Digital Animation

Half-year Programme

Digital Animation

Study Online

Bring digital characters to life in just one semester. This intensive 30 ECTS online programme gives you creative and technical foundations in 3D animation, modelling, and rigging using industry-standard tools.

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Online Studies

12 January 2026

1/2 year full time

Full time: NOK 49.000,- per semester
NOK 0,- registration fee

State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen)

AI in the study programme

How is AI used in Digital Animation?

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how digital animation is created, from rigging automation to AI-assisted motion capture and character performance. In this programme, you’ll explore how these technologies enhance the animator’s workflow while still requiring strong artistic judgment and creative control. Students use AI tools for concept generation, timing references, and production efficiency, learning where automation adds value and where the artist’s intuition remains essential.

By combining traditional principles of movement and storytelling with modern AI-powered methods, you will graduate prepared to work in a creative industry increasingly shaped by intelligent tools and hybrid human–AI collaboration.

Why Study Digital Animation?

Animation is the art of movement - the magic that makes digital worlds feel alive. This one-semester programme introduces you to the creative and technical foundations to animate 3D characters for film, games, and digital media. You will learn the core principles of modelling, rigging, and animation using industry-standard tools such as Maya and ZBrush, while developing an understanding of how movement, timing, and character performance create believable animation.

The programme is project-based, meaning you learn by doing. Every assignment contributes to your portfolio. Whether you want to start your journey toward a bachelor’s degree in animation, reskill as a creative professional, or simply expand your artistic toolbox, this compact 30 ECTS programme delivers real production experience and career-ready skills.

Career Opportunities

This programme provides a foundation in digital animation. On its own, it prepares you for junior or support functions, as well as further study or career advancement. When combined with additional education or experience, it can lead to roles such as:

  • Junior 3D Animator
  • Character Rigger or Technical Artist
  • 3D Modelling Assistant
  • Motion Designer
  • Animation Production Assistant
  • Visual Effects or Game Art Trainee
Digital Animation

– Students learn how timing, performance, and storytelling turn ideas into emotion

Programme information

Learning aims

After completing the programme, you will understand the fundamental principles of animation and be able to apply them in 3D environments. You will be skilled in modelling, rigging, and animating characters using professional software such as Maya and ZBrush. You will also learn the basics of collaborative production, feedback iteration, and portfolio development. These skills prepare you for entry-level creative roles or for further studies within 3D animation, game development, or visual effects at bachelor level.

Read more about the study program in our course catalog.

Course structure

3D Animation 1 (10 ECTS)

Learn the principles of movement, timing, and storytelling to bring 3D characters to life through animation.

3D Rigging 1 (10 ECTS)

Understand the foundations of asset creation and manipulation by building the digital skeletons that make characters move.

Studio 1 (10 ECTS)

Work collaboratively on creative projects in a studio-style environment, developing project management and production skills through hands-on practice.

This half-year programme provides a foundation in the field or serves as a valuable addition to a student’s academic journey. While it can be integrated into the Bachelor's Degrees in Interactive Media Animation or Games, it does not directly replace any single semester, as it includes courses from multiple academic levels. Students earn ECTS credits.

Extended programme information

School: Noroff University College
Application deadline: Continuous admission. Applications are processed in the order they are submitted.
Language of instruction: English
Accreditations: Approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). Accredited by NOKUT.
Unit: Half-year Programme
Credits: 30 ECTS

Admission requirements

Noroff has ongoing admissions, and applications are processed in the order they are received. The earlier you apply, the earlier you can secure a study place.

To qualify for the program, you must have general study competence. It is also possible to apply based on recognized prior learning.

For international students, depending upon which country you have received your education from, the requirements will differ. Please use this website where you can find the specific requirements for your country at the bottom of the page.

You can read more about admission requirements here.

Financing

All our study programs are approved for loans and grants from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund (Lånekassen). You can apply to the Loan Fund for basic support (loan and grant; NOK 151,690) and tuition fees (NOK 77,192).

As an adult student, you can receive loans and grants from the State Educational Loan Fund. This also applies if you work while studying.

As a main rule, you must be a Norwegian citizen to receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Fund. However, foreign citizens may also be entitled to financial support. Check here to see if you are eligible.

You can read more about payment, loans, and grants here. 

Our academic staff

Erik Hammer
Animation is about creating emotion through movement. In this programme, students go from first sketches to fully animated characters. Erik Hammer, Programme Leader
Emlyn Butterfield
Digital Animation combines artistic creativity with technical precision. Our goal is to help students master both. Emlyn Butterfield
Få studieveiledning på Noroff

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Related news

From an early age, Daniel Kelland has been driven by a passion for creating. Through 3D design, he discovered a world without limits, where imagination runs free and creativity truly flourishes.

– My passion for games has grown even more in recent years, thanks to the constantly evolving technology and the countless opportunities that exist in this field," says Katarina Arntsen (25).

The former Noroff student works as an animator at Framestore in London. - I never thought I would be one of those people who would breathe life into characters like Rocket and Groot.

     

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