Our research in Art and Design has been classed as 'world leading' by the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF). Our degree in Animation and Games Art is distinctive in its combination of theoretical and practice-based modules that cover all aspects of animation. You will develop a wide range of traditional animation techniques – both 2D and 3D – while learning the core principles of character-led animation. As you progress through the course you will gain expertise in industry-standard digital software such as Maya, Toon Boom and After Effects. You will also explore the pre-production pipeline and be able to apply animation to a wide range of media, including apps, music videos, educational films and idents. The University of Sunderland is a member of the Design and Art Directors Association, and working on live projects is an integral part of the course. You'll be working on entries for festivals and competitions such as Red Bull Canimation and E4 Stings. It's all part of our commitment to mixing academic rigour with practical skills.

Sunderland has a good reputation with employers and, across all courses, 92.5% of our graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating in 2013/14. Our graduates have gone on to work throughout the film, special effects, games, television and computer industries, and worked on projects including The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Creature Comforts and Corpse Bride. Recent employers have included: Animation studios such as Aardman and Studio AKA TV companies such as Cartoon Network, CBeebies and CITV Games companies such as Rock Star, Ubisoft and Sumo Digital Possible job titles include: Background and layout artists Character designers Character animators Editors and scriptwriters Directors Sound technicians Visual effects animators Idea developers and researchers Concept artists Games level designers Production managers Scene designers Character and background artists Storyboard artists Clean-up artists Compositors Programmers Modellers Runners and riggers You will also have skills for starting your own business or working as a freelance animator or an independent filmmaker.