Visual Media: Animation

About the programme

The «Animation» programme brings together classical and contemporary ways of making animated content, training professionals in 2D, 3D and mixed techniques.

Teaching covers the full animation production cycle — from idea and storyboard through to post-production: storyboarding, concept art, character animation and work with professional digital tools. Students learn through practical projects and graduate ready to work in film, television, the games industry and digital media.

Curriculum

What you will study

2D Animation

3D Animation

Storyboarding

Concept Art

Character Animation

Animation Post-production

Sound Design

Visual Storytelling

Producing

Distribution

Anatomy for Artists

Editing

Teaching staff

Programme mentors

All teaching staff

Facilities

Studios and equipment

Facilities and Equipment

iMacs and desktop computers, professional graphics and animation software, pen displays, and iPads for illustration and storyboarding.

Who you will become

Career paths

Director
2D Animator
3D Animator
Concept Artist
Motion Designer
Storyboard Artist
Texture Artist
Technical Animator

Work by students on the programme

Portfolio

All works

Watch and listen

The best student and diploma work

Coursework and diploma projects — published with the authors' permission.

Diploma project · Filmmaking · Class of 2025

qoqo — ELESIN

Daniel Zhumanaev

A music video shot as a diploma project.
Diploma project · Filmmaking · Class of 2025

Shamal

Daniyar Kapalov

A documentary film.
Coursework · Filmmaking · Class of 2026

Self-portrait

Ameli Sabantaeva

The «Self-portrait» brief.
Coursework · Producing · Class of 2026

From Sketch to Costume

Group MP-26

Coursework in producing.
Coursework · Cinematography · Class of 2026

Cinematography brief

Group project MP-26

A group project in cinematography.
Coursework · 3D Animation · Class of 2026

Showreel of the first 3D animation coursework

Group MP-26

A showreel of the first 3D animation coursework.

Graduates

Success stories

Our graduates on where the profession has taken them.

Baiaman

Director, screenwriter · Compass College graduate

His diploma film had its world premiere in Finland. Artistic director of the Jashart media community and music video director for Qaibar Music.

Hello! My name is Baiaman and I am a Compass College graduate.

These days I work as a director and screenwriter. From time to time I make music videos for Qaibar Music, and I am the artistic director of Jashart, our new media community of artists. About a year ago I shot my diploma film, and it took me to Finland to present the work at its world premiere. Right now I am developing the idea for my first feature film.

When I was a student, two things mattered to me in a place of education: a comfortable learning environment, and people who inspire you and help you move towards your goals.

Teachers, of course, play a key role in a student's life. That was certainly true for me: in my first years, inexperienced and unsure of myself, I tried my hand at hosting various College events. I have to admit that my performances were not always a success, and there are recordings in the archive I still can't quite bring myself to rewatch. But the teachers at Compass College backed me at every step, cheering me on with: «Great, go again! Although perhaps don't drop to your knees in front of the audience» or «Well done! But next time you can probably manage without the banana in your hand».

That warm support and belief in me became an essential part of my success. It was moments like those that let me build confidence in my own abilities and reach the goals I had set. Compass College didn't just give me knowledge — it helped me believe in myself and bring my own ideas to life.

Nagima Chalbaeva
Daniel Zhumanaev

Class of 2025

The music video qoqo — ELESIN (diploma project).
Beknazar

Filming in Naryn.

Visual Media: Animation