Bachelor & Master’s in animation

A recognized leader in animation education

France is one of the world’s leading countries for animation — home to a long tradition of excellence and innovation in visual storytelling. To master these creative professions, there is no better place to study than in France.

Renowned both nationally and internationally, 3iS (Institut International de l’Image et du Son) stands among Europe’s most respected schools for the creative industries. Its Master’s in Animation, taught entirely in English, makes this French expertise accessible to international students and helps share the country’s unique know-how worldwide.

The program trains future creators and directors to master the art of storytelling through movement, design, and technology. Combining artistic vision, narrative creativity, and technical mastery — from traditional 2D animation to advanced 3D — it prepares versatile professionals ready to join the global animation and entertainment industries.

At a glance

Duration

5 Years

Languages

English

Next intake

September 2026

Pace

Full Time

Campus

Paris

Study format

On-Campus

Tuition fees

11,500 € per year

Application deadline

July 2026

Program

  • A complete 5-year program — from the Bachelor in 2D/3D Animation to the Master’s in Animation, leading from creative foundations to professional specialization.
  • State-recognized Master’s degree (RNCP Level 7)
  • Taught by industry professionals and leading animation experts
  • Hands-on learning in professional production conditions
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities: motion capture studio, 3D labs, sound and post-production suites
  • Internships and collaborative projects to build real-world experience
  • Career coaching and portfolio development with the 3iS Career & Alumni Office
  • Small class size (max. 25 students) ensuring personalized guidance and creative collaboration

 

Students explore the full animation pipeline — from concept to post-production — while developing a personal creative voice.
Key modules include:

  • Character design & storytelling
  • 2D/3D animation and compositing
  • Visual effects and digital production pipelines
  • Sound design for animation
  • Team-based production and short film direction

Each semester awards 30 ECTS credits, for a total of 120 ECTS over two years. Graduates earn a State-certified RNCP Level 7 qualification, the highest recognition for this field in France.

Curriculum

Bachelor Cycle in Animation (Years 1–3)

During the first three years, students build a strong foundation in drawing, perspective, and colour theory, while discovering professional software such as Maya, Zbrush, Photoshop, and Harmony.
They explore both 2D and 3D animation techniques, develop their storytelling skills, and gain a full understanding of the animation pipeline.
By the third year, each student produces a first short film, strengthening their creative and technical expertise in preparation for advanced studies.

 

Year 1 – Fundamentals of Animation (60 ECTS)

The first year provides a solid foundation in drawing, visual composition, and artistic principles.
Students learn how to create expressive characters and immersive environments by mastering anatomy, perspective, and colour theory.
Practical workshops introduce professional tools such as Maya, Photoshop, Zbrush, and Harmony, while classes in lighting and frame-by-frame animation help students strengthen their visual storytelling skills.
By the end of the year, each student builds a portfolio that reflects their creative identity and technical growth.

 

Year 2 – Exploration and Development (60 ECTS)

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of 2D and 3D animation and explore the main roles in production.
They bring characters to life, inspired by the craftsmanship of Pixar or Studio Ghibli, and develop an advanced sense of narrative and rhythm.
Workshops cover software such as 3ds Max and advanced VFX techniques, allowing students to create immersive, visually stunning scenes.

 

Year 3 – First steps in production (60 ECTS)

The third year focuses on production and project management.
Students create their first animated short film, in 2D or 3D, applying what they’ve learned in character design, concept art, storyboarding, modelling, rigging, lighting, shading, and compositing.
Supported by industry professionals, they experience every stage of the animation pipeline, from script to screen.
Seminars on VFX and interactive design complement this hands-on learning experience and prepare them for the professional world.

 

Master Cycle in Animation (Years 4–5)

In the Master Cycle, students specialize in areas such as Character Design, Storyboarding, 2D/3D Animation, or Environment Art.
They lead team-based projects and develop a graduation short film over two years, from concept to post-production, in collaboration with the 3iS Sound Department.
The final semester includes a professional internship or first industry contract, supported by the 3iS Career and Alumni Office, ensuring a smooth transition into the professional world.

 

Year 4 – Pre-production and Specialization (60 ECTS)

In the fourth year, students choose their specialization — such as Character Design, Environment Art, Storyboarding, or 2D/3D Animation.
They take on leadership roles within production teams and begin the pre-production phase of their final graduation film.
Throughout the year, they design a visual bible, produce an animatic and a demo reel, all presented before a professional jury.
They also explore emerging fields such as audiovisual design and virtual environments, strengthening their creative and technical versatility.

 

Year 5 – Production and Industry integration (60 ECTS)

The final year is dedicated to the production and post-production of the graduation short film, created in collaboration with the 3iS Sound Department.
Students refine their specialization, develop a professional portfolio, and gain real-world experience through a 3- to 6-month internship or a first professional contract.
The year concludes with a jury presentation and personalized career support.
Thanks to guidance from professors and the 3iS Alumni Network, graduates transition smoothly into the animation industry, ready to take on creative and technical roles in leading studios worldwide.

Projects

Throughout the five-year journey, students bring their ideas to life through individual and collaborative projects that reflect real industry practices. Each year builds creative and technical expertise — from foundational exercises to professional-level productions.

Examples include:

  • Designing and animating expressive 2D or 3D characters inspired by original stories.
  • Creating short films — from concept, storyboarding, and animatics to final compositing and sound design.
  • Developing an animated sequence using professional software such as Maya, Zbrush, 3ds Max, or Harmony.
  • Producing visual effects shots that integrate 3D assets, lighting, and compositing.
  • Building detailed environments and digital sets for animated scenes.
  • Directing a collaborative graduation short film, presented before a professional jury.
  • Participating in interdisciplinary projects combining animation, sound, and post-production.
  • Completing a professional internship or first industry contract, gaining hands-on studio experience.

 

By the end of the program, each student has a complete professional portfolio — including a graduation film, demo reel, and creative bible — showcasing both artistic vision and technical mastery.

 

Students work with professional software such as Maya, Houdini, Blender, Nuke, Zbrush, After Effects, and more — mastering the tools used in top studios worldwide.

Program outcome

Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a state-recognized Master’s degree (RNCP Level 7).

 

Our dedicated Career Path program (“Parcours Pro”) supports students every step of the way, from training to professional success.

Graduates are prepared for positions such as: Animation Director, Concept Artist, Storyboard Artist, 3D Animator, Compositor, Technical Artist, or VFX Supervisor.
Thanks to 3iS’s strong industry network, alumni now work at leading studios in France and abroad, contributing to feature films, TV series, games, and immersive projects.

 

Ready to make animation your creative playground?
Join the Master’s in Animation at 3iS and turn your imagination into motion.
Apply now – Next intake: September 2026.