Art and Design

Bachelor of Animation and Graphics Design

The Bachelor of Animation and Graphics Design is a creative technology programme that equips students with skills in 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, graphic design, visual storytelling, and digital media production.

Students study core modules including principles of animation, 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, graphic design fundamentals, digital illustration, character design, storyboarding, visual effects, and UI/UX design. The programme also covers media law, intellectual property, project management, and portfolio development.

Kenya's creative economy is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for animation and graphics content in advertising, film, television, gaming, e-learning, and digital media. The rise of streaming platforms, mobile gaming, and social media content creation has expanded opportunities for animation graduates.

The programme is delivered over eight semesters with a practical project or industrial attachment in the third year. Students build a professional portfolio throughout the programme, culminating in a final-year project that showcases their specialisation.

Graduates work as graphic designers, animators, motion graphics designers, UI/UX designers, character designers, illustrators, and art directors.

This programme is ideal for creative students with strong visual imagination, attention to detail, and passion for digital media. Proficiency in drawing and computers is advantageous. The ability to work under deadlines, accept constructive feedback, and continuously learn new software tools is essential for success in this rapidly evolving field.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 188,000
Private, up to: Ksh 547,350
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Principles of Animation
2D Animation Techniques
3D Animation and Modelling
Motion Graphics Design
Graphic Design Fundamentals
Digital Illustration
Character Design and Rigging
Storyboarding and Visual Storytelling
UI/UX Design Principles
Digital Media Production

Modules

12 in the programme

Principles of Animation
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Introduction to the 12 principles of animation, timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation, and follow-through. Students create simple animation exercises demonstrating core principles.
Graphic Design Fundamentals
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundations of visual design including typography, colour theory, composition, layout, and visual hierarchy. Students learn Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop basics.
2D Animation Techniques
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Digital 2D animation production using industry software, including frame-by-frame animation, cut-out animation, and 2D rigging for broadcast and web.
3D Animation and Modelling
Year 2Semester 24 creditsCore
3D modelling, texturing, lighting, and animation using Maya or Blender. Students create 3D assets and animate them in short sequences.
Storyboarding and Visual Storytelling
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Visual narrative techniques, storyboard creation, shot composition, camera angles, and sequencing for animation and film production.
Motion Graphics Design
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Creating animated graphics for advertising, broadcast, and digital media using After Effects. Covers kinetic typography, logo animation, and explainer video production.
Character Design and Rigging
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Principles of character design for animation and games, including character sheets, expression sheets, and rigging for 2D and 3D characters.
UI/UX Design Principles
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
User interface and user experience design for web and mobile applications, including wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and design systems.
Digital Media Production
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
End-to-end digital media production pipeline, from concept development to final delivery, including project management, client briefs, and production workflows.
Visual Effects and Compositing
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Creating visual effects for film and animation, including green screen keying, particle effects, tracking, and compositing using industry-standard software.
Portfolio Development
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Building a professional portfolio and showreel, including online presence, personal branding, and presentation of work for job applications and client pitches.
Final Year Project
Year 4Semester 26 creditsCore
Independent creative project producing a complete animation short, motion graphics package, or comprehensive branding campaign, culminating in a public presentation.

Specialisations

2D Animation
Focus on traditional and digital 2D animation techniques, including frame-by-frame animation, cut-out animation, and 2D rigging for broadcast and web content.
3D Animation and Modelling
Focus on 3D character modelling, texturing, rigging, and animation using industry-standard software such as Maya and Blender for film, games, and visualisation.
Motion Graphics Design
Focus on animated graphic design for advertising, broadcast, social media, and corporate communications, combining typography, illustration, and animation.
Graphic Design and Branding
Focus on visual identity design, logo creation, packaging design, and brand collateral for corporate and commercial clients.
UI/UX Design
Focus on user interface and user experience design for web and mobile applications, combining visual design with interaction design principles.
Digital Illustration
Focus on digital art creation for editorial, publishing, advertising, and entertainment industries using vector and raster illustration tools.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on animation principles or graphic design theory, followed by a studio session where students work on practical projects using Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, or Blender. Afternoons may involve critique sessions where students present work-in-progress to peers and lecturers for feedback. Students often spend evenings refining their portfolios or working on collaborative animation projects.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's only degree programme specifically named 'Animation and Graphics Design', offering a unique qualification in the creative sector.
Growing demand for digital content creation in advertising, media, gaming, and e-learning sectors across Kenya and East Africa.
Portfolio-based assessment means graduates have tangible work samples to show employers, unlike theory-only degrees.
Freelance and remote work opportunities allow graduates to earn in foreign currency through international platforms.

Against it

Only offered at one public university (MMU), limiting geographic choice and creating admission competition.
Entry-level salaries in Kenya's creative sector are modest (KES 25,000–45,000/month) compared to tech or finance roles.
Rapidly evolving software and tools require continuous self-learning beyond the formal curriculum.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 73 art and design courses

Public155k to 188k

155k at Multimedia University of Kenya188k at Multimedia University of Kenya

Private206k to 547k

206k at KCA University547k at USIU-Africa

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

MMU (public) BA Animation&Graphics ~155K-188K/yr. KCA 206K, USIU 547K/yr (USIU fee schedule)

Students can access HELB loans, county government bursaries, and Kenya Film Commission grants for creative industry training.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
County Government Bursaries
Kenya Film Commission Grants

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Needy Kenyan students placed through KUCCPS in public universities.
Kenya Film Commission Creative Grant
GrantKsh 250,000Kenyan
Kenyan creatives and students in film and animation, applied through the Kenya Film Commission.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan
Students from the respective county, applied through county education offices.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
East African students admitted to film and TV disciplines at partner Kenyan institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Relevant diploma in animation, film, graphic design, or media production from a recognised institution with at least a credit pass. Diploma holders may join in the second year of study.

How you are assessed

4 components

Practical Studio Projects
Coursework40% of the mark
Hands-on project work including animation exercises, design briefs, and portfolio pieces assessed on technical execution and creative quality.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Coursework20% of the mark
Written tests covering design theory, animation principles, software knowledge, and media law.
Portfolio Reviews
Coursework15% of the mark
Periodic portfolio critiques where students present accumulated work to lecturers and industry professionals for evaluation.
Final Year Project
Examination25% of the mark
Comprehensive creative project producing a complete animation short or branding campaign, assessed by a panel including industry practitioners.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Multimedia University of Kenya, a chartered public university.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Statutory accreditation for all Kenyan universities offering degree programmes.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Junior Graphic Designer
High demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 45,000
Creates visual content for branding, marketing, and digital media at advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, or as a freelancer.
Junior Animator
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 55,000
Produces 2D and 3D animations for film, television, advertising, e-learning, and digital media at production houses and media companies.
Motion Graphics Designer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 65,000
Creates animated graphics, kinetic typography, and explainer videos for advertising agencies, broadcast media, and corporate communications.
Junior UI/UX Designer
High demandKsh 35,000 to Ksh 70,000
Designs user interfaces and experiences for web and mobile applications at tech companies, startups, and digital agencies.
Junior Character Designer
Moderate demandKsh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000
Designs characters for animation, games, and digital media at game studios, animation studios, and as a freelancer.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as graphic designers, animators, motion graphics designers, and UI/UX designers in advertising agencies, media companies, production houses, and as freelancers across Kenya's growing creative economy.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Adobe After Effects
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard motion graphics and visual effects software used for creating animated content for broadcast, web, and film.
Adobe Illustrator
SoftwarePrimary
Vector graphics editor used for logo design, illustration, typography, and graphic design production.
Blender
Software
Open-source 3D creation suite for modelling, animation, rigging, simulation, rendering, and compositing.
Autodesk Maya
Software
Professional 3D animation software used in film, games, and visualisation for modelling, animation, and rendering.
Adobe Photoshop
SoftwarePrimary
Raster graphics editor used for digital painting, photo editing, texture creation, and compositing.
Figma
Software
Collaborative interface design tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design systems.

Certifications

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Animation and graphics design is just about drawing cartoons.
The field encompasses 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, UI/UX design, visual effects, branding, and digital media production. Many roles require minimal traditional drawing skills.
There are no jobs for animators in Kenya.
Kenya's advertising, media, and tech sectors increasingly require animation and graphics skills. The rise of digital content, e-learning, and mobile gaming has created new opportunities.
You need expensive equipment to study animation.
Most universities provide computer labs with required software. Open-source tools like Blender offer professional-grade capabilities at no cost for personal practice.
Animation graduates can only work in film studios.
Graduates work in advertising agencies, corporate marketing, game development, e-learning companies, NGOs, and as freelancers serving international clients.
AI will replace animators and graphic designers.
AI tools are augmenting creative workflows, not replacing them. Animators who master AI-assisted tools gain a competitive advantage. Creative direction and storytelling remain human skills.