Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation Design
About This Programme
A studio-based fine-arts degree in animation design covering 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics and digital storytelling. Accredited by NASAD (substantial equivalency).
Course Highlights
- Studio degree with NASAD substantial equivalency
- Taught at Zayed University, ranked #588 in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- American-style credit-hour degree taught in English
- UAE nationals are generally government-sponsored
What You'll Study
Delivered in English at Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Zayed University's programme header states 9 semesters on average, while the programme's own delivery section states 8 semesters. Courses run in 8-week terms, generally Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Programme courses
Required credit hours: 120. Course list as printed in the Zayed University Catalog 2025-2026, pages 65-67.
- ART121 Fundamentals of Art & Design
- FYE140 Critical Analysis and Composition
- FYE110 Reasoning with Data
- FYE120 Islamic Culture
- FYE105 Workplace Readiness and Professional Skills
- FYE126 Contemporary Emirati Studies
- FYE146 Arabic Concepts for Non-Native Speakers
- FYE155 Digital Humanities
- FYE195 Artificial Intelligence Essentials and Applications
- ART220 Introduction to Art History
- ART205 Art Foundations
- ART201 Principles of Design
- ART223 History of Visual Culture II
- ART251 Basic Design
- ART221 Research Methods for Artists and Designers
- AAH322 History of Islamic Art and Architecture
- AAD376 Animation 1
- AGD351 Graphic Design 1
- AVA310 Drawing
- AAD375 Fundamentals of Digital 3D
- AGD314 Illustration and Visual Narrative
- AGD356 Typography
- AAD476 Animation III
- AAD378 Character Modeling
- AAH427 History of Animation
- AAD475 Game Design
- ADR321 Material Culture of the United Arab
- ADR405 Professional Practice
- ART499 Senior Project
- ART490 Internship
- AAH325 History of Design
- AAH420 Communities, Curatorial Practices
- AAH422 Contemporary Art Theory
- AAH425 History of Graphic Design
- AAH430 Curatorial Practices
- AAH426 History of Interior Design
- ART297 Special Topics in Art and Design:
- AVA309 Digital Illustration
- AVA313 Drawing
- AVA315 Sculpture
- AVA316 Ceramics
- AVA317 Storyboarding
- AVA318 Three-Dimensional Design
- AVA319 Introduction to Jewelry Design
- AAH328 Cross Cultural Influences in Design
- AVA340 Photography
- AVA346 Digital Video II
- AGD357 Designing for the Web
- AGD358 Design for Social Change
- AVA360 Printmaking
- AVA366 Book Structures
- ART397 Special Topics in Art and Design
- AVA418 Installation
- ART495 Independent Study
- ART497 Special Topics in Art and Design
- AVA312 Painting 1
- AVA345 Digital Video
- AID477 Advanced Modeling, Lighting and
- FYE150 Fundamentals of Innovation and
- AAD377 Animation II
- ADR492 Senior Research Seminar
Entry Requirements
UAE nationals admitted under the government scholarship scheme receive full tuition funding for up to five years. Accepted secondary qualifications and minimums: A-Levels 2 subjects at grade C or higher (excluding Arabic and Islamic Studies), IB Diploma 24 points, IB Certificate 21 points including 2 subjects related to the degree at grade 5 or higher, BTEC Level 3 Diploma 2 Merits. UAE Ministry of Education and American curricula have no minimum overall average, but subject requirements apply.
Careers
Graduates pursue careers in design studios, media, advertising, animation and the creative industries, or in freelance practice.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Substantial equivalency granted by NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design).
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Start Date
August (Fall intake)
Typical Offer
High-school graduation with the subject grades required for the major (for example 80% in Grade 12 Mathematics and English for quantitative majors).
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Art & Design
Campus
Abu Dhabi or Dubai
Course Type
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 75,000/yr
Undergraduate applicants apply online (UAE nationals via the Ministry of Education portal; others via ZU e-services), submit their documents and pay the AED 250 application fee.