Games, Animation and Visual Effects

If you love creating immersive experiences, whether through games, film, or digital art, our courses give you the skills, tools, and industry connections to turn your ideas into reality.

Industry-standard Facilities

Train in professional studios with motion capture, green screen, VR and 3D labs.

Industry Connections

Work alongside partners like Screen Alliance Wales and Bad Wolf Studios through talks, visits and collaborative projects.

Collaborative Learning

Create games, films and animations with students across creative disciplines.

Portfolio Focused

Build a professional portfolio that showcases your skills and creativity to future employers.

Games and Animation Academy of Wales

At the Games and Animation Academy of Wales, we’re all about unlocking talent, sparking innovation, and putting Wales on the global map for digital entertainment.

Animation and Games student working on some artwork in the classroom

Visual Effects and Motion Graphics student working on an animation on a computer.

An over the shoulder view of a student working on designing a game on a computer.

dark image with blue and purple illuminated lighting show computer screen with visual effects image on, other screens and people in background

Computer Games Design Showreel

animation student working on a clay sculpture

Did you know?

100%

of USW BA (Hons) Visual Effects and Motion Graphics students were satisfied with their course for the second year running.

National Student Survey 2026

Top 20 for Production Excellence in Console Games. (Rookies 2025 Global School Rankings)
Top 50 Schools in the World for Animation, Games and VFX. (Rookies 2025 Global School Rankings)

Did you know?

100%

of USW BA (Hons) Animation (2D and Stop Motion) students were satisfied with their course.

National Student Survey 2026

Top 20 for Production Excellence in Console Games. (Rookies 2025 Global School Rankings)
Top 50 Schools in the World for Animation, Games and VFX. (Rookies 2025 Global School Rankings)

Inside the Subject

Games Academy - Game Animation student work

Discover the Games and Animation Academy of Wales

We’re shaping the future of digital creativity in Wales, connecting talented students, industry experts and innovators to drive the next generation of games and animation. Explore our courses, meet our graduates, and see how we’re putting Wales on the world stage for creative excellence.

Games and Animation Academy of Wales

A group of students taking a selfie in front of a green screen.

Industry-ready Facilities

Our studios feature high-spec PCs, Wacom Cintiq tablets and industry-standard software, with remote access for flexible work. You’ll also have access to motion capture, green screen, VR/AR, and dedicated spaces for life drawing, stop motion, 3D printing and laser cutting — all designed to mirror real studio environments.

Creative Graduate Festival

Creative Graduate Festival is an online showcase of final-year work from students across the University of South Wales’ creative courses. It highlights the ideas, skills, and projects developed by students as they prepare for careers in the creative industries.

Creative Graduate Festival

Success for Film and Animation Students at RTS Cymru Awards

USW Film and Animation sweeps the board with eight Royal Television Society Cymru awards

My Journey Back to Education at USW

Robert Fish

Visual Effects student

Developing a Creative Career at USW

Lucy Clover

Visual Effects student

The MA Animation course at USW laid a strong foundation for my career

Ida Mirzaee

Animation graduate

Studying Animation at USW has given me endless opportunities

Chloe Kacperski

Animation student

Studying Computer Games Design helped to boost my confidence

Luke

Computer Games Design student

Lecturer support and flexibility helped me develop from a beginner to an expert

Siddharth Ravindran

Game Art student

Crafting a future in Stop-Motion Animation

Adiee Romans

Animation student

Growing my craft in Cardiff’s animation community

Hayden Powell

Animation student

Take a virtual tour

Study in the heart of Cardiff

Cardiff is one of the most affordable cities in the UK too, so it’s perfect for cash-strapped students. There’s always something happening or new places to discover.

Cardiff Campus