I am currently a first-year BA (Hons) Animation Production student at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), where I also completed my Foundation course. My journey here wasn’t entirely straightforward – I actually went through the Clearing process twice before ultimately deciding that AUB was the perfect place for me.
I initially chose to enter Clearing because I wanted to explore animation courses at other universities and challenge myself with the application process and deadlines. Balancing the Clearing timeline with my ongoing Foundation coursework was a major challenge. The hardest part was re-evaluating my university choices while simultaneously updating and tailoring my portfolio to meet different institutional requirements.
During this challenging period, my teachers and friends were incredibly supportive. Beyond just emotional encouragement, they shared their own experiences and insights about various universities, giving me a much clearer perspective. They also gave me invaluable feedback on the design and content of my portfolio. Thanks to their consistent support, I successfully managed both my daily schoolwork and my Clearing submissions.
When I initially considered applying to other universities, my motivation stemmed from a desire to explore new environments and challenge myself in unfamiliar academic settings. However, as I began researching other programmes, I found myself constantly measuring them against the standard of education I had been receiving at AUB.
I quickly realised that the unique blend of creative academics, with critically reflective writing, vibrant campus culture, and deeply supportive community at AUB are what I constantly searched for, not only back then but also at the moment. Ultimately, I kept my decision to stick with AUB because I recognised that my academic and personal growth would be best supported by staying.
Ever since starting the Animation Production degree at AUB, which was my final choice, I have been amazed by how much I have learned in just one year. Even though the workload is intense, I have managed to navigate it successfully thanks to the incredible support of my friends, technicians and lecturers.
One thing I didn't expect from the course was its sheer variety. We don't just focus on the technical side of animation; there is also a heavy focus on life drawing and academic writing, where we learn how to professionally analyse animation through essays.
While our first year primarily focuses on traditional 2D animation on paper, we also get hands-on experience with 3D animation and stop motion. It isn't just about the technical side, either; there is a rich emphasis on life drawing and academic writing, where we learn how to professionally analyse animation through essays. The course has really allowed me to explore a wide range of skills, knowledge and experiences.
We also got to dive into collaborative projects outside the main schoolwork, where I got to work with new people and create a production group to overcome the tight deadlines. I found that the course truly allowed me to explore varieties of skills, knowledge, as well as hands-on experience.
But one vital thing to mention is the art community here, where it’s very easy to make friends and find your community. We don't only learn about things within our own course, but we also learn about how different art courses intersect, and we learn from each other. Like how I learnt about designing my websites from Graphic Design, or game mechanics from Games Art and Design.
Beyond the studio work, the University provides incredible industry exposure. From work and internship opportunities to regular guest talks from industry professionals, AUB helps us understand what it actually feels like to work in the massive animation sector. Overall, my course and university life have absolutely lived up to my expectations.
For anyone considering applying through Clearing, my biggest piece of advice is to be highly organised. Carefully check each university's specific modules, portfolio requirements, and deadlines so you can manage them all together without burning out. It’s also worth making a pros-and-cons list for each uni to see which one actually aligns with your future goals.
Wishing everyone reading this the absolute best in their own university journey!
