2D Animation and Stop Motion

2D animation and stop motion are craft-led disciplines with a long and rich history, from the hand-drawn traditions of early cinema through to contemporary digital production and the distinctive aesthetic of stop-frame work. Both demand patience, precision, and a keen understanding of how movement, timing, and visual storytelling work together to create the illusion of life on screen. They are disciplines that reward close attention and iterative practice, and they sit within the broader creative economy as valued forms of artistic and commercial production.

This four-year, full-time programme at Teesside includes a foundation year that eases your transition into undergraduate study, giving you a grounding in design principles, composition, image creation, and digital tools before you enter the main degree content. Across the programme you will develop technical skills in both traditional 2D animation techniques and stop motion production, learning to work with digital tools alongside physical materials and camera rigs. The course includes a placement year, during which you will gain professional experience within the animation industry, building contacts and practical knowledge that complement your studio-based learning.

Graduates work in animation studios, television and film production companies, games companies, advertising agencies, and digital media organisations. The skills developed in 2D animation and stop motion are valued in character animation, title sequences, music videos, commercial advertising, educational content, and independent artistic production. The placement year means you leave with both a strong portfolio and a realistic understanding of professional practice in the field.

Further study at postgraduate level is an option for those who wish to develop particular specialisms in animation, moving image, or screen production.