This course allows practitioners in animation to explore opportunities that cross established boundaries or develop in-depth aspects of practice beyond usual levels. The course aims to develop the student's personal philosophies on design with a view to developing a personal area of specialism.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Course Specific Entry Requirements  

A recognised British honours degree to a good standard, or its equivalent. Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme or work proposed.

Informal enquiries are welcomed.

Applicants must demonstrate achievement of any one of the following:

- Receipt of a 2.2 degree, or higher from a British university
- A high level of achievement in undergraduate studies at a university elsewhere (e.g. for North American students a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale)
- Professional experience in the field or a related field in their home country

International Students are required to show competence in written and spoken English in addition to meeting the course entry requirements: International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) - minimum 6.5.

All applicants are requested to submit digital supporting material and where possible, will be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio of recent work.  

Course Content

This exciting course offers students a chance to fine tune their animation skills under the supervision of industry professionals. This can range from creating brilliant character animation to creating an award winning animated film or developing amazing sound design skills. A 'statement of intent' is drawn up during the beginning of your studies which forms the backbone of the postgraduate activity and provides a term of reference for assessable outcomes.

Students are supported by staff input through a series of design activities, and tutorials during the initial modules that are designed to identify an area of interest that can then be fully explored. The formal presentation of this initial research activity and the conclusions drawn, form the basis of the 'statement of intent' document. Both the practical and theoretical elements will be assessed both during, and at the end of, each module.

Students work on individual projects and there is also the opportunity to work in groups on ‘live’ projects for real companies.  In industry animation is essentially a group activity and this group work prepares students for their future career.

Successful applicants to this course will find themselves part of a larger postgraduate community, which will reflect and include a wide variety of interests right across the Art and Design spectrum. Furthermore, students should be able to demonstrate an ability to critically examine, analyse and evaluate contextual and philosophical issues relating to their intended programme of study. Students from Animation MA have gone on to work in the industry as both animators and directors.

Course at a Glance

Year 1

Animation Design Practice 1
Research for Creative Design
Practice 1

Advanced Practice 2
Research for Creative Design
Practice 2

Animation Design Practice 3
Postgraduate Project/
Dissertation

Assessment:

There are broad outlines to the nature of the deliverable aspects for assessment, but the final form of the assessment strategy and criteria is the result of collaboration between student and staff.

Learning Environment:

The course is supported by extensive computer, studio and workshop facilities located within the Department and the University as a whole. Full time study programme over three semesters, or a part time programme, usually over five semesters. Students undertake a total of nine modules, some of which are double in size. The full time programme will normally require four days attendance per week with an expected total workload of between 30-40 hours per week (pro rata for part time students). 

Careers:

The MA will help further career opportunities within commercial design practice - giving recognition to each student's individual practical and intellectual abilities. Graduates will improve their chance of employment in the animation industry with their demonstrated enhanced specialism and understanding developed on the course.

Fees and Finance

The standard fee for this course will be: £6,000 per year

For further information including the availability of bursaries/scholarships or student financial support please view our Fees and Finance pages.