Top 10 Cheap and Safe Universities in England for Animation 2023/24

The inception of character displays and simulation of attitudes to virtual objects and figures have made the evidence in technology more exciting. What do we mean? We refer to the beauty in animation, which has served several purposes both in promoting entertainment, education, event marketing, etc. However, many students have grasped an interest in learning animation, character making, and simulation, but looking for a good, cheap, and safe place to learn it. England is one of the best places to learn any program considering its standard of education. Hence, we’ve provided you with the top cheap and safe universities in England for animation.

Meanwhile, England has one of the best worlds represented schools in the likes of Oxford, Cambridge, and a plethora of others. A good reason any international student would aspire to obtain a degree in a University in the UK. However, the fact that studying in the UK is relatively expensive becomes a bit discouraging. Even citizens from the EU/EEA no longer enjoy lower (home) tuition fees. But interestingly, many organizations and government agencies provide numerous scholarship opportunities for students.

Furthermore, you can still find a cheap and safe University in England to study animation. You probably have not searched the right place. Be it a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Our group of professionals has provided a good list of cheap and safe universities in England for animation students who may consider applying. Some are even free. So we urge you carefully go through this page to discover them.

Additionally, we also answered numerous questions regarding animations and their likes herein. Carefully read through.

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What Is Animation?

Animation can exist in several forms basically in either 2D or 3D. But generally, Animation is a method of manipulating figures to appear as moving images. However, in conventional animation designs, they paint images by hand or on transparent celluloid sheets. Then they will be photographed and exhibited on film. While today most of the animation created uses computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Furthermore, 3D animation has more details and clarity to show compared to 2D animation. You can consider using a 2D animation when looking at a faster rendering, low bandwidth, or personal stylistic reasons. Interestingly, cartoons are animated films, usually short films. They feature an exaggerated visual style.

Cartoon making usually takes inspiration from comics. Hence often features superheroes, anthropomorphic animals, or the adventures of protagonists. Particularly with animals that form a natural prey/predator relationship. The action often centers around violent pratfalls such as falls, clashes, and outbreaks that would be lethal in real life.

Learning animation skills may require a serious need for concentration and a creative mindset. While learning in the right environment is a good lead and bonus. The UK, England precisely has many good universities and colleges offering well-thought programs in animation. While obviously, England is one of the safest countries to live in the world. You can learn the reasons for the claims below.

However, the standard of education and living in the country. It can be relatively expensive to study in England. So we’ve carefully provided cheap and safe universities in England for animation herein.

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Why Study Animation in England?

If you need some reasons why you should study animation in England, then we’ve provided a few below. Although, several people may have other personal reasons the advantages of cheap and safe universities in England remain valid.

#1. High Standard of Education

The United Kingdom has many good reputable institutions in the university world ranking system. Thus, among the first ten universities in the world, over 50% are from the UK. Also, they have lecturers with vast years of experience. Always ready to offer both indigenous and international students an excellent education.

#2. They Welcome International Students

In some Western countries of the world, bigotry is common to the point someone not mentally strong might lose focus academically. However, most UK citizens have hospitable and welcoming attitudes. Ever cheerful, therefore, for this reason, international students can have a good time hanging out with them and others coming from other parts of the world.

#3. Availability of Different Programs

In England, there exist a wide range of courses for students to choose from. From the undergraduate to postgraduate levels. While the schools also offer several animation programs to their students.

#4. Shorter Courses/Degrees

If you are the type looking for short-term courses or degrees to complete within a few months, then schools in England have many such programs.

More so, many of these institutions in the UK come at affordable rates. Some of the courses will require at least two years for an undergraduate. While postgraduate programs could be for a year.

#5. Cultural Diversity

One of the inevitable things living in the UK is experiencing people from different places. This is due to the high saturation of international students from other countries. So, the likelihood of students interacting with one another will happen. Thus, from here, they get to learn about various cultures.

#6. High Level of Employability

They exist myriads of job opportunities for students schooling in England. Considering the plenty of reputable organizations therein and the employable skills you’d learn. From facts, the UK has a high academic standard compared to other countries. Therefore, makes it easier for students to become potential employees receiving higher salaries.

#7. Working While Studying

International students going through a degree program in one of the cheap universities in England can secure a part-time job working 20 hours a week. This is whether either undergraduate or postgraduate programs. While during the holidays, they can work full-time. Hence one of the reasons international students relocate to the UK for their tertiary education.

You’d also love to read Top 22 Fully-funded Scholarships for International Students 2022-2023

How Much Does It Generally Cost to Study Animation?

Before considering why we regarded some cheap and safe universities in England for animation, we have to check the normal general COA of the program. Thus, earning a bachelor’s degree in animation from a public university may cost about $4,000-$18,000 per year. This depends on the location and whether the student is an in- or out-of-state resident. For instance, San Jose State University in California offers a degree in animation, that costs about $6,828 annually for in-state tuition. While for out-of-state students it cost more.

Meanwhile, private art school tuition generally costs about  $30,000- $37,694  every year. Such schools may provide more detailed and demanding coursework than those public universities. While private school class sizes are usually smaller than those at public schools. Therefore, they can offer more one-on-one training with educators. Giving an m instance, CalArts offers a degree in either experimental animation or character animation for $37,000 a year.

Furthermore, as with any degree, there exists an additional cost of attendance apart from the tuition. These expenses can reach up to $10,000 or more for an artistic degree such as animation. They cover college fees, books, and materials.

Some of the miscellaneous costs involved with developing an animation portfolio may include compact discs and compact disc cases. However, 50-packs of either cost about $10 or more. Creating a physical portfolio with printed out or hand-drawn images to enhance their CD portfolio costs another $28-$165.

Additionally, aspiring animators must normally put together a portfolio of their best work, preferably developed with one of the field’s outstanding software programs. Such programs include Smith Micro Software’s Poser Pro 2012 and Autodesk’s Maya. They usually cost about $500-$6,500. Pricier software is more detailed, offering more tools, features, and professional-quality images.

What Makes It Safe To Study in England?

Among the world nations of 163 countries, the UK has a spot as the 45th safest country to live in. Having a high state of peace, in the Global Peace Index 2019. So believe it if we tell you we have provided the top cheap and safe schools in England to study animation. Because generally, England is a safe country.

Consequently, most universities have a special body that ensures the safety of international students. Also, they ensure content is given in case of any emergency CCTV surveillance and clock, to ensure a secure environment for all students.

Nonetheless, the UK is a relatively safe place but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take caution. Yes, overall crime in the UK is low. But petty crimes such as car theft, pickpocketing, and street robberies do happen. But provided you use common sense and don’t take risks you wouldn’t at home your stay should be trouble-free.

How Much Are Animators Paid Uk?

Animation is a very lucrative and creative career path. From across industries in the US, UK, and European Union, animations earn earns quite a fortune. In the UK, entry salaries for animation jobs start from £12,000 to £15,000 per annum. While computer game animators’ earnings start higher at £18,000 and rise quickly with experience. Experienced animators in the UK can earn about £23,000 to £26,000. However, salaries for animators with a minimum of ten years of experience are around £36,000+.

Furthermore, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2017 data lists, the median pay for animators is $70,530 a year. While Glassdoor has the national average a little higher at $74,000. However, like in many other fields, compensation for animators also depends on experience. So, it’s common for senior-level animators or art directors to earn nicely into six figures.

Top 10 Cheap and Safe Universities in England for Animation

Below we have carefully shown the top 15 cheap and safe universities in England for animation. You can check them out, we also recommend you visit the respective school program’s portal to learn more about their application process.

Methodology:

Before going through these cheap and safe universities in England for animation, keep in mind a few things:

#1. London South Bank University

London South Bank University (LSBU) is one of the cheap and safe universities in England for animation programs. It is a public university in Elephant and Castle, London. The school based in London is found in the Borough of Southwark, near the South Bank of the River Thames. Bearing its name from there. Founded in 1892 as the Borough Polytechnic Institute, the school achieved university level in 1992 under the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992.

Meanwhile, the school offers numerous programs including good programs in animation, gaming, computer graphics, etc. You can learn more about the school animation program through the link below.

#2. Anglia Ruskin University

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is yet another one of the top cheap and safe universities in England for animation programs. It is a public university in East Anglia, United Kingdom. While it has Its origins in the Cambridge School of Art, founded by William John Beaumont in 1858. However, it became a university in 1992. Thus, renamed after John Ruskin in 2005. While the school falls as one of the “post-1992 universities”.

Furthermore, the school offers incredible 2D and 3D programs in animation. While it still maintains its COA at an affordable price.

#3. University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham informally regarded as Birmingham University is I public research university located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom. The school received its royal charter in 1900 as a successor to Queen’s College, Birmingham. Founded in 1825 as the Birmingham School of Medicine and Surgery, its Mason Science College was established in 1875 by Sir Josiah Mason. This makes it the first English civic or ‘red brick university to receive its royal charter. The University of Birmingham is a founding member of both the international network of research universities and the Russell Group of British research universities.

However, the school still falls among the top cheap and safe universities in England to study animation.

#4. University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire also called  UCLan is a public university based in the city of Preston, Lancashire, England. It has its roots in “The Institution For The Diffusion Of Useful Knowledge”, originating in 1828. Subsequently, known as Harris Art College, then Preston Polytechnic, Lancashire Polytechnic, in 1992. The school was granted university status by the Privy Council. The University of Central Lancashire is the 19th largest in the UK in terms of the student population while still affordable.

The University of Central Lancashire also offers cheap and safe programs in animation. Students can check up on the programs in the school through the link below.

#5. University of Southampton

The University of Southampton also called Soton is a public research university located in Southampton, England. Southampton is among the founding members of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the United Kingdom. More so, the school is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world.

Interestingly, Southampton University offers affordable programs in animation bit for underground postgraduate levels. Taking one of the animation programs in the school will be a fun experience.

#6. Teesside University

Teesside University also offers great programs in animation. It is a public university with its main campus located in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire in North East England.

The school has over 21,000 students studying in England, according to the 2020/21 HESA student record.

#7. Aston University

Aston University is a public research-based university located in the center of Birmingham, England. The school began as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895. Later evolved into the UK’s first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. While Aston University received its royal charter from Queen Elizabeth II on 22 April 1966.

Aston University offers tremendous programs in animation both undergraduate and graduates degrees. International students are welcome to apply.

#8. St George’s, University of London

St George’s, University of London also offers incredible programs in animation. It is a University located in Tooting in South London. The school is a constituent college of the University of London. St George’s has its origins in 1733 and was the second institution in England to provide formal training courses for doctors after the University. St George has an affiliation with the University of London. That was soon after the latter’s establishment in 1836.

#9. University of Chester

The University of Chester is one of the cheap universities in the UK founded in 1839. According to history, it is the first teacher training college in the United Kingdom. Currently, the institution is a world-class university, hence, has different campuses in Shrewsbury, Warrington, and Chester.

International students can enroll in either undergraduate or postgraduate courses In animation in the school. The tuition fee for undergraduate courses varies from £9,750 to £12,750 per year. While a postgraduate degree is £12,950 per year.

#10. Trier University

The University of Trier in the German city of Trier is a bonus to the list of cheap and safe universities in animation programs. The school located in Germany was founded in 1473. Subsequently, closed in 1798 by order of the then French administration in Trier. However, the university was re-established in 1970 after a hiatus of some 172 years.

The new university campus has its location on top of Tarforst heights. Which is an urban district on the outskirts of the city. The university has 6 faculties with over. 470 faculty members. In 2006 over 14,000 students were matriculated, with 56.5% of the student body female and 43.5% male. The percentage of foreign students was approximately 15.5%. So, the school openly accepts applications from international students yearly.

Scholarships for International Students In the UK

As you can see, there exist plenty of cheap and safe universities in England for animation where you can study for free or at least at affordable costs. But your expenses can even further be reduced with different forms of financial support, scholarships, grants, or rent subsidies available to students.

Scholarships are often the most outstanding, and many international students stayed alert to such opportunities. Generally, scholarships are awarded on several bases. Some of them include;

• Financial need
• Nationality
• Previous academic or athletic achievement
• Research purposes

Discover more scholarships and how to apply on the official Study in the UK website.

Discover more scholarship opportunities on our website too. Click here to apply

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap and Safe Universities in England for Animation

Where can I study animation in the UK?

Many prestigious schools in the UK offer animation degrees and programs. Including all the schools mentioned herein. We recommend you check them. However, we’ve added some other schools below

• Bournemouth University.
• Bucks New University.
• De Montfort University.
• Falmouth University.
• Middlesex University.
• Royal College of Art.
• SAE Institute.
• Teesside University.

What is the best course for animation?

As a newbie, there are many programs on animation you can undertake. Among them includes

• Maya for Beginners
• Animation for Games
• Typographic Animations
• After Effects for Beginners
• Simple Character Animation
• History of Animation
• Mixed Media Animation in Procreate 

You can either learn this online or offline.

What subjects are needed for 3D animation?

Some of the subjects students wilL need to take courses in 3D include :

• 2D Character Animation.
• 2D Effects.
• 3D Character Animation.
• 3D Modeling.
• Cartooning.
• Character Design.
• Compositing.
• Computer Graphics.

Which country is best for animation studies?

Some of the best countries to study animation in the world includes

• UK
• US
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand.
• Cyprus
• The Netherlands.

Do animators get paid well?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2017 data lists, the median pay for animators is $70,530 a year. While Glassdoor has the national average a little higher at $74,000. However, like in many other fields, compensation for animators also depends on experience.

How long is animation course?

The duration of a course in animation differs from program to program. You can see an estimated time for each program below.

• B.Des (4 years) 
• M.Des (2 years) 
• B.Sc. (3 years) 
• M.Sc. (2 years)

Do animators need math?

Yes, every animator must have an adequate mathematical background. Depending on the field that you’d enter, you have to assess what type of projects you will work on. Hence, if the vast majority of them include mathematical computations, you have to start reviewing the math concepts or pursue another field of animation.

Conclusion

When it comes to animation programs, there exist many cheap and safe universities in England for animation for both indigenous and international students to enroll in. Therefore, we recommend international students take advantage of the cheap tuition fee in the UK to enroll in either undergraduate or postgraduate programs.

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