Animation Subjects List 2026: Check Semester-wise Subjects & Syllabus

Updated on May 20, 2025 05:58 IST

An Animation course provides you with excellent job options in animation, cinema, television, gaming and also other related industries with good quality education that combines creativity with technical skills. An Animation Course syllabus discusses about the ideas, history and even various techniques of animation. Through storyboarding and animatics, you study the fundamentals of storytelling and learn practical abilities with animation software.

Animation Syllabus: Important Facts 

You can check some important facts below:

  • If you are interested in animation and design, you need to pass Class 12 and have knowledge Physics and other Science subjects.

  • The basic exam pattern for courses in Animation involves a lot of focus on practical implementation. 

  • Since technology finds its application everywhere - from Films and TV to even advertisement campaigns - this field is facing an increase in the field of entertainment.  

Animation Course Syllabus

You can see the Animation course syllabus below:

Core Subjects in Animation Syllabus

You can see the core subjects in the Animation course below:

Subject Title Subject Description
3D Animation

By helping you clear your foundational knowledge, the course will help you to analyse different Animation styles and techniques further. With this course, students will learn how to apply certain Animation principles. Concepts covered here are:

  • Animation and its different types
  • Creating Animation with a ball and tail character
  • Creating facial expressions
Multimedia

This course studies the different forms of media available to us: audio, visual, and text used to create truly immersive content experiences. It involves the analysis and interpretation of multimedia data with contemporary developments in the industry. This subject helps you learn the following:

  • Multimedia and its applications 
  • What is multimedia, and how does it work?
  • Image file formats - both 2D and 3D
Basic English

English communication is an important part of any professional's life. Proficiency in the language can help you not just convey your ideas but also land relevant opportunities. This course will familiarise you with the basics of formal communication, apart from understanding the following:

  • Listening to a formal conversation
  • How to speak in formal situations
  • Basics of paragraph writing
  • How to read sports articles
  • Letter writing and interview skills
Motion Graphics

Motion graphics is defined as the collection of small pixels that use both graphical information in an interactive and text-based format. Here are some things you'll learn:

  • Principles of motion design 
  • Frame rates, transform properties, and 2D tracking in After Effects
  • Text tools and masking
Visual Effects

This course helps students understand the basic principles of visual effects design and equips them with the necessary tools and techniques to create amazing visual effects. The students will get hands-on knowledge of the following topics:

  • Colour correction, grading, and tints 
  • Tools and properties of compositing
  • Basic motion graphic elements

Elective Subjects in Animation Syllabus

You can check the elective subjects in the Animation course below:

Subject Title Subject Description
Professional 3D design with Cinema 4D

This subject focuses on imparting knowledge around 3D modelling and motion graphics design. The students will use a specific tool called Cinema 4D to create these 3D models and designs. Topics covered here include:

  • Texturing type using different materials
  • How to work with lights?
  • Keyframes in animation
  • Understanding the 3D Animation workflow
Concept of Game Design 

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for gaming. With a large number of young Indians playing a slew of games, the demand is sure to rise in the coming years. This course builds on the fundamentals of game designing, covering the tools and techniques required to create entertaining games for all devices. The course includes a comprehensive overview of the following:

  • Working with the Unity Game Engine
  • Importing models into the Unity Game Engine
  • Using the material editor to create textures
Web and UI/UX Design 

Web design is a field that's focused on creating eye-catching and functional websites that allow the user to perform certain actions. Alternatively, UI and UX design is focused on creating user interfaces to help technical teams visualise how a website/app appears to the end-user. This course talks about the following:

  • Understanding web design technologies and principles
  • Basics of HTML and CSS
  • Basics of UI and UX design
Design for Print 

The print industry is among the oldest in India, with multiple newspaper publications being released on a daily basis over the last 200+ years. This course gives you a deep dive into the techniques associated with designing for print. Topics covered here include:

  • Using Adobe InDesign and Corel Draw
  • Creating leaflets, resumes, pamphlets and brochures.
  • Designing CD covers and business cards.
Concept of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR)

AR and VR are emerging technologies that will blur the lines between the real and virtual worlds. Through this course, students learn about the basics of AR/VR technology and its applications in the real world. Topics covered here are:

  • Understanding the basics of AR and VR
  • Creating VR designs using Unity Game Engine
  • Fundamental components of Virtual Reality

Detailed Syllabus for Animation

You can see the list of detailed subjects in the Animation course below:

Semester Core/Elective Subject Description
1 Graphic Design  This course helps students learn about graphic design principles, alongside gaining technical knowledge around tools like Photoshop and Corel Draw.
2 Colour Theory This course will give you a complete overview of colour theory and how different colour combinations can be used for creating appealing animation.
3 2D Animation This subject familiarises students with concepts of 2D Animation, providing hands-on knowledge of concepts like tweening, shapes, and articulated motions through industry-leading tools like Adobe Flash.
4 Web Technologies This course will acquaint learners with necessary web design skills. They'll learn the basics of HTML and CSS, and web hosting protocols like FTP & SMTP among others.
5 Game Development

This course will help students learn about the fundamentals of game design so they can create functional games for different devices. They'll gain a 360-degree overview of the tools, techniques, and processes associated with game design and development.

6 Post Production

This course focuses on diving deep into filmmaking & Animation concepts such as shooting & editing footage, and adding motion and rhythm effects. It also discusses sound editing and file compression in lucid detail.

Specialisations Offered in Animation

You can take a look at the list of specialisations in the Animation course below:

Specialisations Subjects Subject Details
Bachelors in Fine Arts
  • Character Designing
  • 2D animation
  • Colour Composition
  • VFX

BFA in Animation is a 4-year course that mainly focuses on the composition and theory of the colours to be used in the animation.

It also exposes students to  2D and 3D Animation design and VFX, which help brush up their skills.

Modelling
  • 3D design and modelling
  • Character animation, setup, and skinning
  • Texturing and lighting

This specialisation course deals with the study of modelling, rigging, and lighting of Animation with the help of tools like Autodesk Maya and Mudbox. 

The course focuses on character animation, 3D design, VFX, and modelling across gaming, movies, and TV animation.

3D Animation and visual effects
  • Pre-Production
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Autodesk 3D Max

This specialisation course entails skilled professional training in creating visual effects for different mediums.

The course also provides knowledge of all major Animation software, including Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop.

Forensic Animation
  • 3D Animation and VFX
  • Character design
  • Special Effects

Forensic Animation focuses on recreating crime and accident scenes to help investigators solve criminal cases. 

The course teaches how to use computer graphics and techniques to recreate possible crime scenes by employing advanced techniques and animation.

Books and Authors Related to Animation

You can see the list of books recommended for the Animation course below:

Book Title Authors Description of book
Animation Writing and Development Jean Ann Wright

The book introduces the students to the history of Animation and also provides an overview of the Animation process. It helps students understand the basic concepts and help them polish their skills. It also provides strategies for marketing and advertising.

3D Animation Essentials  Andy Beane This book gives a detailed overview and understanding of the 3D concepts used in animation. For people considering a career in 3D animation, this book is a must-read. 
Living English Structure W. Stannard Alan

This book focuses primarily on getting the grammar correct. The book contains numerous exercises designed by professionals to practice forms of grammar daily. It is divided into 3 parts - Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced based on years of experience in English.

Creating Motion Graphics with After Effects Chris Meyer and Trish Meyer 

This book is based on real-world experience working with films and production. The book is a step-by-step guide to studying After Effects. 

 

Table of contents
  • Popular Animation Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Animation Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Animation Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Animation UG Courses
  • Popular Animation PG Courses
View More

Popular Animation Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Animation Colleges in India. Learn more about these Animation colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5 Courses
2.88 L - 6.36 L
4.0

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

1.23 L - 3.82 L
4.4 - 4.6 LPA
3 L - 11.2 L
3.7

Animation Applications open till Mar 10, 2026. Apply Now

2.28 L - 8.52 L
3.8

Animation Applications open till Feb 15, 2026. Apply Now

25 K - 7 L
1.0

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

12.22 L - 16.84 L
3.0

Popular Private Animation Colleges in India

6 Courses
1.37 L - 6.1 L
3.7
Only college in India with Animation, VFX & Game production studio
23.2 L

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

22.65 L
3.8

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

6.03 L
3.3

Animation Applications open. Apply Now

4.0
4.5
2.28 L - 8.52 L
3.8

Animation Applications open till Feb 15, 2026. Apply Now

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Animation. Students interested in pursuing a career on Animation, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Mar '26 - Apr '26

JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application

TENTATIVE

Apr '26

JMI Entrance Exam 2026 Application Correction Win...

TENTATIVE

25 Oct ' 25 - 15 Feb ' 26

CUCET 2026 Phase 1 Application Form

25 Oct ' 25 - 16 Feb ' 26

CUCET 2026 Phase 1 Exam

Mar '26

SHIATS Entrance Exam Application Process

TENTATIVE

Apr '26

SHIATS Entrance Exam Application Correction Window

TENTATIVE

Popular Animation Specializations

Following are the most popular Animation Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

Popular Animation UG Courses

Following are the most popular Animation UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Animation PG Courses

Following are the most popular Animation PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered Yesterday

The top graphic Design colleges in Bangalore offering UG Diploma courses and 1-3-year Diploma programs to build practical skills. 

Some of the colleges are mentioned below with tuition fees -

Top Colleges Tuition Fee
Vogue Institute of Art and DesignINR 1.36 lakh
IDeA World CollegeINR 1.79 Lacs - INR 1.89 lakh
Boston Institute of AnalyticsINR 1.25 lakh
LISAA School of Design, Bangalore-

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Given below are the top graphic design colleges in Mumbai offering Certificate courses with their tuition fees -

Top CollegesTuition Fee
St. Pauls Institute of Communication EducationINR 20,000
Frameboxx Animation and Visual EffectsINR 1.25 lakh
Arena Animation, Dadar, MumbaiINR 25,000
Arena Animation, ChemburINR 25,000
Arena Animation, BandraINR 1.19 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Yes, candidates can definitely pursue PG courses after completing UG courses in Graphic Design colleges in Mumbai. Some of the PG colleges are mentoned below -

Top CollegesTuition fee
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj UniversityINR 1.39 lakh
International School of Design, Andheri WestINR 1.24 lakh  INR 1.63 lakh
Boston Institute of AnalyticsINR 1.45 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

 

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 days ago

Private Grahic design colleges in Mumbai are exensive than government colleges with modern infrastructure and great lacement opportunities. Given below are the top colleges with fees -

Private CollegesTuition Fees
Pearl Academy Mumbai AdmissionINR 27.89 lakh
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University AdmissionINR 62,000 - INR 4.05 lakh
Thakur College of Engineering and Technology AdmissionINR 4.46 lakh
Ecole Intuit Lab AdmissionINR 28.78 lakh
International School of Design AdmissionINR 1.11 Lacs - INR 1.63 lakh

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Hi,

Yes, there are many top colleges offering Diploma in Graphic design courses in Kolkata. Some of the top colleges are International School of Design, Kolkata, DreamZone School of Creative Studies, Ultadanga, PITE - Profex Institute of Technical Education, etc.

Source: Official site and may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Hi,

The best degrees for graphic design in Kolkata are a UG degree like BDes or BSc in Graphic Design courses. These 3-4 year courses offer training in visual communication, 2D/3D design, and industry tools. Top colleges include Adamas University, iLEAD, and Arena Animation fees ranging from INR 2.

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Hi,

The cost of joining the best Graphic designing colleges in Kolkata may vary from college to college. Candidates can see below for more info. of the best colleges with its tuition fees –

Top Courses

Cost of Colleges

International School of Design, Kolkata

INR 4.56 lakh

NSHM Design School

INR 3.12 lakh

Moople Institute of Animation and Design

INR 1.36 lakh

STI - Srimati Techno Institute

INR 16,500

Source: Official site and data may vary.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes AAFT supports portfolio building through project based learning short films and practical assignments so students can create a strong showreel.
They also provide mentorship resume help and interview prep which improves placement chances.
But placements mostly depend on how strong your portfolio is

...Read more

K

Kalim Khan

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 weeks ago

The BSc in Animation programme at Manipal Institutes of Communication covers all stages of animation production, from conceptualisation to output:
  • Pre-production: Scriptwriting, storyboarding, etc.
  • 2D Animation: Drawing, sketching, etc.
  • 3D Animation: Modeling, texturing, others.
  • Visual Effects (VFX): Di

...Read more

I

Indrani Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

The total fees at WWI for BDes in Design is 21,00,000 based on the website.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Both are good career options. It depends on the individual's interest. 
  • Animation for students who prefer drawing and storytelling 
  • Game Design is for gaming enthusiasts with analytical Minds.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

  • Animation for students who prefer drawing and storytelling 
  • VFX if you like realistic effects and movies

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Yes, you can pursue VFX after completing your 12th grade. You need to choose the right subjects to develop foundation as a VFX artist.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

  • Animation for students who prefer drawing and storytelling 
  • Game Design is for gaming enthusiasts with analytical Minds.

A

Anshul Jindal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Candidates must pass Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board to apply for BA Graphic Design and Digital Marketing at Manipal Institute of Communication. Aspirants also need to appear for a Home-Based Test followed by a PI round to get admission in this course.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Guide-Level 15

Answered a month ago

The duration of Sheridan College Bachelor of Animation (Hons.) course is 4 years. This course is PGWP-aligned. Students are going to learn from industry professionals, using the same tools that students will require in the workplace. After Year 3, students are going to gain professional experience d

...Read more

B

Bhumika Kaur

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Graphic Designers are basically the backbone of any company. They help in creating logos and print materials like brochures and signs that promote your business and improve the brand awareness of the company on multiple platforms like websites with online ads, virtual presentations etc.

Read more abo

...Read more

P

Piyush Chatterjee

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Nottingham Trent University offer various facilities which are related to Animation courses. These facilities help Animation and related courses students excel in the program. Some of these facilities are- 

  • IT studio 

  • Animation and Digital Screen Arts Facilities 

  • New Art & Design Building 

  • Library 

  • Sport

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

No, there is no separate campus for Animation courses at NTU, UK. However, there is separate building at City Campus which covers all Arts and Design related courses including Animation. This new building is known as Design & Digital Arts Building 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

All the 3 universities are ranked among top universities for Animation according to various top ranking publications. Table mentioned below shows the Animation courses ranking of these universities in UK as well as in the world-  

Top Ranking Bodies (Animation) 

Nottingham Trent University 

University of the Arts London 

Manchester Metropolitan University 

QS World Global 2025- Art & Design 

#51-100 

#2 

#51-100 

Complete University Guide 2025 

#13 

#21 

#16 

The Guardian Ranking 

#14 

#7 

#6 

THE World Ranking 2025 

#501-600 

- 

#501-600 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Animation graduates of the Nottingham Trent University are very much in demand to some of the most prominent companies in UK & worldwide. 

Given below are some of the institute's prominent recruiters: 

·      Cubaka Studio 

·      Lupus Films 

·      Blue Zoo 

·      Random42 Scientific Communication 

·  

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Yes Nottingham Trent University offer placement opportunities to students for Animation at some best animation companies in UK and in world. 
 
Students are encouraged to undertake short periods of work experience along with their studies. Students normally complete these placements during holiday per

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Animation program students gain various skills while studying this course at Nottingham Trent University, UK. These skills help students to get placement in top industries. The table mentioned below shows the skills and the percentage of students who gained those skills- 

Top Skills 

Percentage of students  

Adobe Photoshop 

25.7% 

Animation 

23.8% 

Graphic Design 

17.9% 

Adobe Illustrator 

17.2% 

After Effects 

15.4% 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Acceptance rate of Animation course is not mentioned by Nottingham Trent University. Overall acceptance rate of Nottingham Trent University,  UK is around 22% for all its national and international students. This shows the university is bit selective in accepting students. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

It is not explicitly mentioned by the university regarding the requirement of interview during admission. But what university asks for admission to this course is a portfolio. The portfolio must include- previous animation work, sketches or other relevant animation and design related work. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The application has passed for UG courses at Nottingham Trent Uni (Equal consideration deadline),

The university prioritises applications that are submitted during the early application window, before considering the ones sent during the late application window. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Several prominent ranking platforms rank the institute very highly for its Animation course.

Some global university ranking platforms rank the institute among the top 20 best institutions for Animation program. Other ranking platforms like Shiksha rank UG Animation course at #54 in UK. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Nottingham Trent University is considered among the best universities for Animation in UK as well as in the world. Top ranking publishers like Complete University Guide 2025, The Guardian Ranking 2025- Animation and Game Design,  etc.. rank the university among top 20 universities in world for Anima

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

No, Animation courses at Nottingham Trent University is not part of Russell Group. But Nottingham Trent University is well known in UK for its Animation courses. 

Some universities that are part of Russell Group are listed below: 

·      Oxford University 

·      Cambridge University 

·      UCL 

·      

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Undergraduate Animation program,  i.e., BA Hons in Animation tries to cover all the subject areas related to Animation. These subject areas have been broken down throughout the courses ranging from basics to a higher level. Some subjects which are covered under Animation course are- 

  • Animation and VF

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

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