Career Path
Character Designer
Create compelling characters for classical animation, focusing on anatomy, personality, and storytelling. High demand in the UK animation industry.
Storyboard Artist
Visualize scripts and narratives through sequential art, ensuring alignment with character design and animation principles.
Concept Artist
Develop initial visual concepts for characters, environments, and props, blending creativity with technical skills.
Why this course?
The Undergraduate Certificate in Character Design for Classical Animation holds significant value in today’s market, particularly in the UK, where the creative industries contribute over £116 billion annually to the economy. With the animation sector growing at a rate of 7.5% year-on-year, there is a rising demand for skilled character designers who can bring stories to life through classical animation techniques. This certificate equips learners with the foundational skills needed to excel in this competitive field, blending traditional artistry with modern storytelling.
The UK animation industry employs over 16,000 professionals, and character design remains a critical component of production pipelines. According to recent data, 62% of animation studios in the UK report a skills gap in character design, highlighting the need for specialized training. The Undergraduate Certificate addresses this gap by focusing on anatomy, expression, and movement, ensuring graduates are industry-ready.
Below is a 3D Line chart and a table showcasing the growth of the UK animation industry and employment trends:
| Year |
Industry Growth (%) |
Employment (Thousands) |
| 2019 |
5.8 |
14.5 |
| 2020 |
6.2 |
15.0 |
| 2021 |
6.7 |
15.5 |
| 2022 |
7.1 |
16.0 |
| 2023 |
7.5 |
16.5 |
Who should apply?
| Who is this for? |
The Undergraduate Certificate in Character Design for Classical Animation is perfect for aspiring animators, illustrators, and creative professionals who want to specialise in bringing characters to life. Whether you're a recent A-level graduate, a career changer, or a hobbyist looking to turn your passion into a profession, this course is designed to help you master the art of character design. |
| Why choose this course? |
With the UK animation industry contributing over £1.6 billion to the economy annually, there’s never been a better time to develop your skills in classical animation. This course equips you with the tools to create compelling characters for films, TV, and games, making it ideal for those aiming to break into the creative industries. |
| What makes you a great fit? |
If you have a passion for storytelling, a love for drawing, and a desire to learn the technical skills behind character design, this course is tailored for you. No prior experience in animation? No problem! The programme is structured to support beginners while challenging those with some background in art or design. |
| Career opportunities |
Graduates often pursue roles such as character designers, storyboard artists, or concept artists in the thriving UK animation sector. With over 16,000 people employed in animation and VFX roles across the UK, this course opens doors to a dynamic and growing industry. |