MA Animation (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

AVFX Group Project

Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary production team, working across MA Animation and MA Visual Effects. Contribute specialist skills to create a short film or VFX sequence, following a professional studio pipeline. The result is a high-quality showpiece for your portfolio.

Body Mechanics

You explore the art and science behind body mechanics in animation. You research and analyse the movement of both humans and other elements and apply this knowledge in the production of convincing animation in 3D.
You study the physics of movement, human anatomy, internal and external forces as well as a professional animation workflow.

You develop a deep knowledge of animation workflow through a number of body mechanics exercises, and study and critically analyse a variety of animation styles from realistic to cartoon.

Assessment is a portfolio of body mechanics shots (70%) and an illustrated, reflective, blog (30%).

Character Performance

You build a strong foundation in animated character performance using tools and workflows standard across the film, TV and games industries. Focus on lip sync, facial animation, acting theory and the use of reference, while developing your animation practice through continuous exploration of characters in varied scenarios. The continued practice of animating characters in different situations means you develop and improve your skills throughout the module.

Creatures

Animated creatures can take many forms - from cartoon-styles with human personalities, to the recreation of realistic creatures in live action films.
You explore, use and critically analyse the techniques and tools available to today’s animators. You explore both the creative and technical skills required to produce creature (non-human) animation. This include areas such as weight, balance, anatomy and locomotion.
Assessment is a portfolio of creature animations, together with research and observations related to animal/creature behaviours and motions.