Course overview

  • Starts: Sep 2024
  • Duration: 1 year (of 4-yr degree)
  • Mode: Full time
  • UCAS code: WQ21
  • Fees: UK: £9,250 / INT: £17,000

Ideal for... aspiring animators and visual creatives who wish to build up foundational knowledge prior to entering an undergraduate degree.

Take your first steps in animation.

The year zero animation course is a preparatory year as part of a four-year BA (Hons) Animation degree and is aimed at students who require more time to develop their portfolio and skillset prior to year one of undergraduate study. This course will ignite your creativity and imagination, so you can discover new ways of making, thinking and documenting.

Student work

Undergraduate student work on animation course

Student work entitled 'Cultivate Your Thirst'

Animation student using software programme

Animation student using software programme

Undergraduate work on the animation course

Student work entitled 'Sanctuary in the Clouds'

Undergraduate work on the animation course

Student work entitled 'Routemaster'

showcase of animation students work at degree show

Ravensbourne Degree Show

Every year, our students showcase their work at the Degree Show. It's fantastic opportunity to celebrate their journey and share work with both industry and their family and friends.

Why study this course?

  1.  Excellent location with a host of animation studios on the doorstep
  2. Opportunities for mentorships with top industry players

  3. Collaborate on live briefs within industry

  4. Acquire the technical skills to apply your creative talent to a successful career in character animation

  5. Work collaboratively with other students to tackle creative briefs and bring ideas to life.

The UK’s animation industry is a global success story. Visual communication has augmented in recent decades, with animators in high demand in sectors such as: TV, film, gaming, corporate films, advertising and the media. 

Animation Year 0 is not a standalone course; it is the first stage of a full four-year undergraduate degree. When you successfully complete your prep year, you will be able to progress smoothly into the first year of our BA (Hons) Animation degree in London.

Your tutors will nurture your creative potential and support you while you learn the essential practical, intellectual and transferable skills needed to confidently enter undergraduate study. 

As well as developing fundamental skills, you will also be given a broad grounding in your chosen specialist area, an understanding of the cultural contexts of the creative industries, and the ability to develop hardware and software suitable for animation practice.

This is your entry point into a thrilling academic journey and career in animation and related creative disciplines. 

Why study a four-year degree with year zero?

Key study topics


  • Animation fundamentals
  • Rigging 
  • Acting performance
  • Visual narrative
  • Body mechanics
  • Animation industry
  • Observational and contextual subject related areas.

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The specifics

Learn about the full degree

Alumni stories

Facilities

woman sat working at imac suite

iMac suite at Ravensbourne

iMac suite at Ravensbourne University - ideal for design students and computing students.

Find out more.

Student using the materials library

Materials library

The Ravensbourne materials library is curated by Material ConneXion, a business that introduces brands to the latest material innovations.

The materials scientists at Material ConneXion select innovative materials relevant to the courses at Ravensbourne and that reflect current trends in design and manufacturing.

Samples of these materials are then added to the library so students and staff can browse the physical collection for inspiration, material ideas and applications.

The library hosts 1,500 material samples and an interactive table for further research and access to the Material ConneXion database.

External visitor information

If you wish to come and see the materials library and have a short tour, please contact us to organise.

The materials library can be used by external students registered with the SCONUL access scheme.

Find out more.

Girl sitting in library

Library at Ravensbourne

The Ravensbourne University library has a large collection of print, online and multimedia resources available for staff and students to use.

Find out more.

Staff in the Kit Store

Kit Store at Ravensbourne

As a digital student, you'll need access to equipment relevant to your course that will support your learning.

The Kit Store provides a wide range of equipment that students can borrow to complete their projects. Staff can also borrow equipment to deliver their practical sessions. 

It houses a wide range of equipment from industry standard manufacturers, including cameras, audio, lighting, and more.

Staff at the Kit Store are trained in various relevant departments and are available to give advice on all the equipment within the store, to help you realise your project.

Find out more.

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