Scotland: Animation School Options

What are the Best Animation Schools in Scotland?

Best Animation Schools in Scotland
School	City
University of Edinburgh	Edinburgh
University of Dundee	Dundee
Glasgow Caledonian University	Glasgow
University of the West of Scotland	Ayr
Edinburgh Napier University	Edinburgh
Abertay University	Dundee
City of Glasgow College	Glasgow
SAE Institute Glasgow	Glasgow
University of Glasgow	Glasgow

Scotland's animation industry is a dynamic and integral component of the nation's creative economy, characterized by a blend of established studios, emerging talent, and significant economic contributions.

Industry Overview

In 2021, Scotland's screen sector, encompassing film, television, and animation, contributed £627 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the national economy and provided employment for approximately 10,940 full-time equivalents (FTEs). Specifically, the animation, visual effects (VFX), and post-production segments accounted for an estimated £27.1 million, with £15.9 million generated through service work for projects initiated by producers outside Scotland.

Key Animation Studios

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Scotland is home to a variety of animation studios known for their creative output and technical expertise:

Wild Child Animation: Founded in 2020, this award-winning studio specializes in 2D and CG animation, collaborating with clients like Sky Kids, Warner Bros, and Cartoon Network.
Blobina Animations: Led by Selina Wagner, this studio focuses on 2D animation, producing content ranging from animated films to commercials and music videos.
Ammonite: A creative 3D animation studio offering professional services to clients worldwide, known for its innovative approach to storytelling.
The 2D Workshop: Based in Edinburgh, this company specializes in 2D animation, covering the entire production process from design to storyboarding.

Additionally, Red Kite Animation, established in 1997, has contributed significantly to the industry with productions like Dennis the Menace and Gnasher and Princess Emmy.

Industry Support and Development

Animation Scotland serves as an industry-led body dedicated to showcasing, representing, and developing the Scottish animation sector both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, Screen Scotland has outlined a six-year strategy aiming to increase the screen sector's GVA impact to £1 billion within the Scottish economy by 2030/31, reflecting a commitment to substantial growth and development.

Recent Developments

In March 2025, Halon Entertainment, a prominent Hollywood animation and visual effects studio known for its work on films such as The Batman and the Mission: Impossible series, announced plans to open a new studio in Glasgow. This £28 million investment is expected to create up to 250 jobs over the next three years, underscoring Scotland's appeal as a hub for creative industries.

Conclusion

Scotland's animation scene is a vibrant and evolving sector, marked by a blend of established studios, emerging enterprises, and supportive industry bodies. With strategic investments, educational support, and a commitment to creative excellence, the Scottish animation industry is poised for continued growth and international recognition.

What are the Scottish animation college options?

Scotland offers a variety of educational institutions providing specialized programs in animation and related fields. Here are some notable options:

1. Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), University of Edinburgh

BA (Hons) Animation: Established as Scotland's oldest degree-level animation program, this course offers a comprehensive curriculum covering drawn, 2D digital, 3D digital, and stop-frame animation techniques. Students benefit from partnerships with industry leaders like the Aardman Academy and events such as the Education in Animation Day, facilitated through collaboration with Scotland Loves Anime.

2. University of Dundee

BDes (Hons) Animation: Offered through the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, this narrative-driven course emphasizes character development and storytelling. Students gain proficiency in both 2D and 3D animation techniques, preparing them for diverse roles in the animation industry.

3. Glasgow Caledonian University

3D Animation and Visualisation with Pathways for Games and VFX: This program integrates traditional art skills with modern creative technologies, focusing on 3D modeling, animation, and visualization. It aims to equip students with the competencies required for careers in the expanding games and film/VFX industries.

4. University of the West of Scotland (UWS)

BSc Computer Animation Arts: Combining traditional and digital animation techniques, this course covers the entire animation production pipeline. Students develop skills applicable to animation, 3D modeling, visual effects, visualization, and computer games, with opportunities for specialization in later years.

5. Edinburgh Napier University

BSc (Hons) Animation for Games: This program offers a blend of theoretical and practical skills related to gaming, including 3D modeling and animation, scripting for interactive media, and visual effects storytelling. It prepares students for careers in the gaming and interactive media sectors.

6. Abertay University

BA (Hons) Computer Arts: Recognized for its excellence in computer games education, this course immerses students in digital design, focusing on 2D and 3D art techniques. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in computer games, film, TV, and animation industries.

7. City of Glasgow College

HND Creative Animation: This program offers a wide range of creative and technical animation skills, covering traditional techniques such as stop-frame and frame-by-frame drawing, as well as digital 2D and 3D processes. It serves as an ideal foundation for further degree-level study.

8. SAE Institute Glasgow

BA/BSc (Hons) Game Art and Animation: This accelerated 2-year course provides students with skills in 2D and 3D fundamentals, industry-standard software proficiency, and the ability to design and build animations using professional techniques and workflows.

9. University of Glasgow

Animation (FTV4001): Offered as part of the Film and Television Studies program, this course introduces students to a variety of animation films and filmmaking techniques, including drawn, model (stop motion), and computer-generated animation.

Prospective students should consider factors such as course content, faculty expertise, industry connections, and campus facilities when selecting a program. Visiting official university websites and attending open days can provide valuable insights into each program's offerings.

Other Schools to Consider: