3D Animation & VFX Training Program | Learn 3D Animation at ESMA

Location

Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse
Duration

5 years, including one preparatory year
Target audience

People in initial training with student status
Prerequisites and admission requirements

Entry requirements (Entertainment prep course): High school diploma or equivalent Level 4 qualification

English language requirements: Minimum Level B2

See Admission and fees
ECTS credit

60 credits (30 credits per semester)
Professional Certification

Title RNCP40876 – Design and Production Expert – 3D Animation and Special Effects, Level 7 (equivalent to a five-year higher education degree), registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications, by decision of June 25, 2025.

Certifiers: ETPA-Creative Schools, Creative Schools Montpellier, Creative Schools Nantes, Creative Schools Lyon – Bordeaux, Creative Schools Rennes.
Internship

Internship(s) recommended at the end of the 3rd and/or 4th year, lasting at least 8 weeks
Rates

See Admission and prices
Language

Courses taught in French on all ESMA campuses
Courses taught in English available on the Lyon, Montpellier, and Bordeaux campuses

Course presentation

RNCP level 7 qualification
Bac+5 equivalent

The program is structured into teaching units that award ECTS credits (30 ECTS credits per semester).

Create and animate characters, sets or graphic elements by learning key skills and professional techniques. Storyboarding, layout, rigging and lighting will hold no secrets for you.

This is the daily life of students in our 3D Animation Training course, who spend five years perfecting their skills until they are ready to join the most renowned animation studios, video game studios, or 3D communication agencies in the industry.

Training available in English

Are you an international student looking to join ESMA’s 3D Animation and Special Effects Course in France? This Course welcomes talent from around the world to learn and collaborate.

It provides an opportunity for students to benefit from France’s expertise in 3D animation while working alongside French-speaking and international peers. Together, students gain practical skills and a valuable academic and cultural experience.

The courses taught in English are the same as those in French. Students will cover every stage of 3D animation and special effects production, including animation, modeling, lighting, rendering, and compositing.

The aim of English-language training?

Our Course is designed for English-speaking students who want to develop the technical and artistic skills needed for a career in the global 3D animation and Creative Industries.

At ESMA, you’ll study at a 3d Animation school recognized worldwide for its excellence. This English-language course offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts and gain hands-on experience while living in France.

Study 3d Animations in one of France’s Best cities

Integrating English training

Objectives
Acquire versatility and expertise across the entire production pipeline:
- Design the artistic development of a 3D animation and/or special effects project (pre-production).
- Manage the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
- Develop the fabrication of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
Teaching methods and resources

The teaching program alternates between theoretical and practical courses (workshops, masterclasses). It is through this diversity of methods and project-based learning that students’ learning is reinforced.
A team of permanent professional instructors, committed to a coherent and progressive teaching approach, monitors students and their projects throughout the program.
The equipment and software made available to students and used intensively throughout their studies enable them to master the tools used in the industry.
The program includes methodology modules to enable students to develop research protocols, production methods, and a professional attitude and adaptability to the challenges of the sector, including CSR. They are also required to conduct documentary research, analyze various resources, and are introduced to AI in order to enrich their references and broaden their perspectives.

Validation of the training by a Professional certification

The training program is validated by professional certification RNCP40876 – Expert in Design and Production – 3D Animation and Special Effects, level 7 (equivalent to a master’s degree), registered in the National Directory of Professional Certifications on June 25, 2025.

Certifiers: ETPA-Creative Schools, Creative Schools Montpellier, Creative Schools Nantes, Creative Schools Lyon – Bordeaux, Creative Schools Rennes.

Professional certification is obtained by validating the following skills:

Designing the artistic development of a 3D animation and/or special effects project (pre-production).
Managing the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
Developing the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.

Possibility of validating one or more skill sets.

Certification is also available through VAE. (Validation of Acquired Experience)

More information on France Compétences

Certification assessment procedures

Continuous assessment: ongoing evaluation of progress in professional conditions (reviews).
Professional scenarios and screening of final projects in front of a professional jury and an audience.

Teaching and assessment methods may be adapted if necessary to accommodate disabilities, in accordance with the RNCP (French National Register of Professional Certifications) standards.

Find out more about Disability and accessibility.

At ESMA we take
success seriously.

1st School in the world in the category ‘Excellence in 3D animation production’
(*The Rookies 2024 competition)
100% Success rate (2025)
79% Overall employment integration rate at 6 months (2023)
70% Rate of entry into the target occupation after 6 months (2023)

The curriculum

3D Animation and FX

A 5-year course validated by a Level 7 RNCP qualification (equivalent to bac+5)

Year 1 Entertainment
Prep Discover
Year 2 Acquiring the
fundamentals Discover
Year 3 Deepening
the fundamentals Discover
Year 4 Year of
specialisation Discover
Year 5 Year of professional training
and qualifications Discover

Year 1 Entertainment
Prep Discover
Year 2 Acquiring the
fundamentals Discover
Year 3 Deepening
the fundamentals Discover
Year 4 Year of
specialisation Discover
Year 5 Year of professional training
and qualifications Discover

Semester 1 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Graphic and plastic techniques (14 ECTS)

Drawing, observation, and anatomy/movement
Color and textures, analytical/technical drawing
Drawing, narration, intention
Creative research

UE2 Methodology: Exploring and documenting a creative process (7 ECTS)

Visual arts
English
Expression techniques and methodology

UE3 Creative workshops: Experimenting with materials and techniques 1 (7 ECTS)

Volume workshop
Graphic design workshop
Image sequencing workshop
Photography workshop
Digital creation workshop

UE4 Portfolio / Skills passport (2 ECTS)

Oral

Semester 2 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Graphic and plastic techniques: Initiating a creative process (12 ECTS)

Drawing, observation, and anatomy/movement
Color and textures, analytical/technical drawing
Drawing, narration, intention
Creative research

UE2 Methodology: Interpreting information and constructing an argument (12 ECTS)

Visual arts
English
Expression techniques and methodology

UE3 Creative workshops: Experimenting with materials and techniques 2 (6 ECTS)

Volume workshop
Graphic design workshop
Image sequencing workshop
Photography workshop
Digital creation workshop

UE4 Artistic project and (PPE) Student Professional Project (6 ECTS)

Semester 3 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Visual Narrative: Translating a narrative proposal through images (8 ECTS)

Drawing
Illustration

UE2 Methodology: Applying documentary research and image analysis methodologies (6 ECTS)

Visual Arts
English – (PPE) Student Professional Project
Image Analysis

UE3 3D Design: Introduction to 3D design techniques (12 ECTS)

Modeling
Digital Techniques
3D Animation
Lighting

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Portfolio and Intention File (4 ECTS)

Semester 4 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Visual Narration: Translating a narrative proposal through images (8 ECTS)

Drawing
Illustration

UE2 Methodology: Applying documentary research and image analysis methodologies (6 ECTS)

Visual Arts
English – (PPE) Student Professional Project
Image Analysis

UE3 3D Design: Introduction to 3D design techniques (12 ECTS)

Modeling
Digital techniques
3D animation
Lighting

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) 3D animation EF; Image Production; and PPE Student Professional Project (10 ECTS)

Semester 5 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Pre-production techniques: Sequencing and contextualizing a narrative (10 ECTS)

Narration and semiology
Concept art
Storyboarding
Drawing

UE2 Professional methodologies: Analyzing a professional production environment (4 ECTS)

Production Methodology
English – PPE (Student Professional Project)

UE3 3D Design: Designing and producing complex 3D projects (12 ECTS)

Compositing
Rigging
3D Animation
Lighting Rendering

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Technical review and Portfolio (4 ECTS)

Semester 6 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Pre-production techniques: Creating meaningful narrative dynamics (7 ECTS)

Narration and Semiology
Concept Art
Storyboard
Drawing

UE2 Professional methodologies: Questioning different production contexts (4 ECTS)

Production Methodology
English – PPE (Student Professional Project)

UE3 3D Design: Following Production Workflows (11 ECTS)

Compositing
Rigging
3D Animation
Lighting Rendering

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Pre-production and Design: Final Exams (8 ECTS)

Semester 7 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Artistic and narrative direction: Defining and documenting artistic and narrative intentions (8 ECTS)

Option (2 specialized courses): Screenplay; Concept Art; Storyboard/Layout

UE2 Professional methodologies: Identifying complex production situations to prevent malfunctions (4 ECTS)

English – PPE (Student Professional Project)
Production Methodology
Professional Issues and CSR

UE3 3D Production: Building Technical Expertise (12 ECTS)

Focus: Animation, Compositing, Rendering, FX, Advanced Rigging
Module: Sculpt, CFX, Rig

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Pre-production review (6 ECTS)

Semester 8 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Artistic and narrative direction: Designing and translating the artistic and narrative direction of an animated film (10 ECTS)

Option (2 FFE courses): Screenplay; Artistic Direction and R&D; Concept Art & 3D Sculpting; Script Doctor & Storyboard/Layout

UE2 Professional Methodologies: Formulating Solutions to Production Environment Challenges (4 ECTS)

Research Methodology (English and French)
Production methodology
Professional challenges and CSR

UE3 3D Production: Using technical expertise to create a 3D sequence (6 ECTS)

Professional focus (3 courses): 3D animation (counts for 2); Rigg; Compositing; Rendering Lookdev: FX

UE4 SAE (Learning and Assessment Situation) Pre-production (FFE) and Production (Capsule) (10 ECTS)

Semester 9 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Artistic Direction and Narrative

Leading the artistic direction and narrative of an animated creation

UE2 Professional Methodologies

Anticipating needs and designing proactive solutions

UE3 3D Creation

Designing the production pipeline

Semester 10 – 30 ECTS

UE1 Artistic and Narrative Direction

Adapting artistic direction to production constraints

UE2 Professional Methodologies

Leading and promoting the development of complex solutions in a professional environment

UE3 3D Creation

Leading production by integrating technical, artistic, and organizational aspects

Course units

Rates

Check out the tuition fees for enrolling in ESMA's 3D Animation and Special Effects course.

Apply Tarifs 2026 - 2027

Year 1

Entertainment preparatory class

6 380€
Year 2 to 5

For one year

7 980€

Registration fees

200 € /year
English Language Training Registration Fees

500 € /year

Apply Tarifs 2026 - 2027

Join the 3D Animation & VFX Film program

For Who ?
For all creative individuals who love to pursue their passion and who give themselves the means to make their dreams come true.

The first year of the 3D Animation and Special Effects program (our entertainment preparatory year) can be integrated subject to the following criteria:
- A high school diploma or equivalent level 4 qualification (all fields)
- Review of the student’s academic record and a motivational interview
The second year can be entered directly, subject to the following criteria:
- A one-year post-secondary degree in a related field or a preparatory year or significant skills in the applied arts (e.g., applied arts high school diploma)
- Admission based on review of academic record, a motivational interview, and presentation of an art portfolio
Why ?

The comprehensive curriculum allows students to develop their creativity and artistic sense, and to consider a career in 3D Animation and Special Effects, the world of video games, or the world of advertising.
How ?
- Preparatory year in entertainment
- 2nd and 3rd years: acquisition of fundamentals
- 4th year: in-depth study of chosen specialization
- 5th year: devoted to the production of a final film presented to a jury of professionals and to certification exams
- An 8-week internship must be completed at the end of the 3rd or 4th year in France or abroad
- A coherent teaching approach, structured in a progressive and cross-disciplinary manner, with numerous projects to apply all the skills learned during the course.

Our campuses are waiting for you

étudiants qui travaillent leur animation 3d esma

Business sectors and opportunities

Sectors of activity:

Animated films, visual effects, video games (cinematics), advertising and communication, design, other audiovisual productions (documentaries, TV broadcasts, TV movies, music videos, virtual production, culture, live performances, education).

Types of jobs available:

Upon completion of the training, graduates can apply for high-level artistic positions requiring technical expertise.

Versatile experts: 3D Artist (CG Artist)
Image and visual effects experts: Modeling Artist, Texturing Artist, Surfacing/Lookdev Artist, Layout Artist, VFX/FX Artist, CFX Artist (including Grooming), Lighting Artist, Rendering Artist, Compositing Artist.
Experts in visual and narrative expression: Character Designer, Concept Artist, Art Director, Storyboarder.
Experts in animation and movement: 3D Animators, 3D Motion Designers.
Experts in production pipeline and R&D: Technical Director, Technical Artist.

Certified professionals can then move on to positions of increasing responsibility: Senior, Lead, Supervisor, Technical Director, Creative Director, but also Assistant Director/3D Director, Production Director, or Studio Founder.

See career opportunities