The Department of Cartoon and Animation, part of the Faculty of Art and Design, is a four-year undergraduate program that covers the historical development of animation cinema and classical and contemporary animation techniques both theoretically and practically.

The program covers the basic principles of cartoon and animation cinema, classical animation techniques, and the analysis of these techniques through examples, aiming to enable students to learn the language of animation through hands-on practice. Throughout the educational process, students produce work in different technical areas such as cartoons, cut-outs, stop motion, collage, clay, pixilation, shadow, object, and computer-assisted animation, thereby grasping the fundamentals of animated film.

The department's program aims to develop students' individual and interdisciplinary artistic skills, supported by courses in cinematic language, basic art education, communication methods, art history, photography, drawing, film music, sound, effects, and editing. In addition to classical animation education, comprehensive training in 2D and 3D animation film production in a computer environment is offered.

During their undergraduate education, students gain technical and creative experience through intensive workshops; they graduate by producing animated films in techniques of their own choosing, including four short films and a graduation project. Furthermore, in line with students' areas of interest, participation in courses offered by departments within the faculty, such as Graphic Design, Communication Design, Cinema and Television, is encouraged to provide a multifaceted educational environment.

Students in the department also have the opportunity to study abroad through exchange programs and earn a second degree through the Double Major Program. IKU Department of Cartoon and Animation aims to train its students to be creative, technically equipped individuals capable of producing nationally and internationally.