Ready to become a 3D character animator? Our intensive 3D Character Animation course teaches you how to animate compelling characters using Autodesk Maya, the leading software used by top studios. Whether you are a beginner or looking to advance your skills, this course offers a very hands-on, professional training experience at The Animation Workshop, VIA in Denmark or live online.
What you will learn
In this course, you will:
- Apply classical animation principles to 3D character movement.
- Gain proficiency in Autodesk Maya animation tools.
- Understand and explore body mechanics, physicality, parkour animation, and creature animation.
- Build a professional animation showreel and earn 25 ECTS credits.
- Receive personalized feedback from experienced animators.
Why Choose This Course?
This is more than just a Maya animation course—it’s your gateway to the animation industry:
- Industry-relevant curriculum developed with professional animators.
- Live teaching and mentoring, either online or in Viborg, Denmark.
- Access to studio-grade software and workstations
- Join a vibrant animation school community and expand your network.
Course structure
In our creative learning environment, you will have the opportunity to learn from active professional animators and develop both your technical and artistic skills in the art of 3D character animation.
The 3D Character Animation course combines the following key programme elements from the BA in Character Animation into a 9-week intense course of 25 ECTS points
- Animation Basics 3
- Advanced Animation
Through lectures, assignments, and mini-productions, you will progress from foundational techniques to advanced animation concepts. You will learn to translate classical principles into 3D, with a strong focus on body mechanics and physical action. The course gradually advances into more sophisticated concepts including parkour, and interaction, and finishes with an introduction to quadruped movement.
Final exam
The course finishes with a portfolio exam with consists of a showreel that you compile from the completed exercises. Additionally, you will be required to craft a 2-4 page written paper, critically analysing and reflecting on your learning process. The exam is graded.
Learning format
We recommend attending in person to benefit from the creative environment and feedback from your classmates. However, the course is also available live online, following Danish class hours.
Daily Programme
9:00-12:00: Class
12:00-13:00: Lunch break
13:00-16:00: Class (ends at 15:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays)
Open Education
The 3D Character Animation course is an Open Education programme, part of the Bachelor in Animation at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (TAW). Open Education is a wide range of educational programmes in Denmark offered to adults who wish to undergo further training. It is open to anybody who has successfully passed our admission criteria.
Course Options
The Professional Training Course 3D Character Animation combines the programme elements “Animation Basics 3”, and “Advanced Animation” from the BA in Animation into a combined course of 25 ECTS points. At the end of the course, each module will be examined.
You can choose the full 9-week programme (recommended) or enroll in individual modules:
Animation Basics
- Learn the foundations of 3D character animation.
- Dates: 13 April – 15 May 2026
- Fee: 12.900 DKK (EU/EAA citizens) /// 23.325 DKK (non-EU citizens)
Advanced Animation
- Dive into complex techniques like parkour, interaction animation and quadruped movement.
- Dates: 18 May – 12 June 2026
- Fee: 10.600 DKK (EU/EAA citizens) /// 17.550 DKK (non-EU citizens)
If you wish to enroll in a single module, please contact the course organizer for a separate application link.
Apply now and start your journey as a professional 3D character animator.