National Centre for Computer Animation

BU is home to the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), recognised as the best place in the UK to study computer animation and visual effects. The NCCA has been at the forefront of computer graphics and animation education and research in the UK since 1989.

In 2011, the Centre was presented with the Queen’s Anniversary Award for its contribution to world-leading excellence and pioneering development in the teaching of computer animation. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes form part of the national honours system and are the most prestigious awards in UK education.

The aim of the NCCA is to promote science in the service of the arts and to embed a theoretical underpinning within a contemporary professional setting, allowing graduates to leave BU with highly sought-after skills in the computer animation, visual effects and computer games industries.

The NCCA's Oscar tradition continues...

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Undergraduate courses

See what industry-leading undergraduate courses we run within the department.

NCCA postgraduate courses

Discover our postgraduate courses, which are highly regarded within the computer animation industry.

Industry links and accreditations

Find out about our strong industry links and accreditations.

See some of our students' work

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NCCA Postgraduate Degree Showreel 2015

Alumni hall of fame

Latest news

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17/05/2019

BU’s National Centre for Computer Animation tops UK rankings

Bournemouth University’s National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA) has been ranked the top university in the UK for animation, according to Animation Career Review.

15/05/2019

Graduate behind some of the world’s biggest blockbusters visits BU

A graduate responsible for visual effects work behind some of the biggest blockbusters of the decade has visited Bournemouth University (BU) to speak to students.

02/04/2019

BU animation student's degree project benefits palaeontology

Sian Warren has created a 3D visualisation tool which has accurately plotted a missing reptilian mammal species.

15/03/2019

#digitechfutures campaign highlights BU’s strength in the digital and technology sectors

A Bournemouth University campaign has highlighted the work taking place locally in the digital and technology sectors.

14/03/2019

Bournemouth University technology uses virtual reality to help surgeons

Researchers at Bournemouth University (BU) have been working on technology that uses animation, special effects, artificial intelligence and virtual reality to help surgeons develop skills and prepare for surgery.

13/02/2019

BU graduates are behind this year’s biggest Oscars contenders

BU alumni have been behind some of this year’s biggest academy award nominations, with BU Computer Animation graduate Theo Jones nominated for Best Visual Effects.

01/02/2019

BU graduate nominated for 2019 BAFTA

Bournemouth University graduate Andy Kind has been nominated for a BAFTA for his visual effects work on the film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

11/01/2019

Charities to benefit from university animation talent

Four charities will receive more than £150,000 worth of animation design work provided by university students, as part of Bournemouth University’s BFX Festival.