Did you know? ESMA's training prepares you, in 5 years, for the professional certification - Expert in Design and Production – CG Animation and FX, Level 7, registered with the RNCP (RNCP 37415). Learn More.

| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Film and Television School | Buckinghamshire |
| 2 | Aardman Academy | Bristol |
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.
National Film and Television School (NFTS) is the only Film School in the UK with its own in-house television and film studio—Beaconsfield Studios. In addition to operating like a major studio, the school provides several paths to study animation including an MFA in Directing Animation; a Model Making for Animation MA; and the Digital Animation for Film and Games MA. Graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Blue Zoo, Blinkink, and Animortal Studio.
Aardman Academy provides in-studio and online programs lasting from four weeks to eight months. Options include Stop Motion Film Production (eight months); Stop Motion 1: Character Body, Mime and Pantomime and Stop Motion 2: Full Face and Body Character Performance (12 weeks each); Stop Motion Character Animation (five weeks); and the four-week Stop Motion; Model Making; Storyboarding; and CG Flair programs. All graduates will participate in a formal graduation event at Aardman’s Gas Ferry Road Studios. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Animator, Director, or Model Maker across the animation, live-action film, games, television, and advertising industries.