Certificate in Animation
Course Overview
Take the first step to becoming a professional animator
This Degree in Animation (QQI Level 6) is taught by leaders in creative media education, Pulse College, and allows students to take their first steps to becoming professional animators.
This programme is delivered in partnership with Pulse College.
Why study Animation at Griffith College?
Our partnered Certificate in Animation is available on both a full, and part-time basis over a one or two-year period and is taught on campus at Pulse College. This course covers the full range of topics from pre-production, production, and post-production in 2D and 3D animation, as well as the theory behind animation to create an in-depth understanding of the work you do and give you the best opportunity to break into the dynamic, and creative animation industry.
- Students will gain experience in all the fundamentals of animation from 2D animation techniques to 3D modelling to storyboarding to Comic Books and Sequential Art.
- You will receive hands-on training from professionals vastly experienced within the animation industry.
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
- The practical nature of the course, including the development of a polished and exciting portfolio, will prepare learners for work in the sector.
- You will be introduced to valuable professional workflows and teach you everything from the basics of animation through to full 3D modelling.
- Small class sizes ensure that you get the one-on-one attention needed to perfect your technical and creative skills.
- Our flexible study modes offer part-time Animation courses.
Course Highlights
- Computer Game specialisation
- Creating 3D Characters
- Examining Comic Book Art and Production
- Industry leading guest lectures (EA Games / Brown Bag Films)
- State-of-the-art software
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2026
Course Details
This course is delivered on the Pulse Games and Animation Campus in Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Modules
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Explore the history and development of animation
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Introduction to the 12 principles of animation
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Create simple biped 3D characters for animation
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Texture, rig, and animate 3D characters
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Visual Culture & Theory 1
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Line and contour drawing techniques
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Tonal value in creating the human form
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Gesture drawing
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Skeletal and muscular structure
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Creating a consistent narrative
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Theories and methods of storytelling
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Constructing and evolving a story
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Rigging 3D characters for use in animation
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Topology and weight painting
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Keyframe animation and the graph editor
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Create biped and quadruped 2D characters for animation
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Use animation principles to augment 2D animation
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Defining a storyboard
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Explore the different types of storyboards, techniques, and methodologies
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Designing storyboards for animation
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Unwrapping different types of 3D models
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Creating multiple texture maps
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Explore a variety of map types and their purposes
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Texturing characters and scenes
Timetables
Timetables TBC
How to Apply
International students
Entry onto the Certificate in Animation is based on a course interview. International students under 23 years of age will be required to submit High School Diploma Scripts and any additional Educational Certifications.
English Language
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide proof of English proficiency. Griffith College accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
Irish citizens under 23 years of age:
Must meet the following Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements:
- H5 or better in 2 subjects
- O6 / H7 in 4 additional subjects, incl. mathematics and English or Irish
Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility. All applicants must complete an interview with Pulse College.
Applicants under 23 years of age will need to upload a copy of the following;
- Photo ID (passport/driving licence)
- GNIB card, if applicable
- Leaving Certificate/High School Diploma Results
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
Will be asked for a copy of the following;
- Photo ID (passport/driving licence)
- GNIB card, if applicable
Apply directly to Griffith College below.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Please note that not all If you have any questions about fees, please contact Pulse College directly.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin : EUR 8,950.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course? Please contact Pulse College directly for information on Sponsorship.
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
In line with national policy, graduates from the level 6 programme would be eligible to progress to Level 7 or 8 programmes.
Graduates may wish to further extend their industry-based professional qualifications as new technologies and developments emerge.
Career Progression
Through the Certificate in Animation, you will have gained valuable design experience, built a strong foundation of creative skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- 3D Production Artist
- 3D Light Assistant
- Graphic Designer
- 3d Modeler
- Animator
- Video Games Designer
- Flash Animator
- Character designer for games
- Concept artist
- VFX animator
