BA (Hons) Degree in Animation
Faculty: Animation
Duration: 3 Years
Delivery: Classroom
Level: QQI Level 8 *subject to validation
Start Date: 22nd September 2025
Course Director: Joseph Learoyd
Fees: Please Refer to ‘Fees’ Section Below
Certification: BA (Hons) Degree
COURSE CONTENT
Pulse College’s BA (Hons) Degree in Animation is developed and taught by practising industry professionals to ensure that you receive the very highest levels of training. A key part of the course involves producing a portfolio of work that will help you get into the exciting and growing Irish and international animation industry.
This course covers the full range of topics from drawing skills to 3D modelling, 3D lighting, character texturing, character animating, environmental modelling, animation rendering, and 2D animation, Comic Books and Sequential Art, Animation for Video Games. It will also teach you valuable professional workflows.
With the significant benefit of hands-on experience, you will be taught beyond the standard levels required by academic institutions. This practical experience is an essential element of our unique programme.
Class times are 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday with study spaces and extra tutoring available to provide to practice your skills.
Enrolling Now for September 2025
A key aspect of this course is to produce a portfolio over the duration of the course that will help you to break into the dynamic and creative animation industry.
During the course, you will learn about:
- Animating in 2D
- Designing a character for 3D Modelling
- How to create a 3D character model
- How to add colour to your character
- Making your character move
- Developing storyboards for animation
- Creating an environment to house your character
- Camera and lighting effects to make your animation pop
- Life Drawing
- Comic Books and Sequential Art
- Animation for Video Games
Whether you want to be an animator, character designer for games, concept artist, or VFX animator, Pulse College can set you on the right track to achieving your goal.
MODULES
Year 1
Year 1
- Animation History: Research and Critical Analysis
- 2D Animation 1
- Life Drawing
- Portfolio Development
- 3D Animation 1
- Experimental Animation
- Storyboarding and Layout
- Concept Art
Year 2
Year 2
- 3D Animation 2
- The Essence of Movement: Film and Drama
- Texturing, Unwrapping and Shading
- Narrative & Storytelling
- Visual Culture & Theory 1
- Compositing and Effects
- 2D Animation 2
- Visual Culture & Theory 2
- Rigging and Facial Animation
- Business for Animation
Year 3
Year 3
- Audio Production
- Videogames Tools & Environments
- Sculpting & Modelling
- Dissertation/Dissertation by Practice
- Law for Animation
- Studio Etiquette and Professional Practice
COURSE DIRECTOR
Course Director: Joseph Learoyd
Joseph is the Programme Director for Animation at Pulse College in Dublin, where he teaches 3D animation, specialising in Maya. He is currently pursuing doctoral research at Staffordshire University, focusing on localisation and adaptation in animation. With experience in the animation industry, Joseph has also spoken at academic conferences and guest lectures both nationally and internationally, transitioning his expertise into academia. Additionally, he has written on animation theory for “Headstuff” and “Irish Tech News”.
Got a question?
HOW TO APPLY
Admissions
This course is a direct application course and includes an interview. Applications are currently taken through the Application Form below. Upon receiving your application form our Admissions Team will contact you to schedule your course interview.
You do not require a portfolio to interview for this course, but it is a definite advantage to demonstrate your passion for animation, i.e. art portfolio or sketchbook, 3D modelling, design skills or making animation at home, although this is not a necessity.
General Course Requirements
- A proven interest in Art and/or Animation techniques and to display some interest in related creative media arts
- Basic knowledge of computers (Mac/PC, and audio software): helpful but not essential
Further Progression
In line with national policy, graduates from the level 8 programme would be eligible to progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9.
Graduates may wish to further extend their industry-based professional qualifications as new technologies and developments emerge.
Educational Requirements
Irish Citizens under 23 years of age
Entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:2x H5s (H5 = 50 – 60% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject) and Minimum of 4x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary Subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject).
To include a minimum O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics and either Irish or English.Or:To achieve a minimum of 3 distinctions and the full award in a FETAC Level 5/6 or HETAC Level 7 in Art/Animation.Or:a Minimum of 2 Grade C A Levels as well as 4 subjects from either A levels (Grades A-E) or GCSE (Grades A,B or C). Or NVQ Level 3 in Art/Animation or similar.
Irish mature students over 23 years of age
Students over the age of 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of the course is classified as a Mature Student.Mature applicants are advised to apply directly through the college using the ‘Apply now’ button below. Applicants will be asked for a detailed CV. Applications should be made before the 31st August the year of the course.
International Student living abroad or in Ireland
International Students below the age of 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Education Certifications.
Minimum language proficiency requirements
All learners are required to be proficient in English. Where an applicant’s mother tongue is not English, they are required to provide proof of proficiency in the English language through satisfactory performance on an internationally recognised test.
The English language entry requirements for the programme are CEF B2+ or equivalent. Candidates with English below CEF B2- must first reach this minimum standard.
Note: Students who do not satisfy Pulse College’s English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies.
If you have any queries on the above please get in touch with our admissions team admissions@pulsecollege.com
Interview Process
This course requires an interview as part of your applications. Please see the FAQ’s below for commonly asked questions regarding the interview process.
Where do the interviews take place?
The interviews are held in:
‘The Market Studios’
Corner of Halston St. & Mary’s Lane
Dublin 7, Ireland
Interviews can also be conducted online via Zoom. Please reach out to our Admissions team if you have any questions on this @ admissions@pulsecollege.com
How long will the interview be?
The interview will be typically 20–30 minutes long.
What should I bring?
If you could please bring:
- A copy of your C.V.
- It is a definite advantage to demonstrate your passion for animation, i.e. art portfolio or sketchbook, 3D modelling, design skills or making animation at home, although this is not a necessity
- A copy of your passport/drivers licence
- A copy of any previous education transcripts and certificates
It is a definite advantage to demonstrate your passion for animation, i.e. art portfolio or sketchbook, 3D modelling, design skills or making animation at home, although this is not a necessity.
How many people will be interviewing me?
The panel typically comprises 2-3 people.
Apart from the minimum requirements, what do they generally look for in a candidate?
Successful candidates have a strong, proven interest in this area. They are passionate about animation and are prepared to work very hard towards their goals.
FEES
Irish / EU (Residing in Ireland)
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin
Irish/EU living in Ireland: EUR 8,950*
2% PFL Charge of €179 included in Total Fee Per Year
Flexible Payment Option
Deposit: €800 (payable upon acceptance onto the course, following interview)
Enrolment Fee: €3,500 (payable by September)
Instalments: 4 monthly payments of €1,162.50 (Oct – Jan)
Year 2 Course Fees: €8,950
Year 3 Course Fees: €8,950
International / EU (living outside of Ireland)
Course fees are paid directly to the International Office of our partner college: Griffith College.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Location: Dublin