Studying Animation

Meet your Course Leader!

Daryl looks forward to welcoming you to the Animation Studios at Staffs

Daryl Marsh is an experienced animation professional who spent eighteen years working in London, Manchester and Copenhagen on adverts, pop promos and such series as Pingu and Bob the Builder. 

He has been a Senior Lecturer for 19 years at the University of Staffordshire and is Course Leader of the seventh ranking animation degree course in the UK [Animation Career Review].

Daryl specialises in character design, CGI modelling & performance animation. He is also an artist working in virtual reality and several emerging technologies that utilise animation. 

He is currently engaged in practice-based research to preserve street art environments using a layered approach to audience experience in VR, AR and WebAR.

Highlights from our Animation students and alumni this year

Congratulations on your offer to join our vibrant and dynamic Animation degree within the department of Creative Industries at University of Staffordshire.

We wanted to share some of the exciting highlights for our students and alumni this year. to give you a flavour of the experiences you could be having when you join our Animation Studio community.

From gaining valuable skills and insights from specialist guest lecturers, to having your new film supporting the latest cinema release of Nick Parks ‘The Wrong Trousers’, it's been a fantastic time for our students and recent alumni.

Read more and watch student work

Teaching staff

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Daryl Marsh

Senior Lecturer

Course Leader for BA(Hons) Animation with long term professional animation experience in London, Manchester and Copenhagen. Specialisms include CGI, Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality. Researching immersive experiences and emerging technology.

Daryl's profile
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Robin Heap

Lecturer

Robin is an animation filmmaker who specialises in stop motion animation development and production.

Robin's profile
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Dr Monireh Astani

Senior Lecturer in Animation and Emerging Technologies

I lead the 2D pathway of the Animation programme and contributes to curriculum development for emerging technologies across the Design, Visual Arts, and Media & Digital Communication.

Monireh's profile

Your next steps

  1. Accept your offer

    An exciting new chapter awaits you here at University of Staffordshire - we can't wait to meet you. Before you can progress with finance or accommodation choices, you'll need to confirm your offer via UCAS.

    Accept your offer

  2. Apply for student finance

    It's best to arrange your student finance before starting University. You can learn more about student finance and make an application at www.gov.uk/student-finance. Our support team is here to help, get in touch if you have any questions about student finance.

    Enquire about finance

  3. Apply for your accommodation

    We have a range of accommodation to choose from to suit all lifestyles and budgets, including en-suite and accessible rooms. Browse rooms and find out how to apply.

    Browse University accommodation

Your Offer Holder Events

You're now part of our offer holder community, and we've planned an exclusive programme of events to help you prepare for becoming a student. These include both virtual and on‑campus sessions.

Keep an eye on your inbox for your invitation to our offer holder events - we'd love to welcome you, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps.

Your first event will be an interactive session designed to bring your course to life, with real case studies, taster activities, and live challenges tailored to your interests. If you're taking exams this summer, you can get some great tips at our exam preparation session.

At other upcoming events, you'll be able to explore your accommodation options, and find out more about student support and opportunities to earn while you learn. We'll also keep you up to speed on all the key deadlines and next steps, so you are ready for September.

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Social Inclusion

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

for First Generation Students

The Mail University Guide 2026

in the UK for Games Education

Rookies Games Design and Development 2023, 2025

TIGA Best Games Institution 2024, 2025

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021