Everything you need to know about your application for the Bachelor Programs 2021

In addition to the portfolio entrance test, The Animation Workshop’s bachelor programs have the following general entry requirements for all applicants: 

1. Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate
2. English proficiency

Proof of entry requirements for Danish applicants

1) Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate 

• STX, HF, HHX, HTX, EUX or IB Diploma
• HF
• EUD Mediegrafiker
• EUD in Digital Media (grants access to BA in Animation only)
• EUD Grafisk tekniker (grants access to BA Graphic Storytelling only)

2) Proof of English proficiency

Danish applicants must document that they have received English instruction corresponding to B-level (B-niveau) or higher in the Danish framework and meet the following marks:

• Applicants with English B-level (Danish Framework) must have achieved an average grade on 3,0 or higher.
• Applicants with English A-level (Danish Framework) must have achieved an average grade on 2,0 or higher.

Proof of entry requirements for international applicants

1) Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate

You must submit proof of your upper secondary exam (high school, baccalaureate, IB, (I)GCSE or similar).

• The diploma must not be translated from the original language, unless specifically requested
• The diploma can be uploaded after the March 15 application deadline if you graduate the same year as applying. Deadline: July 5th, 12:00 am.

2) Documentation of your current English proficiency.

International applicants who are not native English speakers, must document that they have received English instruction corresponding to B-level or higher in the Danish framework.

The required level corresponds to B2 in the CEFR framework (210 hours of received instruction or more).

Furthermore, all applicants must document that they have achieved a mark equal to or higher than required from Danish applicants.

Please fill this Verification form and upload it with your application if you would like us to assess your English level.

Read more about the required levels and documentation for international applicants and see the approved tests and required scores here.

If you do not meet the formal requirements

If you do not meet the specified admissions requirements for an upper secondary education (1) or the required level of English (2), you can apply for admission based on alternative qualifications. 

The assessment of an applicant’s alternative qualifications is an opportunity for applicants who took a different path than upper secondary school to apply for admission based on qualifications achieved through other means (for instance, work, travels, other courses, etc.). Together with your application for admissions based on other qualifications, you must submit a CV along with proof of the activities (courses, jobs, travels etc.) which have given you the relevant qualifications. 

You must always document English proficiency through a test if:

• you have not received the required level of English instruction, or
• you have not achieved the required grade or test score level.

Read more about the application procedure and how to apply for admissions based on other qualifications here.

Application deadline: March 15.
 

NEW: The Master’s admissions rule

On March 1, 2020 and with effect as of the 2020 admissions round, the Danish parliament has cancelled the double degree rule. Instead, the so-called Master’s admissions rule (Kandidatreglen) has been reinforced.

The rule states that applicants holding a previous master’s degree can only be admitted to higher education programs if there are available seats after selecting among all other qualified applicants. This doesn’t mean that applicants with Master’s degrees will be rejected automatically, but that they will be put last in the que for available seats.

Please note that the Master’s admissions rule applies to both Danish and international applicants.

Exemption

You may apply for an exemption from the rule, based on unusual circumstances. If you would like to apply for an exemption, you must submit an application letter along with a description of and documentation for your unusual circumstances. The application must be uploaded along with your application on www.optagelse.dk.

Please note that an exemption from the rule only grants access to have your application and portfolio evaluated on equal foot with all other applicants. It does not automatically grant access to the education.

Application deadline:

The deadline for applying for an exemption from the masters admissions rule is March 15.

The double degree rule

The double degree rules is cancelled as of March 1, 2020.

Read more about the Masters admissions rule (currently in Danish only). 

Previously earned credits within Animation or Graphic Storytelling:

When you apply for admission, you are obliged to inform us whether you have completed Danish or international programs on a similar level. You are also required to tell us if you have been employed in the field. If one or more of the educational elements you have completed as part of a higher education corresponds to one or more parts of the program you have been admitted to, the credits will be transferred.

The credit transfer is mandatory – thus, it is not up to you as an applicant to decide whether or not you apply for credit transfer. 

You cannot participate in lectures or take exams in the educational parts of the program which you received credit transfer for. 

This also means that if you already have a full BA or higher degree within the subject field that you apply to, we cannot accept your application.

You can read more about the credit transfer rules and procedures here.

We require you to upload your portfolio in one single PDF file, max 100 MB, together with the application on www.optagelse.dk

Your portfolio must be handed in using the template (see below), and must contain:

• a filled out and signed cover letter;
• a letter of intention;
• examples of your work as listed and fulfilling the requirements:
  - Character Animation 
  - Computer Graphic Artist
  - Graphic Storytelling

Download portfolio template

To make it as easy as possible, we have made a template for Photoshop, InDesign, and OpenOffice as well as a How-to-guide for saving your portfolio as a single PDF-file. In the template, you will find the necessary information about requirements for the portfolio, the coverletter form and the letter of intent. 

Character Animation - portfolio template (zip-folder)

Computer Graphic Arts - portfolio template (zip-folder)

Graphic Storytelling - portfolio template (changes may apply for 2021) (zip-folder)

Tip! You don't have to squeeze all of your 10 croquis drawings into one page - use as many pages per category as you feel is necessary to show off your work.

What are we looking for in your portfolio?

Drawing and storytelling skills, as well as the overall potential demonstrated in the portfolios, are decisive for our selection of applicants for the test and interview.

For Character Animation and Computer Graphic Arts, we first and foremost look for solid drawing skills. Excellent life drawing and perspective drawing are a crucial foundation. Furthermore, we are interested in seeing originality and a broad range of personal drawing styles in your portfolio.

For Graphic Storytelling, we look for compelling visuals – ideally a combination of strong life drawing and perspective fundamentals and distinctive visual stylization – and compellingly plotted and written narratives. Both versatility and originality are a plus.

The letter of intent is meant to allow us to get to know the applicants: Their background, interests, and motivations for applying. It is as vital a part of your application as the portfolio; we encourage you to use it to stand out among the other applicants. The letter of intent has to be written in English (in a letter format, not bullet points or answers to the questions).

Please use the questions below as a point of departure for your letter. You do not have to cover all the topics and if you have some other topic you prefer to include please do so. We would like to read what is most interesting for you to write about.

• Why are you applying and why did you choose the specific program? Your ambitions for future work?
• How do you see the industry developing in the future? Your professional influences and inspirations and why?
• Your favorite works (films, games and/or comics) and why? Your least favorite works (films, games and/or comics) and why?
• Do you have any related work experience, course or other activities?
• CA and CGA applicants: Do you have any leadership experience?
• A list of your software knowledge and user level
• Tell us about any travel or experience abroad, and how it affected you
• How do you plan to finance the education?

Word count max. 2000

The test and interview normally take place at The Animation Workshop in Viborg. The dates for the 2021 tests and interviews will be updated later.

If you are selected for the test and interview, you will be invited to book your appointment through our online booking platform. More information will follow when your appointment is confirmed.

The admissions test takes three hours and the interview lasts approximately 30 minutes. You can book your interview either the same day or the day after the test.

We highly recommend doing the test and interview here at the school in Viborg. If that is not possible, it is also an option to do it remotely.

English proficiency: Updates about VIA's English test option will follow.

Admissions test

The admissions test for Bachelor in Animation (Character Animation and CG Arts) consists of a short individual drawing test, followed by a two-hour workshop. The workshop focuses on your collaboration and communication skills.

For Graphic Storytelling applicants, the test consists of a three-hour individual drawing and storytelling test.

Admissions interview

The purpose of the interview is to get to know our applicants. We are especially interested in your motivations and goals, where you think your strengths lie and what you could bring to the class.

What are we looking for at the test and interview?

In addition to a strong portfolio, we are looking for self-reflected, diligent and curious students who are eager to learn and open to collaborating in a shared responsibility environment. You must demonstrate an open attitude to taking critique and to trying new work methods. The program is demanding, and you must be ready to be a part of an intensive learning environment.

At The Animation Workshop, we are happy to welcome exchange students to our Bachelor programs. Please note, however, that we have a limited capacity for taking in exchange students. This means that we do not always have available seats, and we are only able to confirm a place after the completed application procedure (see below).

Exchange Program - Dates and deadlines

Bachelor in Animation: Character Animation Program

SPRING 2021: APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2020 CA 2nd semester (spring terms only)

Courses and assignments focused on 2D animation and short film production in a team with a focus on character design and animation.

CA 4th semester (spring terms only)

The program deepens into more advanced 3D animation in Maya as well as animation shot production for the NGO film and classes on story structure and pitch development.

CA 6th semester (spring terms only)

Focuses on working within an animation team on a short film or game in the medium of choice, depending upon the productions of the given year, 2d, 3d, stop motion or mixed media animation.

FALL 2021: APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2021

CA 3rd semester (fall terms only)

Courses and assignments on the basics of 3D animation in Maya as well as touching on cinematography. Idea development and preproduction for a 3D film for an NGO done in a group.

Bachelor in Animation: CG Artist program

SPRING 2021: APPLICATION DEADLINE NOVEMBER 1, 2020 CGA 2nd semester (spring terms only)

On the CG Arts program focuses on design and modeling characters, rigging and short filmmaking in teams with a focus on backgrounds and compositing for 2D films.

CGA 4th semester (spring terms only)

The program deepens into more advanced modeling, rigging, and look development as well as shot production for the NGO film and classes on story structure and pitch development.

CGA 6th semester (spring terms only)

Focuses on working within a CG team on a short film or game in the medium of choice, depending upon the productions for the year, 3D set dressing, texturing, background painting, FX and/or compositing.

FALL 2021: APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 15, 2021

CGA 3rd semester (fall terms only)

Involves compositing course in Nuke and the quadruped project; designing a quadruped and taking it through the pipeline – modeling, sculpting, texturing, shading, lighting, rendering, and integrating the character into a live action plate. There are also classes touching on cinematography and Idea development & preproduction for a 3D film for an NGO done in a group.

Bachelor in Graphic Storytelling

How to apply for an exchange stay?

In order to apply for an exchange to the Bachelor programs, you must send the following documents to our study administration (taw.bachelor@via.dk):

• A filled-in Exchange Student Application Form
• Examples of work as specified below under each program.

Requirements for an exchange to BA in Animation (Character Animation or CG Arts)

In order to apply for an exchange semester in the Animation program, you must hand in a PDF portfolio, which shows a representation of the key subjects in the portfolio requirements for the program you apply to:

• Character Animation
• Computer Graphic Arts

In addition to the portfolio, exchange applicants to the Animation program should include animation or computer graphics work, depending on which program they wish to join, showing a skill set, which is comparable to a first year reel for application to the second year, and a second-year reel for application to the third year. You can find an overview over the content of the available exchange semesters here.

After the application deadline, we will review the applications, and invite the qualified applicants to participate in Skype interview, in order to clarify expectations and determine whether the course you applied to is a good match for you.

You will be notified of our decision before December 1st for the spring term, and before June 1st for the fall term.

Requirements for an exchange to BA in Graphic Storytelling 2020/2021

In order to apply for an exchange semester in the Graphic Storytelling program, you must send us examples of your work/a link to a portfolio website. Please note that we may ask for more samples if we find it hard to judge your level based on the work handed in.

After the application deadline, we will review the applications and invite qualified applicants to participate in an online interview (e.g. Skype). The interview is meant to clarify expectations and determine whether the course you applied to is a good match for you. 

You will be notified of our decision before August 1st for the fall term and before December 1st for the spring term.

Fees and finances for exchange students 

Exchange students are normally free of tuition fees. Please note, however, that all students, including exchange students, must pay the monthly materials fee covering materials, software, hardware, drawing equipment, prints, etc. The fee is DKK 2.300 per month for Animation students and DKK 2,200 per month for GS students.