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Program Explorer

New

Animation

Limited seats for Fall 2025

Portfolio Requirement: The Animation program requires applicants to submit a portfolio as part of the application process. See portfolio requirements ›

Amplify your animation abilities and bring stories to life.

Master 2D animation, storytelling and design to launch a successful animation career.

The Animation diploma program is designed to equip you with essential 2D knowledge, skills and technical abilities. This program focuses on an in-depth exploration of figure drawing, principles of animation, character design, storyboarding, concept design, background and prop creation, storytelling, and creative project management.

Throughout the program, you’ll develop a strong foundation in animation theory and practice and learn how to bring characters and scenes to life through fluid and expressive movement. In the final term, with the help of industry mentors, you will work on a major animation project intended to be the highlight of your final demo reel compilation of your best work. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in the animation industry.

  • Program Type
    Full-time
  • Credential
    Diploma
  • Program Delivery
    In-person hybrid
  • In-person Location
    Exchange District Campus
  • Intake
    Fall
  • Program Length
    2 years
  • Total Tuition / Fees for Courses
    $18,300 – $20,100
  • How to Enrol
    Application required
  • Application Type
    Competitive admission
  • Application Deadline
    May 15

Experience a Polytechnic Education

Full-time Delivery: Something New Every Term

Launch your 2D animation career with a curriculum designed to develop expertise in character design, illustration, storyboarding, animation, concept design and more. Gain the expertise to bring your drawings and stories to life.

TERM 1

Explore the possibilities of bringing your imagination to life, where you’ll hone foundational skills in life drawing, storyboarding, character design and more.

TERM 2

Elevate your artistry by refining your life drawing and animation skills, crafting compelling characters and backgrounds, and exploring concept design.

TERM 3

Dive deeper into 2D digital tools, learn to create and use rigs, level up your character design skills and refine your animation craft.

TERM 4

Launch your career in the final term by creating a portfolio-ready capstone animation project.

Employment Potential

Prepare yourself for career success

Potential Grad CAREERS

  • Animator
  • Character designer
  • Prop designer
  • Concept artist
  • Storyboard artist
  • Background artist
  • Visual development artist
  • Layout Artist
  • Rigging artist
A graphic design student in a classroom at RRC Polytech working on an illustration project

What to Expect in This Program

Get Prepared for the Future of Work

Excel with practical learning and experienced instructors, all focused on your success. With an employer-driven education, you won’t just be ready for a career – you’ll be prepared to stay in front of what’s ahead.

A graphic design student in a classroom at RRC Polytech taking notes on a notebook
Level up your drawing skills with professional instruction and hands-on practice.
A graphic design student in a classroom at RRC Polytech working on an illustration project
Collaborate in a dynamic studio setting that mirrors the demands of the professional field, and build a portfolio showcasing your animation talent.
A graphic design student in a classroom at RRC Polytech working on an illustration project
This is where innovation meets artistry, where state-of-the-art facilities fuel your imagination and a vibrant community ignites your passion.
A graphic design student in a classroom at RRC Polytech sketching a storyboard
The animation program emphasizes the art of visual storytelling, giving you the skills to bring narratives to life before a single frame is animated.

Graduate Success

Launch your animation career with a diploma from RRC Polytech. This program offers cutting-edge training, expert faculty, and personalized mentorship to prepare you for the industry. You’ll graduate with the skills and portfolio needed to kickstart your creative career.

A storyboard sketch from an RRC Polytech student

Take your art to the next level

Elevate your artistry – our innovative Animation program provides expert instruction, state-of-the-art resources and personalized mentorship. Transform your creative vision into compelling stories and captivating visuals.

Forge your creative path

The Animation program empowers you to shape your artistic pathway, providing the skills and mentorship to transform your passion into a compelling career.

A storyboard sketch from an RRC Polytech student
Illustration of different faces from an RRC Polytech student

Become a visual storyteller

RRC Polytech’s Animation program empowers you to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. We’ll equip you with the skills to translate your imagination into captivating visuals and discover your unique artistic voice.

“When I heard that RRC Polytech was developing a new Animation program I was excited […] because it is a great opportunity for Manitoba artists to delve into an art form that has been around for more than 100 years.”

Bill Stewart – Creative Director and Animation Producer
Frank Digital

“This program will make such a difference in so many lives. I wish that I could be 18 years old again, as I’m sure I would have done all I could at that age to enter the program, had it existed then.”

Director/Animator, Independent Project

Who Should Enrol?

Turn your talents into academic success

Calling all aspiring animators! Want to bring your drawings to life? This 2D animation program is perfect for passionate illustrators and creative storytellers ready to expand their craft with classes in figure drawing, concept design, storyboarding, animation and more.

Students that excel in this program often share these interests, skills and personality traits.

PERSONALITY TRAITS

  • Challenge-driven
  • Creative
  • Detail-oriented
  • Independent
  • Patient

SKILLS

  • Commitment
  • Dependability
  • Enthusiasm
  • Motivation
  • Work ethic

INTERESTS

  • Animation
  • Gaming
  • Film
  • Animé
  • Cartoons

All the Information You Need

MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

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LOCATION, DATES AND FEES

Start planning with peace of mind and get the information you need on one easy-to-find page. Review start dates, locations, book and equipment costs and program fees.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate and motivate your learning. Whether you’ve sprinted through the first term or just received your acceptance letter, find a variety of bursaries, scholarships and awards.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

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DATES AND FEES

Start preparing with peace of mind. View information about courses and sections, including locations, delivery methods and costs. It only takes minutes to register and further your future.

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LIST OF COURSES

Plan out your preferred learning journey. Review a summary of this program’s courses to discover what you’ll learn and how an RRC Polytech education will help your career.

Woman sitting in computer lab

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Ensure signup goes smoothly and understand program requirements before registering. Review required documents and procedures to make sure you’re prepared to enter this program.

Person browsing the RRC Polytech website

OTHER INFORMATION

Explore our Catalogue for more detailed information, including a program outline, course descriptions and everything you’ll need to plan and prepare for your future success.

Begin Your Journey

Get Started with RRC Polytech

Start Your Application

Your future is within reach, and we’re here to help you achieve it. Experience industry-focused opportunities available at RRC Polytech and develop the knowledge and skills to grow, lead and excel in your future career.

Funding Your Education

Support yourself while pursuing your RRC Polytech education. You may be eligible for loans, grants and scholarships to help tackle your financial needs.

Future Student Events

Explore our upcoming information sessions and events to learn more about our programs and to get your questions answered.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.