Welcome to your course
We are delighted to welcome you to the Animation BA degree at Westminster School of Media and Communication.
The Induction activities are designed to introduce you to the university, your course and to your fellow course members before you begin your studies.
There will be current students guiding you through the week and beyond, and I, as your Course Leader will be available to advise and support you.
It is essential that you attend all of your Induction events, to give you the best possible start to your time with us. You can visit the University Welcome to Westminster page where you’ll find all the resources you need to get started.
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication
Welcome to the Westminster School of Media and Communication at the University of Westminster. We are thrilled to have you join our dynamic and inclusive community, dedicated to nurturing innovative, responsible, and impactful professionals in the ever-changing world of media.
Your studies here will not only deepen your subject knowledge but also develop vital transferable skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication, all of which are essential for a successful career. Our distinguished researchers, experienced practitioners, and industry guest lecturers will support you at every stage, ensuring your learning is academically rigorous and closely linked to real-world needs.
We pride ourselves on a progressive, research-led approach, with teaching shaped by the latest debates and methodologies, underpinned by our Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI). Our curriculum is forward-looking, embracing emerging trends and encouraging you to consider the social impact and ethical responsibilities of media work, including addressing bias, disinformation, and digital challenges.
Above all, we are committed to fostering informed, creative, and socially responsible practitioners and scholars who make a difference locally, nationally, and globally—promoting equality, justice, and democracy.
We encourage you to participate in induction week and begin building connections. Welcome to a community that values progress, compassion, and responsibility. We look forward to supporting your growth as future media and communication leaders.
See you on campus!
Dr Doug Specht
Head of School, School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
As part of your induction and to complete your enrolment, you'll need to collect your student ID card.
Your time slot for collection is:
4pm, Tuesday 15 September
Marylebone Campus
For more information about enrolment, including related FAQs, visit our Enrolment for new students page.
Collecting your ID card and completing enrolment
Optional: Students' Union Marylebone Welcome Fair
10am–4pm
Ambika P3
Marylebone Campus
The fair will provide you with the opportunity to see what the Students' Union and University have to offer outside of your studies.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
All of today's course events are in the Animation Driving Bell Studio, room J2.46, at the Harrow Campus
Welcome to the Animation BA
Meet your course leader and your FANS (Friends of Arriving New Students)
1.30–4.30pm
Optional: Students' Union Marylebone Welcome Fair
10am–4pm
Ambika P3
Marylebone Campus
The fair will provide you with the opportunity to see what the Students' Union and University have to offer outside of your studies.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
Optional: Outdoor Film Screening
6.30–9.30pm
All new students are invited to an outdoor cinema event at Harrow Campus. The college will be providing one free drink and a choice of snack for the first 500 attendees, as well as a paid bar during the screening.
All of today's course events are in the Animation Driving Bell Studio, room J2.46, at the Harrow Campus.
Meet your tutors and technicians plus a quick tour of the campus
11am-12.30pm
Lunch
Introduction to animation processes
1.30-3.30pm
Head of School welcome
12pm
Auditorium
Harrow Campus
Lets get started! - briefing for project #1
1.30-3pm
Driving Bell Studio, room J2.46
Harrow Campus
Optional: Students' Union Harrow Welcome Fair
10am–4pm
The Den
Harrow Campus
Your one stop shop to finding out about your Students' Union and everything that we have to offer to make your time at Westminster as enjoyable as possible.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for full details.
Optional: Welcome Festival
11am–5pm
Harrow Field
Harrow Campus
Food, drinks, entertainment, and music for students – registration required.
Please visit the UWSU Welcome website for tickets and full details.
Course resources
Blackboard
Blackboard is our online learning platform, which you'll be able to log in to after you've set up your University email address and password.
Teaching timetables
Teaching starts in the week commencing Monday 21 September and you can check your teaching timetable to see when and where your classes are being held.
Course handbook
Full details on the course structure, modules and course team are included in the course handbook, which can be found on Blackboard.
Reading list
Your reading list can be found in the course handbook on Blackboard.
You will be provided with reading lists for each module and will learn to find sources relevant to your work and areas of interest.
If you wish we have included some ideas you may like to explore and read around the subject before you arrive – although it is not essential for you either to buy them or read them before you begin. All are available from our library and would be accessible to you after you have enrolled.
We have also included a short list of suggested books and other resources that will help you to get a good start in your studies before arrival.
Equipment and materials
Digital technology
While you can borrow laptops through the University for 24 hours, it's better to have your own. If you're not sure what to buy, our technical support team can advise you once you've enrolled.
You'll be eligible for a student discount on computer purchases.
A smart phone with a good camera function is very useful for recording your work and for online communication.
Art materials
For practical classwork we provide essential materials necessary to complete the set tasks including sketchbooks, paper and materials for drawing and painting. You may need to obtain further materials relevant to your specific practical projects, but we can advise you of the best (and most economical) sources for these as required. You do not need to purchase any materials before you arrive.
Support and services
Welcome to Westminster
Visit our Welcome to Westminster page for everything you need to get started at Westminster.
Student Centre
If you need help with enrolment or have any questions, please use the live chat.
Academic English
If you'd like to hone your academic English skills, watch our Academic English for Disciplinary Study Module video for starters and consider joining one of our Academic English Modules. If you have any questions, get in touch with the Academic English team at [email protected].