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Studies & Degrees in Animation

Animation Study Programs

Level: Professional Development     Location: Madrid
Level: Graduate     Location: Madrid

Animation is the craft of creating images that appear to move. Animators make films, series, video games, advertising and visual effects, in two dimensions (drawn by hand or digitally), in three dimensions with computer models, or with physical puppets and objects in stop motion. It is team work: an animated production passes through script and storyboard, character and background design, modelling, animation, lighting and compositing, and each stage has its specialists.

Students therefore learn both to draw and to use production software. Spain's official vocational curriculum in animation shows the usual mix: applied drawing, animation techniques, the history of animation, audiovisual language and technology, script and narrative structure, photography, computer tools and animation projects, which take the most hours. Programmes centred on 2D teach the classic pipeline of animatic, layout, key animation, in-betweening, painting and compositing; 3D programmes add modelling, rigging, texturing and lighting.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degrees. In Spain, an official bachelor's degree (grado) has 240 ECTS credits. U-tad, in Las Rozas (Madrid), offers a Grado en Animación of 240 ECTS in Spanish and English, on campus and online, with specialisations in 2D animation and in advanced 3D techniques. In the United Kingdom a bachelor's degree usually takes three years: the BA (Hons) Animation and Games Art at the University of Sunderland lasts three years full time, and London Metropolitan University offers a BA (Hons) in Illustration and Animation.
  • Vocational higher cycles in Spain. There are two official two-year routes of 2,000 hours each. The Técnico Superior en Animaciones 3D, Juegos y Entornos Interactivos belongs to vocational training (FP) in image and sound. The Técnico Superior de Artes Plásticas y Diseño en Animación belongs to the art and design schools, is assigned 120 ECTS credits and, for applicants with the Bachillerato, requires a specific entrance test.
  • Private school diplomas. Specialised schools run their own multi-year programmes. ESDIP in Madrid, for example, announces a three-year diploma in animated film of 2,220 hours for October 2026. Ask the school what recognition such a diploma has.
  • Master's and short courses. Master's programmes and short courses focus on one area, such as 2D animation, 3D character animation or visual effects, and are aimed at people who already draw or already work in the sector.

Schools and employers both ask for a portfolio or showreel. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that employers look for a good portfolio of work and that animators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, art or a related field.

Where to study animation

SpainExchange lists 17 schools under animation: 10 in Spain, three in the United Kingdom, two in Australia and two in Mexico. Teaching is in Spanish in Spain and Mexico, and some Spanish centres also teach in English, as U-tad does. Courses in the United Kingdom and Australia are in English.

In Spain, besides U-tad and ESDIP, IED Madrid groups illustration, animation and video game design in one study area, and ERAM in Salt (Girona) includes 3D and film in its official four-year bachelor's degree in audiovisual and multimedia communication. In the United Kingdom, examples are London Metropolitan University and the University of Sunderland.

Points to compare: whether the programme is 2D, 3D or both; how many hours are spent on projects and short films; the software taught; whether work placements in studios are included; and whether the qualification is an official degree, an official vocational title or the school's own diploma.

Careers

Graduates work in animation and visual effects studios, video game companies, advertising, television and, increasingly, in interactive media. Spain's ministry lists among the jobs for the vocational title 3D animator, 2D animator, in-betweener and 3D modeller. Other common roles are storyboard artist, character designer, rigger, lighting artist and compositor. Many animators work on contracts for a single production.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 51,900 jobs for special effects artists and animators in the United States in 2025 and projects little or no change in employment from 2025 to 2035. These figures refer to the United States only.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to draw to study animation?

Drawing is part of most programmes, and the Spanish official curriculum includes a module of drawing applied to animation. For 3D animation the emphasis shifts to software, but schools usually still ask for a portfolio.

How long does it take to study animation?

A bachelor's degree takes four years in Spain (240 ECTS) and usually three in the United Kingdom. The Spanish higher vocational cycles last two years and 2,000 hours.

What is the difference between the two Spanish vocational titles?

The cycle in 3D Animation, Games and Interactive Environments is part of vocational training (FP) in image and sound. The cycle in Animation of the art and design schools has more drawing and requires a specific entrance test for applicants with the Bachillerato.

Can I study animation in English in Spain?

In some centres. U-tad, for example, gives Spanish and English as the languages of its bachelor's degree in animation.