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What are the top Irish schools with animation degree programs?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire | Dún Laoghaire, Dublin |
| 2 | Ballyfermot College of Further Education | Dublin |
| 3 | Technological University of the Shannon | Midlands/Midwest |
Our 2026 rankings of the top animation degree programs in Ireland.
For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor's degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
1. Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland
The Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dún Laoghaire (IADT) provides program that focus on the technology and creative sectors. It is the only school of its kind in Ireland. IADT’s Faculty of Film, Art and Creative Technologies houses several paths to study animation. Options include BA degrees in Animation and 3D Animation, and a flexible Animation MA. Across programs, students benefit from collaborative group projects; experiential learning opportunities such as real-world projects and internships; and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
The BA programs culminate with a major project (thesis). The MA culminates with a capstone and exhibition. In addition to winning awards at Dublin Animation Film Festival and Dingle Animation Festival, graduates have landed positions at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta FX, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, JibJab, EGG Post Production and VFX, JAM Media, and Boulder Media.
2. Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin, Ireland
The Animation Department at Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) provides several paths to study animation. Options include an Animation (Visual Media) BA validated by the University of Dundee, Scotland; a two-year Classical and Computer Animation Higher National Diploma (HND); and a one-year Animation Drawing Studies certificate. Across programs, students will collaborate on animated film projects to be screened at the Animation and Games Graduate Showcase.
BCFE BA alumni have received nine Academy Award nominations, including Oscar-winner Richard Baneham and his VFX team for their work on the Avatar films. Other program alumni have secured roles at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Weta FX, Cartoon Saloon, Brown Bag Films, JAM Media, and Giant Creative.
3. Technological University of the Shannon, Midlands/Midwest, Ireland
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) houses Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD). A Toon Boon Center of Excellence (COE), LSAD provides multiple paths to study animation. Options include the Illustration and Animation BA; an Animation and Motion Design BA; the BSc in Digital Animation; a Game Art and Design BSc; and a BSc in Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation. Curriculums for the programs were developed by industry professionals from places such as Brown Bag Films, DNEG, and Screen Scene. Other program highlights include internships; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and participation in annual National Talent Academy for Animation, Animation Fair.
Programs culminate with a final project, portfolio, and presentation. Graduates can be found at places such as Brown Bag Films, Cartoon Saloon, Giant Animation, Boulder Media, Lighthouse Studios, Black Shamrock, JAM Media, Digit Game Studios, and Kavaleer Productions.