,750 for 15 credits (INR 19,65,403) GBP 4,923.90 - 13,066.20 ( INR 5,15,568 - 13,68,126) GBP 31,816 (INR 33,31,367) 45%
University of Abertay Dundee GBP 17,000 (INR 17,81,965) GBP 5,760 - 9,500 (INR 6,03,114 - 9,94,719) GBP 26,500 (INR 27,74,743) 54%
University of East Anglia GBP 19,250 (INR 20,17,813) GBP 9,060 (INR 9,48,648) GBP 28,310 (INR 29,64,263) 50%
University of Salford GBP 16,380 (INR 17,16,976) GBP 13,590 (INR 14,22,972) GBP 29,970 (INR 31,38,077) 47%
University of Northumbria GBP 17,500 (INR 18,34,376) GBP 15,228 (INR 15,94,482) GBP 32,728 (INR 34,26,860) 43%

1 GBP = INR 104.71, dated 21st July, 2023

The masters in Animation in UK provides opportunities for the candidates to improve their skills on animation and films. The return on investment is low if compared to the first year. However, it increases with time. Hence, the candidates can definitely pursue masters in animation in the UK.

FAQs

Ques: Which country is best for masters in animation?

Ans: The top countries include the UK, USA, Canada and then Australia. There are multiple universities in all of these countries.

Ques: Is a masters worth it for animation?

Ans: Yes, an animation degree is worth doing for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 4% job growth for artists and animators over the next 10 years.

Ques: How much is animation fees in the UK?

Ans: The tuition fees for overseas students for MA animation in UK range from approximately GBP 12,000 to GBP 30,000 per year (equivalent to INR 12,31,275 to INR 30,66,900)

Ques: Where can I study animation in the UK?

Ans: There are multiple universities including University of Hertfordshire, UWE Bristol, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of the Arts London, Birmingham City University, Glasgow Caledonian University.

Ques: Which country is number 1 in animation?

Ans: The USA is the top country for animation courses. Next comes the UK and then Canada and Australia.

Ques: What is the salary of animation abroad?

Ans: The average salary in the UK is GBP 12,000 (INR 1258590) to GBP 20,000 (INR 2097650), depending on their industry and job experience. This increases till GBP 60,000 with experience.

Ques: Is animation a high paying job?

Ans: Yes, animation is a high paying job. Most artists earn around GBP 18,000 (INR 18,88,252) a year

Ques: Do animators get a lot of money?

Ans: Yes, animators and VFX designers get a lot of money depending on the job and the contract they are in.

Ques: How do I get into the animation industry in the UK?

Ans: Candidates can do a college course to get some of the skills to become an animator. Courses include: Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media. Level 3 Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills.

Ques: Which London school is best for animation?

Ans: The two top schools are: Bournemouth University and Royal College of Art.