Location
Montpellier, Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes, Toulouse
Duration
5 years of training
Certification
Titre RNCP40876 – Expert en conception et réalisation – Animation 3D et Effets Spéciaux, Level 7 (Bac+5), registered on the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles, by decision of 25/06/2025.
Prerequisites
Prepa Entertainment (year 1) :
Baccalauréat or level 4 qualification
Courses in English: minimum level B2
In year 2 :
Bac +1 or level 4 qualification specialising in applied arts
Curriculum in English: minimum level B2
Internship
1 course
LAngue
French on all ESMA campuses
Available in English at the Bordeaux, Lyon and Montpellier campuses
Become a professional in 3D animation & VFX
5 years to master the tools and techniques of the biggest studios
ESMA’s 3D Animation & VFX course prepares you for careers in animation and special effects. In 5 years, you will gain in-depth knowledge of the entire production pipeline: visual storytelling, modelling, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering and compositing. These are all key skills for building solid expertise and meeting the demands of the professional market.
Supervised by working professionals, you will learn to use the tools of the industry while developing a strong artistic vision. Thanks to a structured progression, you will consolidate your fundamentals, gain in autonomy and specialise in the techniques that correspond to your career plan.
On completion of the course, your technical and creative expertise will enable you to join animation and VFX studios, as well as other sectors such as the medical, luxury, automotive and industrial sectors that require these skills, both in France and abroad.
Why choose ESMA’s 3D Animation & VFX course?
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).
- Develop the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
- Manage the production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
General teaching
Graphic arts
Observational drawing, narrative drawing, anatomical drawing, illustration, concept art, color, textures, visual composition, artistic experimentation.
Narration & screenplay
Visual storytelling, screenwriting, film analysis, storyboarding.
3D techniques
3D modeling, rigging, 3D animation, lighting, shading, rendering, compositing, VFX, FX, CFX, lookdev.
Tools & software
Professional 3D software, production pipeline, post-production, digital creation software.
Artistic direction
Character design, environment, sound design, art direction, visual identity.
Production
Pre-production, project management, pipeline organization, film production, teamwork.
Communication
Oral expression, written expression, project presentation.
Professional integration
Portfolio, demo reel, coaching, professional simulation, job fair.
Languages
Business English.
Training validated by professional certification
RNCP40876 – Expert in Design and Production – 3D Animation and Special Effects, Level 7 (Bac+5) registered on the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnellesby decision of the Director General of France Compétences dated 25/06/2025.
Certifiers: ETPA – Ecoles Créatives, Ecoles Créatives Montpellier, Ecoles Créatives Nantes, Ecoles Créatives Lyon – Bordeaux, Ecoles Créatives Rennes.
The assessments are based on the design and production of a 3D animation and special effects film. This project, developed under professional conditions, gives rise to concrete deliverables and simulations assessed by a jury made up of professionals from the sector.
Professional certification is obtained by validating 3 blocks of skills:
- 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 production of a 3D animation and/or special effects project.
The qualification can also be obtained by VAE.
The teaching and assessment methods can be adapted to compensate for any disability, in accordance with the RNCP reference framework.
RNCP40876 – Expert in Design and Production – 3D Animation and Special Effects, Level 7 (Bac+5) registered on the Répertoire National des Certifications Profes
A course with an international outlook
This 3D course is also available in English at the Bordeaux, Lyon and Montpellier campuses. This programme is aimed at both international and French-speaking students who want to work in a multicultural environment, while benefiting from the school’s teaching expertise.
The content is exactly the same as in the French version: you will learn to create characters, animate, model, manage rigging, lighting and compositing using the industry’s leading software (Maya, Blender, Nuke, etc.). This is a unique opportunity to join a school with an international reputation, and to develop a competitive artistic profile that is open to the world.
Concrete results, worldwide recognition
world-class school in the category “Excellence in 3D Animation Production”
(*The Rookies 2024 Competition)success rate
in certification
employment rate within 6 months of graduation
2023employment rate in the target profession after 6 months
20233D & VFX projects produced by our students
Your passport to the image and entertainment professions
Professionals trained in 3D Animation & VFX at ESMA work in a variety of sectors: animation, VFX, video game cinema, advertising, design, communication, documentaries, music videos, live performance, culture and educational content.
They are promoted to positions of high technical and artistic value, including :
- Experts in images and visual effects, they can hold a variety of positions: 3D Artist, Modeling Artist, Texturing Artist, Surfacing Artist (or Lookdev), Layout Artist, VFX/FX Artist, CFX Artist (including Grooming Artist), Lighting Artist, Rendering Artist, Compositing Artist.
- They may also be involved in artistic and narrative direction as Character Designer, Concept Artist, Art Director or Storyboarder.
- Experts in animation and movement, they work as 3D Animators or 3D Motion Designers.
- Experts in the production pipeline and R&D, they rise to highly technical positions such as Technical Director or Technical Artist.
With experience, they progress to positions of increasing expertise and management: Senior, Lead, Supervisor, Technical Director, Creative Director, Assistant Director, 3D Director, Production Director, or studio founder.
Rates
Find out the tuition fees for 2025-2026 for the 3D Animation and Special Effects course at ESMA.
Year 1
Prep Entertainment
6 080€
Years 2 to 5
For one year
7 780€
Administrative registration fees
200 per year
Enrolment fees for English-language courses
500 per year
3 reasons to choose ESMA’s 3D Animation & Special Effects course
A course leading to professional qualifications and certification
The course leads to a state-recognised RNCP level 7 qualification (equivalent to 5 years’ higher education). Designed with industry professionals in mind, it meets the specific needs of animation, VFX and video game studios, so that you’ll be fully operational as soon as you leave the school. In this way, ESMA is positioning itself as a benchmark 3D animation school, training profiles that are operational and in demand as soon as they leave the school.
An animation school focusing on production
Over the course of five years, you will progress through supervised projects, work placements and the collective production of a 3D short film. In this way, you develop solid technical and creative expertise that can be put to direct use in the professional world.
A 3D school of excellence with an international reach
Ranked among the best animation schools in the world, ESMA enjoys international recognition thanks to the quality of its student productions and the influence of its network of partners. A course that opens the doors to the most famous studios.
