| Ranking | School | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg | Germany |
| 2 | National Film and Television School, Beaconsfield | England |
| 3 | Trazos School of Digital Arts | Spain |
| 4 | Animum Creativity Advanced School | Spain |
| 5 | FX Animation Barcelona 3D & Film School | Spain |
| 6 | La Poudrière Animation Film School | France |
| 7 | The Game Assembly | Sweden |
| 8 | Aardman Academy | England |
| 9 | Escola de Cinema de Barcelona | Spain |
| 10 | Universal Arts School | Spain |
| 11 | The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague | Czech Republic |
| 12 | Lightbox Academy | Spain |
| 13 | L'idem Barcelona: International School of Creative Art | Spain |
| 14 | Copenhagen Academy of Digital Arts - Truemax | Denmark |
| 15 | ESCAC – Escola Superior de Cinema Audiovisuals de Catalunya | Spain |
| 16 | Anomalia | Czech Republic |
| 17 | Games Academy | Germany |
| 18 | Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam | Netherlands |
| 19 | Pepe School Land | Spain |
| 20 | ESDIP Escuela de Arte | Spain |
Our 2023 rankings of the top animation training programs in Europe. For this ranking we only consider professional training programs, that is, non-degree programs such as certificate, diploma, and similar programs that are not formal 4-year bachelor's degrees. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
Founded in 1991, Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg (Filmakademie or FABW) houses the Animation Institute. Established in 2002, the Institute trains students in Animation, Interactive Media, Visual Effects (VFX), Technical Editing, and Animation/Effects Producing.
Features across programs include a project-based curriculum with hands-on training; collaborations with local and international partners; scientific research and development; and guest speakers. All students are assigned their own private workstation equipped with all of the latest technology and software used in today’s Animation studios. Examples include Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe After Effects, SideFX Houdini, Dragonframe, TV Paint, and Autodesk Maya.
Courses at the FABW Animation Institute are taught and mentored by more than 300 experts from the Film and Media industries. In collaboration with instructor mentors, Filmakademie student teams produce at least 250 films each year. Many of these student films win prizes at the Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards and SIGGRAPH.
A major component of the FABW Animation Programs is participation in the Annual Spring FMX Conference on Animation, Games, Effects, and Transmedia. Hosted by the Animation Institute since 1994, the Conference attracts Directors, Producers, and major studios from across Europe. The event takes place in Stuttgart.
Around a quarter of FABW students participate in the international exchange program with partners in countries such as Canada, South Africa Argentina, Lebanon, Poland, France, and Israel.
Graduates of the Animation Programs at Filmakademie have gone on to establish careers at studios in Germany and abroad. Some alumni have launched their own independent studios or freelance businesses.
Founded in 1991, Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg serves approximately 500 students. The school consists of a Media Campus spread across two sites separating the Film Academy (including the Institute of Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Postproduction) from the Academy of Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg and the Atelier Ludwigsburg-Paris. Filmakademie is a subsidiary of the State of Baden-Württemberg. The school awards Diplomas, which are equivalent to vocational qualifications from state art schools.
Beaconsfield Studios is the National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) main campus. This means, NFTS is the only Film School in the UK with its own in-house television and film studios. This allows the school to operate like a major studio, with state-of-the-art production facilities for Animation, Games, TV, Film, Design, and more.
NFTS has several paths to study Animation. Options include an MA in Directing Animation, a Diploma in Model Making for Animation, a Character Animation Certificate (provided in partnership with Aardman Studios), and a three-week online Storyboarding for Animators Program. The MA, Diploma, and Certificate Programs are delivered at the main campus (Beaconsfield Studios). Other options are delivered at locations across the UK in London’s Soho, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Leeds.
Students in all programs at National Film and Television School benefit from instructors who are active in the industry; student showcases; workshops; and animation guests such as Glen Keane (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls). NFTS also has partnerships with BBC, Prime Video, the Film Distributors Association, ITV, The National Lottery, and the UK Cinema Association.
Across programs, students will study Animation Principles, 2D and 3D Animation, Life-Size Pixilation, Character Posing, Stop Motion, and Storyboarding for Animated TV Series (Storyboarding, Pitching, Revisioning).
Graduates of the Animation Programs at National Film and Television School enjoy a 90% employment rate. Program alumni have worked on productions such as Isle of Dogs and at studios such as Aardman Animations, Blue Zoo Animation Studio, Jellyfish Pictures, Animortal - Stop-Motion Animation Studio, and Blinkink – London Animation Studio.
Launched in 1971 as The National Film School, National Film and Television School serves more than 700 students each year. The school provides more than 30 Certificate, Diploma, and MA programs as well as short programs in multiple areas of Games, Television, and Film. Additional specialized programs include Cinematography, Directing, Production Accounting, and Script Supervision. National Film and Television School received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education and the 2018 BAFTA for Outstanding Contribution to British Cinema.
Trazos School of Digital Arts (Trazos) is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center and a Houdini Training Center. The school has training programs for individuals seeking a career in Animation or single courses for working professionals looking to enhance their skills. Examples of courses include 3D with Blender, Unreal Engine, and 3D Animator with a Specialization in Cartoony & Snappy.
Delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face courses, the Cartoony & Snappy Program provides the opportunity to work on 100% “real” projects for the production company Anima. Students will immerse in production for three hours a day, Monday thru Friday, for a total of 150 hours. Upon completion of the program, students will receive an employment contract with Anima. Cartoony graduates will also have a portfolio and the opportunity to apply to more than 1,100 other production companies or studios.
For individuals looking to launch a career in Animation, Trazos has a Double Major in Illustration, 3D and Animation (1,800 Hours); 3D Racing and Animation with Autodesk (1,200); 3D Image or Advanced 3D Image (900 hours); and Race in 3D with Autodesk Maya (900 hours). Professional Master options range from 300 to 600 hours and include Animation; Advanced Character Creation with Zbrush; Advanced Animation; Design and 2D Animation with Toon Boom; 3D and Animation; 3D and VFX with Maya and Houdini; 3D with Autodesk; Character Design and Creation; 2D Animation with Toon Boom; VFX with Houdini; Advanced 3D Mastering with Autodesk Maya; and VFX with Houdini. Programs range from 300 to 1,800 hours.
Across programs and courses, features include access to personal studio spaces and state-of-the-art facilities that function like real professional studios; partnerships with Apple, Pixologic, Adobe, Autodesk, and Maxon; and the opportunity to produce a number of animated productions, including a Final Diploma Project.
Across all Trazos Programs, graduates have been hired to work in wide range of roles at a variety of companies. Examples include Leo Burnett, Ogilvy, Y&R, Accenture, ReasonWhy, Sanitas, Volkswagen, and Adecco. Animation graduates have also been hired at a many local and global studios.
Established more than 25 years ago, Trazos School of Digital Arts is a Professional Training School that prepares students for careers in Animation, Motion Graphics, VFX, game Design, Graphic Design, Web Development, Digital Production, and more. To date, the school has more than 15,000 graduates who are working in their chosen fields.
Animum Creativity Advanced School (Animum) is certified by Autodesk, Houdini, and Adobe. The school has a number of Animation options for artists interested in taking a single course to those seeking a longer program, such as the Animum Master. Options include the Digital Drawing and 2D Animation Master (560 hours), Animation of 3D Characters Master (18 months), the Master Concept Art of Characters (15 months), Animation for Video Games Advanced Program (nine months), Explode Your Reel – Character Animation (three-month Advanced Workshop), Cartoon Animation (three-month Program), and Fundamentals of Animation (course, 30 hours).
Graduates of the Animation Programs at Animum Creativity Advanced School have the opportunity to promote their professional portfolios or reels to major studios, companies, and agencies, both locally and around the world.
With an 80% job placement rate, Animum graduates have established careers at animation studios, game design companies, VFX studios, creative firms, and motion graphics production studios, among others. With locations in Los Angeles, New York, Mumbai, Chicago, London, Vancouver, Melbourne, and Montreal, Framestore (Animation & VFX) frequently hires Animum graduates. Illumination MacGuff (Paris), which produces animated films, is another top studio for graduates of the Animation Programs at Animum.
Animum Creativity Advanced School has been providing programs in Art and Design, 3D Production, and Postproduction training programs for more than 15 years. Training in these areas focuses on live action film, animated film, and video game industries. This postgraduate school serves more than 500 professionals from all over Spain and Latin America each year.
FX Animation Barcelona 3D & Film School (FX Animation) has two paths to study Animation: the Specialized Studies Program in Character and Creature Animation, and a Higher Master in 3D Character Animation. The FX Animation Higher Master is the only Master’s at the national level to offer a Specialization in the animation of creatures, quadrupeds, and bipeds.
Features across programs include partnerships with companies such as HP, Wacom, ASUS, 22 Barcelona, and Polford; small class sizes (up to 15 students); and the opportunity to complete one or more internships. FX Animation students have interned at studios such as The Game Forge, Deluxe, B-Water Animation Studios, Digital Legends, Scarecrow Studio, Music Has No Limits, Entropy Studio, and El Ranchito.
Students in the Character and Creature Animation Program will master Autodesk Maya, Mudbox, MotionBuilder, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Zbrush, among others. Module examples for the program include CGI, FXExperience, 3D Advanced Character Animation, Animation Film Production, Realistic Animal Animation, and Fantastic Creatures Animation. Students will also complete two Animation Short Production modules. The program culminates with the production of an industry-ready animated films.
The Higher Master in Character and Creature Animation may be completed online or on-campus. Students in this program will master industry-standard tools and software such as Maya, Mudbox, TVPaint, Autodesk Sketchbook, and MotionBuilder. The program explores everything from the 12 principles of Animation to advanced Animation of creatures.
All FX Animation students benefit from intense training in other industry-standard tools and software such as Houdini, LightWave, Nuke, Avid, Cara VR, Pro Tools, RailClone, Adobe Premier Pro, V-Ray, Adobe After Effects, DaVinci, Mari, SynthEyes, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, and Forest Pack. In addition, all FX Animation students have access to state-of-the-art production equipment, workshops, labs, studios, and technical classrooms.
FX Animation Barcelona 3D & Film School has a near perfect 99% job placement rate, with graduates working at more than 800 companies across Europe and around the world. FX Animation alumni work in areas such as Animation, Film, Games, VFX, Advertising, and TV.
Established in 2007, FX Animation Barcelona 3D & Film School provides training in 3D Animation and Cinema. Programs are led by more than 40 professionals with expertise in Animation, Film, and Education. FX Animation serves approximately 300 students.
The Programs at La Poudrière Animation Film School prepare students for immediate employment in the Animation industry or to produce their own independent short films. Programs explore writing and animating for film, trailers, and TV series; directing actors; sound and music; and editing. Culminating with one or several completed films, La Poudrière pathways take two years to complete.
Upon completion of any program at La Poudrière, graduates will gain access to networking opportunities, direct connections to producers, and critiques by composers and co-authors. Alumni will also have exclusive access to professional events such as Cartoon Forum, Cartoon Movie, and Cartoon Springboard.
La Poudrière Animation Film School supports all graduates with additional short film projects through Ciclic, (the cultural agency of the Centre-Val-de-Loire Region), SACD, the European Conservatory of Audiovisual Writing, and CEEA.
Launched in 1999, La Poudrière (Film School) trains students in Animated Film Production. Since its inception, the school has more than 200 artists, with 120+ certified since 2009 and 95% obtaining global certification in the last several years.
The Game Assembly (TGA) is one of the few schools that provides the opportunity to spend a third of any program in the workplace. The school also features partnerships with local gaming studios; small class sizes; courses taught by professionals who are active in the industry; and the opportunity to collaborate with students across all TGA programs.
For Animators, The Game Assembly has a Game Animator Program that takes 2.5 years to complete. This immersive program explores the 12 Principles of Animation as well as software such as Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder. Courses for the program are advanced and include examples such as 3D Graphics, Animation: Body Mechanics, Animation: Motion Capture, Animation: Creatures, Animation: Rigging, and Animation: Cinematics.
Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to develop a total of eight games, both individually and in teams, from concept to playable game.
The Game Assembly Game Animator Program leads to a Diploma. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of Animation for Television and Film, Game Art, and Game Animation.
Founded in 2008, The Game Assembly is a Higher Vocational Education Institution with campuses in Malmo and Stockholm, Sweden. Serving hundreds of students each year, the school is HBTQI Certified.
Aardman Academy has several paths to study Animation. Students can enroll in four-week online Foundation Courses such as Storyboard, Stop-Motion, and Model Making. For students seeking a longer program, Aardman has Stop Motion 1 and Stop Motion 2. These programs can be completed in 12 weeks.
Foundation courses are taught by industry professionals and consist of practical masterclasses, weekly assignments, and core principles. Stop Motion 1 is an online, industry-led Character Animation Program that explores the Principles of Stop Motion and Performance with Bi-Ped Characters. Content includes masterclasses, weekly assignments, and individual mentoring.
Stop Motion 2 explores Advanced Stop Motion, Lip-Sync, and Full-Face Performance. Content includes masterclasses, weekly assignments, and individual mentoring.
Upon completion of the Animation Programs at Aardman Academy, students are prepared for entry-level positions in Animation for Film, Television, Games, Advertising, and more.
Aardman Academy provides short and longer Animation Training Programs delivered from the school’s Gas Ferry Road Studios in Bristol, UK. Programs at Aardman are also provided online.
Escola de Cinema de Barcelona – ECIB (9Zeros Training Program) is the only school in the Catalonia Region that offers training in all aspects of Film. For animators, ECIB/9Zeroes has degree programs, courses, and workshops in Animation, Concept Art and Character Design, VFX Animation, Animation and Stop Motion Production, 3D Character Animation, Animation and 2D Realization, and 3D Animation Generalist. Programs lead to a Diploma or Master’s Degree.
The ECIB Animation Program is an ideal option for students seeking an undergraduate degree. Covering the three branches of Animation (2D, 3D and Stop-Motion Animation) this three-year pathway is the only program in the Catalonia Region that provides training in all three areas.
Across programs, ECIB/9Zeros graduates have secured positions at major studios such as Pixar, Weta Digital, Lightbox Animation Studios, DNEG, and Aardman Animations. ECIB/9Zeros graduates have worked on productions such as The Chronicles of Narnia, Cars 3, The Hunger Games, X-Men: Apocalypse, Inside Out, Brave, and The Jungle Book.
Since 2015, Escola de Cinema de Barcelona has incorporated the 9Zeroes Training Program into its curriculums. Founded in 1995, this private school serves hundreds of students from Spain and several other countries.
Universal Arts School holds approximately a dozen Authorized Training Center credentials. Examples include Zbrush, AutoDesk, Houdini, Unity, Epic Games, Adobe, Unreal Engine, and Nuke. The school has several paths to study Animation at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
At the undergraduate level, the UA Character Animation Bachelor’s Degree has 14 Specializations. Examples include Videogame Art and Character Animation, Concept Art and Character Animation, Videogame Art and VFX, Matte Painting and Character Animation, and Digital Film and Concept Art. Students in the program will be prepared for senior level positions in four years.
Undergraduate students who would like to pursue studies in more than one professional area can add a Specialization such as 3D Art, Character Animation for Cinema or Character Animator for Videogames. Dual Specializations can be completed in five years.
Across several modules, students in all areas will explore The 12 Principles of Animation, Preproduction, Acting and LipSynch, Audio, Realistic Animation, Cartoon Animation, Quadrupids, Character Interaction, and Maya.
At the graduate level, Universal Arts School has Master’s and Dual Master’s Degree Programs. The Master’s Degree has two options—Character Animation and Rigging with Maya. Students in the Dual Masters have eight Specialization options. Examples include Character Animation and Illustration Concept Art, Character Animation and VFX with Houdini, Rigging 3D with Maya and Character Animation, and Animation and Digital Film. Students in this program may choose two Specialty areas. Both the Master’s and Dual Master’s take two years to complete.
All programs can be completed on campus or entirely online. Features across programs include access to more than 200 mentors, internship opportunities, the Start-Up component, which helps students develop skills to start their own business, and access to nearly 100 speakers and collaborators from game and film studios.
The Universal Arts School Character Animation Programs culminate with a final project and professional demo reel. UA graduates have been hired at major studios such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Disney, Weta Digital, Lucasfilm Animation, Pixar, Blizzard Entertainment, Framestore, Ubisoft, and LightBox Studios. Some UA alumni have launched their own studios or freelance businesses.
Established in 1994 as a Specialized Training Center, Universal Arts School has campuses in Valencia, Spain and Hollywood, California. With more than 10 program options, UA has three million hours of training to its credit.
The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (FAMU) is one of the three schools of the Academy of Performing Arts. Within the school is the Department of Animated Film (KAT), which has both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Animated Film. The Bachelor’s Program takes place over six semesters, and the Masters’ Program can be completed in four semesters.
Across programs, students will explore all aspects of making Animated films, Directing, and Screenwriting through hands-on exercises, projects, and creative workshops led by Department instructors. Other program features include access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities; internship opportunities; and a final project to be presented at an exhibition. In addition, students will leave the program with a polished portfolio of their best work.
Graduates of the Animated Film Programs at FAMU are prepared to pursue positions at Animation studios around the world. The Certificate is also transferrable to a four-year degree program at any college or university.
Founded in 1946, The Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague is the fifth oldest film school in Europe. An incubator for young artists, the school provides six accredited programs across twelve departments. FAMU is a founding member of the European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA), the European Film Academy, the International Association of Film and Television Schools (CILECT), and the European Grouping of Film and Television Schools (GEECT). FAMU is also an institutional member of the Czech Society for Film Studies (CEFS).
Accredited by Erasmus, Lightbox Academy (Lightbox) is Spain’s only school founded by a major Animation Studio. Students at Lightbox have access to an extensive internship and job bank consisting of more than 500 companies and institution; participation in events, masterclasses, and workshops; and the opportunity to create works in Animation, Design, and Visual Effects (VFX).
For students seeking a career in Animation, Lightbox has a five-month Master’s Degree in Animation, Advanced Animation, 2D Animation, or Advanced 2D Animation; a five-month Highly Specialized Master’s Degree in Animation; a one-year Master’s in 2D Animation or 3D Animation: a one-year 3D Modeling and Animation Master’s; and a 2.5-year Double Master’s in Animation. Students in all programs will work and learn in state-of-the-art classrooms and studios equipped with the latest industry software and tools. All programs culminate with a Professional Project.
Around 95% of Lightbox students are employed in the Entertainment Industry shortly after graduation. Lightbox alumni go on to land positions in all areas of Animation, Video Games, Films, and Advertising at top companies and studios across Spain and around the world.
Lightbox Academy is a Digital Arts School that employs a team of active professionals with at least 20 years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. Led by Lightbox Animation Studios, the school provides programs that lead to direct employment in the Entertainment Industry.
L'idem Barcelona: International School of Creative Art (L’idem Barcelona or L’idem) has two paths to study Animation including a Bachelor’s in 2D/3D Animation and Video Games and a 2D/3D Animation Master’s. These international programs boast a 92% job placement rate with companies and studios across Spain and abroad.
Across programs, students also benefit from a network of 1,000 companies that collaborate with L’idem; small class sizes that allow individualized attention and collaboration in small groups; classes led by instructors who are 100% active in the Entertainment Industry; creativity workshops; and access to state-of-the-art facilities in an industrial setting.
The 2D/3D Animation and Video Games Bachelor’s at L’idem Barcelona consists of 240 credits (ECTS) completed over four years. Students in this program have the opportunity to Specialize in one of three areas including 2D/3D Animation, 3D Generalist, or Art. Course examples for the program include Art History, Animation Drawing, Visual Arts, 2D Animation, 3D Animation, Storyboard, Matte Painting, Rigging, Soundtrack and Sound Design, Acting, and Nuke.
The 2D/3D Animation and Video Games Program at L’idem Barcelona culminates with a professional showreel. Graduates are prepared for careers such as 2D Animator, 2D Animator, Storyboard Artist, Modeler/Digital Sculptor, 3D Generalist Artist, VFX Artist, Rigger, Generalist Game Artist, Lighter, and Concept Artist.
The L’idem 2D/3D Animation Master’s is a one-year program that can be completed on-campus or online. Consisting of 60 credits, the program features projects that can be completed in an environment that functions like a real professional studio. Course examples for the program include Animation 2D and 3D, Matte Painting, Storyboarding, VFX, Rigging, Soundtrack and Sound Design, Games, Sculpt 3D, and Culture of Animation. Students will also complete a required internship.
Graduates of the 2D/3D Animation Master’s at L’idem Barcelona are prepared for advanced positions in Animation, 2D and 3D Animation, VFX, and Games.
L'idem Barcelona: International School of Creative Art has been preparing students for careers in the Entertainment industry since 1996. With campuses in Barcelona, Spain and Perpignan, France, the school serves hundreds of students enrolled in Animation, Game, VFX, Digital Design, and Graphic Design. Programs at L'idem Barcelona: International School of Creative Art lead to French and European degrees certified by the French Government. L’idem Barcelona is authorized by the Department of Education of the Generalist de Catalunya.
Copenhagen Academy of Digital Arts – Truemax (CADA Truemax) was formerly known as Truemax, Copenhagen Academy of Games, Animation and Visual Effects. The school changed its name in 2021. Today, CADA Truemax has close ties to the Entertainment Industry, which means students will have access to experiential learning opportunities with major studios.
Other CADA Truemax features include guest lecturers; access to 3D Artists and experts from national and international production companies; and a study abroad trip.
For Animators, CADA Truemax has a full-time 3D Digital Artist Program that takes 3.5 years to complete. Leading to a Bachelor’s Degree, the program begins with Foundation Theory and Practice. In the second semester, students will explore Character Animation and Production. Semesters three and four consist of Mastering Theory & Practice I and II. In the fifth semester, students will immerse in Game Production. Semester six focuses on the Thesis, and in semester seven, students will complete a required industry internship.
Graduates of the Digital Artist Program at CADA Truemax are prepared to pursue positions in Animation, Film, Visual Effects (VFX), Television, Games, Advertising, and Architecture. Some program alumni go on to attend graduate school, while others have launched their own independent studios or freelance businesses.
Copenhagen Academy of Digital Arts (CADA Truemax) has been teaching 3D, CGI and VFX since 1998. This private school was approved for the Student Grant (SU) in 2009, and it achieved The Danish Accreditation Institution Level 6 in 2021. This is equivalent to a Bachelor’s and Professional Bachelors.
Escola Superior de Cinema Audiovisuals de Catalunya (ESCAC) has a Master’s Degree Program that begins with the History and Fundamentals of Animation. Students will then work their way through the technology and techniques used in creating Animated Films.
Areas explored include Origins and Techniques of Animation, Flat and Volume Animation, Computer Animation, Fictional Tricks and Effects Experimental Cinema and Credits, and Animated and Screen Studies. The ESCAC Animation Program culminates with a final project, which may be a traditional written essay or an animated production.
Graduates of the Animation Master’s at Escola Superior de Cinema Audiovisuals de Catalunya are prepared to secure positions in all areas of Animation. Program alumni will also have the skills to pursue careers in areas such as Game Design, Visual Effects (VFX), Advertising, and Television Production.
Established in 1993, Escola Superior de Cinema Audiovisuals de Catalunya is affiliated with the University of Barcelona. The school serves hundreds of students enrolled in programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. ESCAC adheres to the standards set forth by the Agency for the Quality of the University System of Catalonia (AQU).
Anomalia provides Professional Mentoring by experienced artists from studios such as DreamWorks, Pixar, LAIKA, Disney, Weta, DNEG, Pixomondo, and MPC. The school also works with independent production houses to provide access to Mentors with experience in launching their own studios. In addition, students at Anomalia will train in an environment that functions more like a work/study incubator than a school, which allows them to create in a space that replicates what its like to work in a real studio environment.
Students in Animation here have their choice of programs or labs designed to boost a specific skill. Each option consists of lectures, assignment, and one-on-one consultations. Programs and labs include Animals Animation, Houdini Advanced Lab, Houdini FX Fundamentals, Unreal Engine 5: Look Development Lab; Unreal Engine 5: Real-Time Animation Studio and Look Development Labs; Unreal Engine 5: Animation Filmmaking & Look Development Labs; Unreal Engine 5: Animation Filmmaking Labs; and Unreal Engine 5: Animation Filmmaking – Complete Labs.
Across options, students will have opportunities to work independently, with mentors, and with peers to create a series of Animated projects. Options are immersive, and can be completed in anywhere from 10 to 30 days. Because labs and programs are immersive, students can expect to spend most of their day creating. For example, the Animals Animation Option consists of 80 hours completed over 10 days.
Graduates of the Animation Programs and Labs at Anomalia are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of Animation, Games, and Visual Effects (VFX). Program alumni have been hired at major studios such as PIXAR, Aardman Animations, and Valve.
Anomalia was established in 2008. The school provides professional Animation training at the European Training Center, which is part of the historic Renaissance Castle Complex and Old Brewery House.
Games Academy is the largest Game Developer in Europe. Within the school’s Digital Art Department is the two-year Digital Artist course, which explores Drawing and Modeling (Fine Arts) and Animation, 3D Modeling, and Texturing (Computer Visualization). This four-semester (two-year) program features lecturers from the Games Industry; networking opportunities within the industry; a minimum of four Game projects with AAA Games providers; and the option to borrow Games Academy hardware.
Games Academy provides the opportunity for Digital Artist students to earn two degrees by combining the Game Designer (GA) Program. After five semesters instead of four, Double Degree students will have a minimum of five projects for their portfolio and well as more job opportunities, such as Technical Artist.
The Digital Artist and Game Designer Programs can be completed on-site in Berlin or online. Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers including Game Artist, Game Designer, Animator for Film and Television, and Advertising Animator.
Games Academy is the oldest state-approved Games school in Europe and the only school of its kind in Germany. Providing Professional Training Programs for over 20 years, the school has more than 1,500 graduates, and 700+ games to its credit. Programs at Games Academy are provided across four Departments including Game Design, Game Programming, Digital Art, and Game Production. Games Academy is Approved by AZAV and Quality Management ISO 9001.
Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam (GLR) has a Media Design Program that takes three years to complete. In this program, students will explore areas such as Animation, Games, Apps, Web Design, and Advertising. Students will also have the option to focus in a specific area.
Examples of topics covered include Drawing and Design Techniques, Illustration, and Moving Images. GLR Media Design students will also experiment and work with the latest industry software and tools, as well as emerging technologies such as Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR). Other GLR features include access to state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and facilities; internship and other experiential learning opportunities; and courses taught by experienced professionals.
Graduates of the Media Design Program at GLR are prepared for careers in all areas of Media Design. Program alumni are often hired at major Media Companies and Studios in the Netherlands and across Europe.
With more than 4,000 students served by 400+ staff and instructors, Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam is the largest creative college of its kind in the Netherlands. Founded in 1950, the school provides programs in Media, Design, and Technology.
Pepe School Land (Pepe School) has two pathways for Animators: the Modeling, Animation and Narrative (MAN) Program and the DemoReel Creation (CDR) Program/Workshop. The programs are delivered in a biennial format (every two years), in which the Pepe School MAN Program will alternate with the CDR Program/Workshop . The MAN Program is delivered in year one and the CDR is delivered in year two.
Graduates of the MAN and CDR Programs at Pepe School Land are prepared for immediate entry into the Entertainment field.
Pepe School Land has been operating in Barcelona since 2006. Serving 20 students annually, the school provides training in Character Animation, Narrative and Modeling, Film, Video Games, Advertising, and Television. Pepe School Land was created by Daniel Martínez Lara, a prominent Director and Educator with (more than 22 years of experience in Animation and Teaching.
ESDIP Escuela de Arte (ESDIP) has its own production company known as ESDIP Animation Studio. This on campus studio provides the opportunity for students to gain experience by working on a professional level short film with instructors and peers. Other ESDIP features include additional team projects; workshops; and access to state-of-the-art studios and technology.
Specific ESDIP Programs for Animators include a one-year Introduction to 2D Animation (370 hours); a two-year 3D Animated Cinema and Character Creation Master’s (1480 hours); a three-year General Animation Diploma (1,110 hours); a three-year Complete Animated Cinema Diploma (2,220 hours); and a three-year Artistic, Graphic and Digital Creation Diploma (2,220 hours).
Graduates of the Animation Programs at ESDIP Escuela de Arte are prepared for careers Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), Game Design, Film, Television, Music, Advertising, Medicine, and Education.
ESDIP Escuela de Arte was established as an Animation School in 1981. By 1997, the school had been invited to an international meeting of Animation Schools in Paris. Hosted by Disney, the meeting featured seven of the most prominent Animation Schools in Europe. ESDIP was among them. Today, the school boasts at least one animated short film made each year—entirely by Animation students.
