MSc in Animation: Course Fees, Admission 2025, Syllabus, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Apr 21, 2025 04:18 IST

MSc Animation is a 2 year PG degree focused on advanced concepts and practical expertise of the animation field. The MSc Animation syllabus is made to teach you about the detailed aspects of animation and the latest softwares and technologies used in the animation and VFX industry.

Quick Links -

Animation course after 12th - Admission Process, Eligibility, Course Fee, Career Prospects

MSc Animation Course Details: Highlights

As an MSc in Animation student, you will gain the technical proficiency, aesthetic sensibility, and industry knowledge necessary to work as animators, character designers, visual effects artists, or animation directors in a variety of mediums, including interactive media, games, film making, and television.

You can check the table below to know the key highlights related to MSc in Animation.

Particulars

Details

MSc in Animation Degree Level

Postgraduate

MSc in Animation Course Duration

2 Years

MSc in Animation Admission Procedure

Merit and Entrance Based

MSc in Animation Entrance Exams

JMI Entrance Exam, CUCET, SHIATS, etc.

MSc in Animation Course Fees

INR 26,600 Lakh - INR 5.6 Lakh

MSc in Animation Colleges in India

Bangalore University, Gujarat University, Asian Academy of Film & Television, LPU Jalandhar, Chandigarh University, Graphic Era Hill University, SVSU, etc.

MSc in Animation Jobs

Animator, Art Director, Production Artist, Game Designer, Video Editor, Screenplay Director, Graphic Designer, VFX Artist, etc.

MSc in Animation Top Recruiters

Acer, Accenture, Adobe Systems Pvt. Ltd, Amazon Global Vision, Google Vision, Google Inc, Pent media graphics, Maya Entertainment, Toonz Animation India, etc.

MSc in Animation Salary in India

INR 4 LPA - 6 LPA

Note - This information is taken from the official website and may vary.

Suggested Links -

Difference Between Animation and VFX

Animation Courses for Beginners

 

Q:   Is it good to do a master's in animation?
A:

 

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Q:   Is MSc Animation an ideal choice for candidates having interest in designing?
A:

If you have a passion for designing, drawing, or sketching, are interested in animation graphics and are creative, then the field of animation is ideal for you. All you need is a specific course that can help you hone your talent. One such course in Animation is the MSc in Animation. This course is suitable for candidates with creative and imaginative skills. This postgraduate course is specifically designed to teach students the advanced skills of creating drawings or models in the illusion of movement or motion. 

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Q:   Give me a few reasons to pursue MSc Animation.
A:

There are many strong reasons to pursue an MSc in Animation:

Development of Advanced Talents: This programme offers the chance to hone your animation talents using both conventional and digital methods. This covers a variety of tasks, including texturing, lighting, rendering, 3D modelling, and character animation.

Creative Expression: One of the many creative expression mediums is animation. Learning how to bring characters and settings to life via motion is one of the many opportunities that studying animation offers for people to explore their artistic talents and storytelling abilities.

Career Opportunities: The animation sector is growing, offering jobs in interactive media, games,  advertising, cinema, and television. Students who pursue an MSc in Animation will be prepared to work as animators, character designers, visual effects artists, directors of animation, and other related fields.

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Table of contents
  • MSc Animation Eligibility Criteria
  • MSc Animation Entrance Exams 2025
  • MSc Animation Syllabus 2025
  • Best MSc Animation Colleges in India
  • Popular Private M.Sc. in Animation Colleges in India
  • MSc Animation Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters
  • MSc in Animation Course FAQs
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Course Cutoffs
View More

MSc Animation Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to pursue an MSc in Animation may vary by college. Students must check the eligibility criteria before taking admission. Every course has requirements that an applicant must fulfill to be admitted into that particular course. 

  • To pursue a postgraduate level Animation course, candidates should clear graduation from a recognised institute/ university with a minimum percentage (usually 50%).
  • Students pursuing courses like BSc in Animation, BSc in Multimedia and Animation, BA VFX and Animation, etc are given preference for admission. Many colleges allow candidates to participate in their admission process only if they have completed their graduation from a recognised college.
  • Admission is both merit and entrance based. Some popular entrance exams for MSc Animation include JMI, CUCET, SHIATS, etc.
  • As per the age restrictions, there is no age limit prescribed as such.

Students also clicked on:

BSc in Animation

B.A. in Animation

B.Des in Animation

 

Q:   What are the prerequisites for an MSc in Animation?
A:

Hi,

Typically, a bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, computer science, or a related field is required to pursue an MSc in Animation. Some universities may also consider relevant work experience or portfolios.

Hope this clears your doubt !

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MSc Animation Entrance Exams 2025

Most renowned colleges shortlist aspirants for admission to animation courses offered by them based on their performance in an entrance exam. The test pattern of these entrance exams is such that the candidates need to attempt questions from subjects such as – Media Aptitude, Reasoning and Logical Deduction, General Knowledge and Current Affairs as well as the English language.

Some popular entrance exams for animation conducted in India are listed below.

Entrance Exam

Exam Date

Entrance Exam Schedule

JMI 2025

May ‘25

JMI Exam Date 2025 

CUCET 2025

May ‘25 (Phase 2)

CUCET Exam Exam Date 2025

SHIATS 2025

Jun ‘25

SHIATS Exam Date 2025

CEED 2025

19 Jan ‘25 (Conducted)

CEED Exam Date 2025

Note- This information is sourced from the official website of the institute/exam.

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Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
14 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26

CUET PG 2026 Application Process

ONGOING
01 Dec ' 25 - 14 Jan ' 26

IGNOU TEE Dec 2025 exam

ONGOING
10 Nov ' 25 - 08 Apr ' 26

KIITEE 2026 Registration - Phase 1

ONGOING
Feb ' 26

IUET 2026 Application Form

TENTATIVE
15 Feb ' 26

IIT JAM 2026 Exam Day

Feb ' 26

IIT JAM 2026 Response Sheet

TENTATIVE
Feb ' 26

IIT JAM 2026 Provisional Answer Key

TENTATIVE
DatesPast Exam Dates
21 Nov ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to re-submission of documents

21 Nov ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to Verify re-submitted/remaining documents

21 Nov ' 25

ICAR AIEEA PG 2025 Final Round Counselling: Last Date to submit fee

Q:   What is the typical structure of an MSc in Animation course?
A:

Hi,

MSc in Animation course usually involves a combination of theoretical coursework, practical exercises, and project-based learning. Coursework may alo cover topics such as animation principles, character design, storytelling, 3D modeling, rigging, and animation software.

Hope this resolves the query !

MSc Animation Syllabus 2025

The curriculum for an MSc in Animation usually includes a broad range of subjects to give students a thorough understanding of the field as well as practical animation production abilities. Advanced animation techniques like character animation, 3D modelling, rigging, texturing, lighting, and rendering are frequently included in core subjects.

The semester-wise subjects for MSc Animation are: 

Semester-1

Understanding the fundamentals of drawing and its usage in animation

Observing different shapes, forms, and materials of objects in the real world

Learning to generate character model sheets for animation production

Understanding vector graphics, raster graphics and image editing

Learning to produce print media and publication design

Defining the use of web media design and the role of digital marketing

Semester-2

Exploring the basic components of storyboarding and scriptwriting

Learning to analyze shot selection and composition

Understanding the importance of capturing, importing, and managing footage in animation

Identifying the 3D modelling workflow

Learning to apply tools and techniques in texturing

Learning to build skeletons and posing

Semester-3

Identifying the fundamentals of human anatomy and developing a character concept

Identifying and creating different gestures

Understanding the need for acting for animation

Learning about organic and inorganic modelling and texturing in Maya

Learning to recognise tools for Surface and Look development

Exploring character animation

Semester-4

Exploring advanced features of different technologies such as Character Animation Toolkit (CAT), Biped, Motion Builder, HumanIK, Match moving, and Nuke

Learning to create animation with motion capture data

Learning to produce crowd simulation

Understanding how to work on MotionBuilder and HumanIK in Maya

Learning how to track live footage and create camera animation with footage capture

Describing different types of 3D camera tracking

You can also Check:

What is a Blender Course?

2D Animation Software: Key Features & Uses

 

Popular Specializations

Q:   Which are the top specialisations in Animation?
A:

The top specializations offered by the best animation colleges in India are given below:

Best MSc Animation Colleges in India

There are around 75 MSc in Animation colleges in India out of which 52 colleges are private and around 4-5 are government institutions. You can check the top popular government and private colleges that offer MSc in Animation courses mentioned in the table below. Candidates must note that the colleges mentioned in the table are listed alphabetically and not in any order of ranking hierarchy.

Best Government Colleges for MSc in Animation

Below given are the top government colleges offering MSc Animation courses.

College Name

Fees (in INR)

Bangalore University

INR 56,000

JC Bose University of Science & Technology (YMCA)

INR 2.18 Lakh

Gujarat University

INR 2.8 Lakh

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Best Private Colleges for MSc in Animation

Below given are the top private colleges offering MSc in Animation courses.

College Name

Fees (in INR)

Lovely Professional University

INR 3.2 Lakh

Chandigarh University

INR 2.28 Lakh

Indian Institute of Fashion & Animation, Bangalore

INR 5.6 Lakh

Jain Deemed-to-be University, Bangalore

INR 4.2 Lakh

Asian Academy of Film & Television

INR 3.32 Lakh

St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata

INR 60,500

Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun

INR 2.67 Lakh

ICAT Design & Media College

INR 2.8 Lakh

Maharishi University of Information Technology, Noida

INR 4 Lakh

SVSU Meerut

INR 1.01 Lakh

Note- This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Students were also interested in topics related to Animation:

Top 10 Government Animation Colleges in India

5 best countries to study Animation

2.28 L - 2.48 L
4.0

M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now

3.2 L
3.7

M.Sc. Applications open till Jan 15, 2026. Apply Now

4.4 L
4.0

M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now

2 Courses
20.5 K
3.5 LPA
3.2 L

M.Sc. Applications open till Jan 15, 2026. Apply Now

5.6 L
Q:   Which are the popular Animation colleges in India offering MSc in Animation course?
A:

Some colleges offering MSc in Animation are mentioned below:

  • Whistling Woods International
  • Film and Television Institute of India
  • Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
  • National Institute of Design
  • World University of Design
  • Asian Academy of Film and Television
Q:   What's the best course in animation by National Institute of Design (NID)?

Popular Private M.Sc. in Animation Colleges in India

3.2 L
3.7

M.Sc. Applications open till Jan 15, 2026. Apply Now

2.28 L - 2.48 L
4.0

M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now

2.64 L
3.2 L

M.Sc. Applications open till Jan 15, 2026. Apply Now

2 Courses
3.4 L
3.5 LPA
1 Course
3.12 L

M.Sc. Applications open. Apply Now

MSc Animation Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

One of the most dynamic and quickly expanding industries in the world is animation. Many applicants possessing a bachelor's degree or above have numerous possibilities in the animation industry. There are a few key trends in the animation industry. New computer animation approaches have surfaced in contrast to classic animation methods, altering the way viewers look for animation.

If you want to make a mark for yourself in the animation industry then you can work for any of the below-mentioned job profiles:

Job Profile

Description

Average Salary

3D Lead Animator

Oversees and manages a team of 3D animators, ensuring quality and meeting deadlines.

INR 7.8 LPA

Animation Director

Leads the creative direction of an animation project, guiding the team on character design, storyboarding, and animation style.

INR 11 LPA

Rigging Artist

Creates the digital skeletons and controls that allow for animation of 3D characters.

INR 3.6 LPA

Lighting Artist

Sets up the lighting and rendering of animation scenes to create a desired mood and atmosphere.

INR 4 LPA

Specialisation Roles

Visual Effects (VFX) Artist 

Creates complex visual effects elements using advanced software and techniques.

INR 3.6 LPA

Stop Motion Animator

Animates objects physically one frame at a time to create stop motion animation.

INR 4.5 LPA

Motion Graphics Designer

Creates animated graphics for explainer videos, presentations, and marketing materials.

INR 5.2 LPA

Others

Animation Pre-Production Artist

Develops storyboards, concept art, and other pre-production assets for animation projects.

INR 3.6 LPA

Animation Producer

Manages the production pipeline of an animation project, ensuring it stays on budget and schedule.

INR 4.5 LPA

Animation Faculty

Teaches animation courses at colleges and universities.

INR 2.5 LPA

Note: This information is sourced from the official website/ counselling body and may vary.

Suggested Links for MSc. Animation:

Differences between Graphics and Animation

MSc Animation Top Recruiters

When it comes to working chances, the field of animation is versatile and diverse. Candidates are quickly recruited by several prominent recruiters and private companies, especially if they are well-qualified and passionate about their profession. 

Here are some of the animation industry's top recruiters:

Top Animation Graduates Recruiters

Acer 

Netflix

Amazon Global Vision

Pent media graphics

Disney

Maya Entertainment

Adobe Systems Pvt. Ltd

Reliance media works Ltd.

Google Vision

UTV Toonz

Relevant Links for MSc. in Animation Students:

Top 10 Animation Companies that Hire Freshers

Character Design Portfolio: Steps to Build A Professional Portfolio

 

Q:   How can I get a job in an animation company?
A:

Candidates must first complete their degree programme from an accredited animation college or school and craft a strong CV in order to be hired by an animation firm.

On job search websites like Naukri, they need to improve their resume and target media, multimedia, and production firms. To reach a wider audience, they might also reach out to the recruiting managers of these production, multimedia, and media companies via social media.

Q:   What are the career opportunities after completing an MSc in Animation?
A:

An MSc in Animation can open doors to a various range of career paths, such as:

  • Character designer
  • Visual effects artist
  • Game developer
  • Animation director
  • Freelance animator
  • Animator
  • Storyboard artist

MSc in Animation Course FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions for MSc in Animation:

Q:   What are the key skills required for an MSc in Animation?
A:

Hi,

The skills required for an MSc in Animation include:

  • Strong artistic abilities
  • Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Adobe Animate)
  • Understanding of storytelling and character development
  • Technical knowledge of animation principles and techniques
  • Creative problem-solving skills

Hope this clears your doubt !

Q:   What are the emerging trends in animation?
A:

Some of the emerging trends for MSc in animations are:

  • Increased use of AI and machine learning in animation
  • Virtual reality and augmented reality applications
  • Focus on sustainable and ethical practices in the animation industry
  • Growing demand for animation in emerging markets
Q:   What is the scope of an MSc in Animation?
A:

Candidates pursuing a PG in Animation are considered to be specialists in VFX, modelling etc. Many companies prefer to hire candidates having specialised skills. Hence, there is a lot of scope for aspirants pursuing MSc in Animation. Some of the top recruiters in the Animation industry are Maya Entertainment Ltd, UTV Toonz, Toonz Animation India, Pentamedia Graphics etc.

After completing the MSc in Animation course, candidates can make their career as:

Multimedia artist: These professionals use technology to design and create special effects for electronic media.

3D Animator: 3D animators model and render animated characters and environments.

Visual Development Artist: A Visual Development Artist uses animation, illustration, design skills and drawing to create visuals that can easily convey the idea behind the entire production. 

Texture Artist: They paint surface textures for animated characters, pros and environments.

Effects Animator: An Effects Animator uses 3D lighting, effects and compositing tools to secure the desired look.

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular M.Sc. in Animation courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in M.Sc. in Animation.

Course Cutoffs

The cutoffs of popular M.Sc. in Animation colleges is given below:
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Answered 2 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks ago

Admissions are open for UG courses at NTU. Interested candidates can submit respective applications before Jan 14,  2026 which is late application deadline for UG courses. 

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

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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

Answered 3 weeks ago

Yes Nottingham Trent University offer scholarships to students pursuing Animation course. These scholarships are not just limited to Animation course students but to all UG and PG courses offered at NTU, UK. Some of these scholarships are mentioned below- 

  • NTU Excellence Scholarships 

  • Country and Scho

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Tuition fee for 1 year MA in Animation at Nottingham Trent University is GBP 18,300 (INR 22.14 L). 

Students who plan to pursue higher studies from UK must also consider some other cost associated with staying in country such as rent, food, utilities, travel, etc. 

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Nottingham Trent University built perfect spaces for Animation students. NTU offer dedicated studios, editing suites, creative spaces for better learning,  etc.. Other than this university also offer- 

  • Fashion Management, Marketing and Communications Facilities 

  • Fine Art Studios and Workshops Faciliti

...Read more

K

Kanishka Gambhir

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes there are some colleges that provide part-time courses in VFX. You can check the list in the table mentioned below -

S

Shruti Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

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