Course Leader - Animation for Film & Games - contract basis - £230 per day

National Film & Television School; Beaconsfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Beaconsfield is seeking a Course Leader in Animation for Film & Games. This part-time role involves teaching and overseeing the curriculum for a new MA course, focusing on digital character animation and using industry-standard software. Applicants should have significant experience in animation and the ability to inspire students. The position offers competitive daily compensation and a chance to guide the next generation of creative talent.

Qualifications

• An experienced digital animation practitioner with industry knowledge.
• Ability to teach using tools like Blender and Unreal Engine.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to inspire students.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver modules and workshops for students.
• Oversee and manage the animation curriculum.
• Ensure smooth running of modules and productions.

Skills

Digital character animation

Knowledge of Unreal Engine

Teaching and mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Experience in film, television, or games industry

Tools

Blender

Maya

Houdini

Unity

Job description

Overview

Part time 120 days per year

Salary £230 per day

NFTS Beaconsfield

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is a registered charity (313429). First established in 1971, it has evolved to become a leading global institution, developing some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent in film, television and games. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally, being named as one of The Hollywood Reporter’s top international film schools for over a decade.

We are recruiting for an experienced Course Leader in Animation for Film & Games to lead our exciting and innovative new MA. This course is designed to teach students how to breathe life into virtual worlds, producing computer-generated character performances, crafting sequences, and gameplay moments for film, games, or immersive virtual production. Alongside mastering animation and game control for their digital characters, they’ll learn how to bring digital worlds to life with cutting-edge tools, from motion capture to AI-driven techniques.

The successful candidate will be an experienced digital character animator, with knowledge and experience of current industry practice, including digital animation with real-time tools, such as game engines (specifically, Unreal Engine).

They will plan and deliver modules, teaching a significant part of the Animation curriculum, and lead a team of contributing tutors. They will also work closely with the Head of Games Design and the Head of Animation, nurturing collaborations where needed.

This role would suit someone who is excited about imparting their knowledge to, and inspiring the next generation of film, television and games talent in digital animation. Flexibility, good oral and written communication skills and the ability to deal effectively with staff and students are essential.

The NFTS environment provides a blend of technical, theoretical, artistic and story-based training, housed within a working film studio. Our labs are cutting-edge, with dedicated workstations that replicate those used in the animation, VFX and games industries. Each machine has current industry standard software, including Maya, Unreal Engine, Blender, Unity, Nuke, Nuke Studio, Photoshop, Substance, Houdini, Resolve, Reality Capture, PTGui and others.

For further information about this role and details of how to apply, please visit https://www.nfts.co.uk/jobs

Closing date for applications is Monday 6th October 2025.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates for this role, so we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are able to demonstrate their right to live and work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, we will not be able to progress your application.

At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and to increasing our representation of staff from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Location: Beaconsfield

Purpose of role

The Course Leader for Animation for Film and Games must be an experienced digital animation practitioner working in the film, television and games industry with a solid understanding, knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices for real-time.

Job Description

1. Prepare and deliver modules, workshops and teaching days thoroughly with students and fellow tutors.
2. Teach a significant, practical component of the Animation for Film and Games curriculum and oversee the teaching in other specialist areas.
3. Manage and develop the curriculum, in consultation with the specialist tutors across the subject area, including setting and marking assignments, maintaining and improving existing structures, reviewing students’ progress, pastoral support, and promoting and advocating for the course.
4. Take full responsibility for the smooth practical running of modules, workshops, teaching days and productions, and contribute to evaluation and future planning when completed.
5. Collaborate with other Heads of Department, when necessary, to ensure that students on all courses get a coherent, high-quality experience.
6. Produce module briefs, workshop briefs and descriptions of teaching days, in line with School principles and course learning outcomes.
7. Support NFTS production work which rely upon digital animation, advising on approach, workflow and supporting final delivery.
8. Ensure that student assessments and feedback are recorded on relevant forms after all exercises, workshops and projects and that progress reviews are completed at the relevant points in the year.
9. Participate fully in the School's module, workshop, and teaching day evaluation procedures, including preparing and completing all relevant paperwork.
10. Attend any tutor or other meetings relevant to professional responsibilities at the School.
11. Engage with continuing professional development of teaching and learning practice.

Person Specification

• An experienced digital animation practitioner working in the film, television and/or games industry with a solid understanding, knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices.
• An in-depth knowledge of and ability to teach at least some of the following as an animator: Blender, Maya, Unreal, Houdini.
• The ability to recognise and foster talent, whilst also ensuring students reach the standards required of them.
• The ability to engage positively with the other departments of the NFTS.
• The ability to inspire enthusiasm amongst the students and staff for whom they are responsible.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.