Why study BA Animation at BSBI (Hamburg)?

• Industry-focused, practical training: the course stresses making short films and industry-standard workflows (both 2D and 3D techniques, storyboarding and production pipelines). The curriculum incorporates current animation tech and practical projects.

• Degree awarded by UCA: the University for the Creative Arts is a specialist UK creative university — good for signalling in creative industries.

• Scholarships & portfolio route: strong incentive to prepare an excellent portfolio — the Portfolio Scholarship Competition can cover full tuition for the top portfolio.

 

Level of study, credits & programme length (what to expect)

• Level: Undergraduate — Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

• Credits / points: BSBI’s creative programmes follow UK awarding-partner crediting (if you need exact UK credit points or ECTS conversion, ask Admissions — BSBI provides programme factsheets).

• Duration — important: the BSBI programme page for 2025 lists “1 year (full time)” for the BA offering (which may reflect a top-up intake or an intake-specific presentation). Other sources and typical BA structures show 3 years (or 4 with Foundation). Do not assume full degree length from the single page — please confirm the exact programme length (3-year vs 1-year top-up) with BSBI Admissions so you can plan visa, finance and accommodation.

 

Mode of learning, campus facilities & teaching style

• Blended + studio practice: BSBI describes the course as combining theory and practical project work with a blended learning approach, but the Hamburg campus emphasises on-campus studio access for practical modules (so expect lots of face-to-face studio time plus some online materials).

• Facilities: Hamburg campus lists creative studios and equipment; students are expected to develop short films and practical portfolios as part of assessment.

 

Typical programme structure & sample modules

Sample module themes shown across sources:

• Contextual Research & Critical Perspectives

• Practical Production Modules (short film projects, storyboarding, character design)

• Final Major Project (capstone short film / portfolio)

• Professional Practice (industry readiness, showreel & portfolio)
  BSBI emphasises development of short films and industry workflows in assessments.

 

Career outcomes & employability

• Graduates typically move into: animation studios (2D/3D), VFX, game studios (character & environment animation), storyboarding for film/TV, freelance short film production, advertising and digital content creation. BSBI highlights portfolio/showreel development and professional practice to improve employability.

 

Latest updates / things to check carefully (so you don’t get caught out)

1. Duration discrepancy: BSBI’s BA (Hons) Animation programme page shows “1 year (full time)” for the 2025 October listing, while other sources show 3 years (or 4 with foundation). Confirm exact programme length and whether the October intake is a top-up/topical delivery or the full degree. This affects visas and finance.

2. Intake windows & offers change fast: scholarships and programme offers (discounts) are updated regularly — apply early and confirm versioned fee schedules.

3. Portfolio is crucial: winners of the Portfolio Scholarship Competition have received 100% tuition — invest time in a strong portfolio (BSBI provides guidance).