Animation BA (Hons) at the University of Huddersfield is driven by critical inquiries as well as creative and technical processes. Whilst we teach digital design, physical print making, creative coding, typography, branding and UX design we believe the value of contemporary graphic design and animation exceeds the straightforward application of these techniques. Our work has industry relevance but also extends beyond to foster the ethical and social obligations of communication design through investigations into historical contexts and critical understandings of emergent trends.