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What are the top Dutch animation training programs?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam | Rotterdam |
| 2 | Reducations Creative Technology Academy | Ede |
Our 2024 rankings of the top animation training programs in the Netherlands.
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.
1. Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam (GLR) houses two organizational units: the VMBO for Design and Media, and the MBO. MBO stands for vocational upper secondary education, and VMBO stands for pre-vocational secondary education. The VMBO for Design and Media serves 500 students enrolled in four programs, including Media Design. This diploma program explores areas such as animation, games, advertising, web design, and apps. Students have the option to focus in a specific area.
Examples of topics covered include Moving Images, Drawing and Design Techniques, and Illustration. GLR Media Design students will also experiment and work with the latest industry software, tools, and emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). Other program features include courses taught by experienced professionals; access to state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and facilities; and internship opportunities at studios and other creative environments.
The GLR Media Design program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across all creative industries. Program alumni are often hired at major media companies, studios, and creative agencies in the Netherlands and across Europe.
Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam was established in 1950 as a printing college. Today, the school serves more than 4,000 students, making it the largest college of its kind in the Netherlands. GLR also employs over 400 staff and educators, making it one the Netherlands largest employers. Grayfisch Lyceum Rotterdam provides programs in areas such as animation, interactive media and graphic design, games, film & video, media technology, stage & theatre technique, media management, sound design, and digital printing.
2. Reducations Creative Technology Academy, Ede, Netherlands
Reducations Creative Technology Academy (Reducations) houses the Animation Academy, 2D Motion Design Academy, Blender Academy, and Illustration for Animation program. These higher professional education (HBO) programs can be completed on campus in Ede, online, or in hybrid format.
Program features include access to master classes led by experts from places such as NFT, VPRO, and NRC; the opportunity to join REDS—a community of creatives, bootcamps, and events such as Redfest; creative retreats abroad such as Portfolio building in Berlin and Directing in Sardinia; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; small class sizes; weekly, campus-based bootcamps; internship opportunities; and career development services.
The Animation Academy is a 24-course program that explores the animation process including areas such as shading, camera and lighting, landscapes, sculpting, UV mapping, and typography. Students will master After Effects (2D) and Blender (3D), with opportunities to delve into areas such as cell animation or stop motion. Assignments are a combination of technical and creative.
The Animation Academy program at Reducations culminates with a professional showreel to be presented to potential employers or clients. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of animation and games. Program alumni may also enroll in a major art academy such as St. Joost School of Fine Art & Design or continue on to the Reducations 2D Motion Design Academy.
This six-course program features weekly themes such as character animation, effects & stylization, and logo animation; animating shapes; keyframes, speed and dynamics; and character expressions. Each student will receive their own Adobe After Effects license and build a professional portfolio from weekly assignments. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in animation, film, television, games, advertising, and other creative areas.
The Blender Academy at Reducations is a 10-course program that teaches students how to animate from start to finish with Blender. The program covers animation, storyboarding, rigging, compositing, shading, rendering, and AI. Graduates are prepared for positions in all areas of animation.
Illustration for Animation students will complete six courses, in an immersive environment, one day a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students will explore the process from concept to final animation. Courses include Concept Development/Style Research; Concept Sketches; Character Design; Background Design; Create Style Frame; and Presenting Ideas. Graduates are prepared to pursue a career in animation for film, games, television, and advertising.
Reducations Creative Technology Academy trains hundreds of students each year from ages 16 to 60. Programs range from animation and sound design to copywriting and AI. Students may enroll in a part-time program, single course, master class, or short program. Reducations Creative Technology Academy is Registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK).