BCFE Makes it into Top 25 International Animation Schools and Colleges – 2021 College Rankings

Above are the 2021 rankings of the top international animation colleges in the world, excluding the US and Ballyfermot makes it in at no. 18.

Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Dublin, Ireland

Established in 1979 as the Senior College Ballyfermot (SCB), Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) is a vocational school that consists of nine academic departments. The Animation & Games Department at BCFE offers a BA in Visual Media – Animation Stream (with University of Dundee, Scotland), a Diploma in Animation & Classical Computer, and a Certificate in Animation Drawing & Illustration Studies.

The BA Program is a two-year, self-directed learning program that covers Classical and Computer Animation. Students in the program “are challenged to develop and integrate their creative, technical, and academic skills in a structured way, producing both individual and group films.” Course highlights include Applied Visual Media Theory, Design and Technology, Life Drawing, Professional Practice, Visual Media Production, and Visual Media Theory.

Collaborative student films are screened annually at the Animation and Games Graduate Showcase. Graduates of the BCFE BA in Visual Media – Animation Stream have progressed to positions at a number of Irish animation studios.

The Animation & Classical Computer Diploma is a two-year program that covers Classical Hand-Drawn Computer Animation including 3D Modeling, Character Animation, and Animating for Feature Films, TV or Games. Specific course highlights include Advanced 3D Modelling and Character Animation, Concept Design for Animation, Historical and Theoretical Analysis of Animation, Layout for Animation, Layout and Storyboarding, and Scriptwriting for Animation.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to work in Feature, TV or Computer Game Animation or to apply for entry into the BA in Visual Media – Animation Stream Program.

The Certificate in Animation Drawing & Illustration Studies is a one-year foundation program covering Animation Drawing, Animation Layout Design, Figure Studies, Painting, and Sculpture. The school says the program is designed to “enhance” the students “creativity and artistic skills,” and “provide a great introduction to the world of animation.”  Students will leave the program with “a strong foundation, both technically and artistically, for further study in Classical and Computer Animation.” Graduates with a merit profile may apply for entry into the Animation & Classical Computer Diploma Program.