Drawing on the NSS: Animation course team reflections

As a team, we’re incredibly proud that in July 2025 the BA (Hons) Animation course has achieved high NSS scores for the third year running. From the course’s track record, it’s clear that this is not just the result of our current team’s efforts, but also the investment of previous course leaders and colleagues, and the wider teams whose hard work has had a huge impact on our student’s learning experience.

The course caters for 25 to 40 students each year, and explores a range of skills relevant to 2D, 3D and stop motion animation practice. We rely on the dedication of specialists, technicians and associate lecturers with a range experience. As our approach to teaching and learning is diverse and varied, we wanted to share individual perspectives from our core staff – and perhaps give insight into the team’s success.

Liam Hall (Course Leader)

Reflecting on our teaching and learning, I recognise that it’s a privilege to be working with students in a subject area that’s so inherently fun and engaging. Our students live and breathe animation, and I think what we do well, is foster our student’s individual passion for the subject, and their distinct approaches to their work. We’ve always championed student’s creative voices, and this year, we’ve taken that even further by allowing students to respond to projects in more unique and individualised ways, especially in the final year of study. So far, students seem really excited to their project work, and it’s lovely to see the studios filled with keen and eager students – and as team, we hope this approach helps maintain positive student satisfaction.

Sandee Bedford (Lecturer)

I believe that the students studying animation with Sheffield Hallam University have a wonderful opportunity to learn from industry professional lecturers in a setting that uses industry-standard software to teach students and prepare them for their career in the entertainment arts. Students’ progress through the program as part of a class; in addition, they receive plenty of individual time with the lecturers. This style of teaching creates an atmosphere for creativity to flourish, resulting in strong portfolios that begin a positive future for the students in their creative and professional journey.

Reuben Fleming (Senior Lecturer)

My main goal is to make 3D animation less intimidating and more enjoyable. I try to break things down into simple, hands-on exercises to help students understand the basics. I always try to be there for our students, whether that’s in person or online, so they never feel stuck or on their own. I record as much content as possible and make everything available online. I also take requests and will create bespoke video tutorials to help with specific projects or challenges. I try to make my sessions as interactive as possible and encourage students to get involved, ask questions, and learn by doing. I also make sure to give meaningful, constructive feedback before deadlines, so students have time to improve and build on their work. Overall, I want students to feel supported, confident, and free to experiment (and make mistakes!) as they develop their skills in 3D animation.

As a team, we hope to maintain a culture that allows our students to engage with animation in a variety of exciting ways. We’d love to collaborate more with staff and students outside of our animation bubble who share the same passion for their subjects as our students do, especially in areas of storytelling, performance and those who are interested in making complex ideas and information accessible for all.

Authors

Liam Hall, Course Leader BA (Hons) Animation

Sandee Bedford, Lecturer in BA (Hons) Animation

Reuben Fleming, Senior Lecture in BA (Hons) Animation