Bring Your World to the Screen with 2D and 3D Animation at CapU

Build a dynamic, exciting career in animation with a little help from Capilano University.

Turn your art and design skills into an exciting new career when you study 2D or 3D animation at Capilano University.

Our robust, industry-focused curriculum is designed to build your confidence and skills, allowing you to learn hands-on with the same software and tools professionals use.

There are three animation programs at CapU: our two-month Animation Fundamentals Citation, and two-year diplomas in 2D Animation & Visual Development and 3D Animation for Film and Games.

You'll be taught by instructors with extensive industry experience, covering important concepts such as character drawing, production design, visual development and new animation techniques.

In all three programs, you'll learn to animate proficiently at all stages of production, setting you up for success across multiple industries, including television, film, game development, advertising, or educational content.

Animation Fundamentals Citation

In our intensive two-month Animation Fundamentals Citation, you'll hone your abilities through hands-on exercises in animation, design, animation principles and digital animation while also learning about frame-by-frame movement, character and layout design.

The portfolio of work you create from the program can help build your application to our 2D and 3D animation diploma programs.

2D Animation & Visual Development Diploma

Our two-year 2D animation diploma is an opportunity to further hone your skills in design elements, form, timing and character design, while becoming familiar with industry principles, making it a perfect fit for Vancouver's booming digital arts industry.

Building your skills in character design is a particularly vital part of the 2D program, and instructors offer support and mentorship along the way.

"The complexity of the character increases, and the work to get the character's motion right gets more complicated down the line," instructor Juan C. Lopez de la Torre said. "Having a structure to follow of very rigorous research, testing, documenting and sharing can be applied to industry and the classroom."

3D Animation for Film & Games Diploma

You can also develop your capabilities in visual effects, storytelling, lighting, rendering and 3D modelling in our two-year 3D Animation for Film & Games diploma.

The program is an academic partner with Unreal Engine, which provides students with exclusive access to the software through tuition-paid subscriptions and the opportunity to earn project credits.

"You feel like you have control over what you're doing and what you're creating," Elizabeth F., a recent graduate, said. "It's very, very rewarding to see your work come to life."

Both the 2D and 3D programs take place in computer labs equipped with the latest digital production tools. From your dedicated workstation, you'll work from advanced software that helps you develop an eye for high-quality imagery and create virtual environments, expanding your creative abilities.

Our 3D animation program also allows you to further develop in augmented and virtual reality, with access to a 40x40-foot capture stage that features wireless tools for immersive experiences across a range of media.

Before graduation, you'll build a portfolio representing the best of your work as an animator, showcasing your abilities to industry employers and build your professional network at our AVFX Gradshow.

Career outcomes

CapU animation graduates work at major digital production studios, advertising firms, non-profits and content creation services in Vancouver, B.C. and internationally. Others have gone on to start their own firms or become successful freelancers.

If you'd like to learn more about these programs in person, visit Capilano University's Events page and sign up for an upcoming information session. You can also email us at [email protected].