MA 2D Animation and Stop Motion (with Advanced Practice)

At least a UK 2.2 honours degree in animation or equivalent.

Other first degree subjects may be accepted when combined with a portfolio of creative work at an acceptable standard.
Get some hints and tips on how to prepare a portfolio

Students with a degree awarded outside the UK must also meet the University's minimum English language requirements.

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

Anatomy of a Film

You deconstruct and analyse all aspects of films and animations that make up the visual language used to influence the audiences understanding. You will be expected to analyse and critically discuss many genres and formats including short film, feature film, and both live action and animation. This module also introduces you to other relevant concepts and associated theories such as psychoanalytical theory, film theory, as well as establishing a social, cultural and intellectual context for production work.

Creative Animation

Working as a group you explore and produce a short animation sequence or set of sequences, either using 2D, stop-motion, or an appropriate animation technique (or combination). You are introduced to the principles of performance for animation, using dialogue, sound creation and synchronisation techniques. This is your opportunity to experiment with technical and visual aspects of your final films.

Final Film

Using the pre-production materials already produced throughout the course, you create your final short film animation or TV pilot.

Industry Practice

Students will be expected to develop and demonstrate an understanding of the core broadcast skills, media workflows, studio etiquette, technologies and production methods as used by a contemporary 2D and/or stop motion animation studio together with demonstrating an understanding of intellectual property rights and contracts appropriate to enable career progression.

Production Design

You study and develop an original visual style for your animation. You look at case studies of contemporary directors and gain an understanding of the art department’s role within the production process.

Script and Pitch