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| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
| 2023-11-01 | - |
Program Overview
Are you interested in pursuing a career in 3D Animation? Whether you want to create animation for TV, film, the web, or games, this part-time, flexible course can help you develop the vital skills you need to succeed in this sector, while fitting around your current commitments. Aimed at animation professionals and those looking to advance their skills and develop their critical capacity, our MA 3D Animation degree is one of the world’s longest running online 3D Animation master’s degrees.
You’ll have the chance to engage with the latest trends and technological advances in 3D Animation, using cutting-edge software to enhance your portfolio. We partner with the online animation school Animation Apprentice and previous students and graduates have won many festival awards for their films, while others have gone on to work for leading animation and vfx houses such as MPC, DNEG, Framestore and Escape Studios. The showreel above consists of films created on the course in the last five years.
Program Outline
Modules
This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our
Academic Advice section
.
Year 1 Core Modules Credits
Animation 1 - Locomotion 20.00
Credits
20.00
You'll explore different animation styles & review the work of contemporary animators. You'll study topics including: principles of animation; planning & executing a scene; using cameras & cinematography; combining animation with audio, sound & music. You'll look at modelling, lighting, texturing & rendering techniques, and the pipeline structure.Animation 2 - Mechanics 20.00
Credits
20.00
This module aims to teach you how to utilise camera & cinematography, how character & story underpin the creative process, and the ‘pipeline structure’ in the Animation, VFX and Games industries.Animation 3 - Character Performance 20.00
Credits
20.00
You'll study character acting and performance, how to bring 3D characters to life and give them personality. You'll build on your existing knowledge of locomotion and body language, then look at animation dialogue and lipsync, making characters act, perform and talk. You'll review the work of contemporary digital artists/designers and explore visua...
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Animation 3 - Character Performance
Credits
20.00
You'll study character acting and performance, how to bring 3D characters to life and give them personality. You'll build on your existing knowledge of locomotion and body language, then look at animation dialogue and lipsync, making characters act, perform and talk. You'll review the work of contemporary digital artists/designers and explore visual culture in the context of digital animation and moving image work, including elements of animation theory.
Animation 4 - Animals & Creatures 20.00
Credits
20.00
You'll study animal and creature animation, including design, locomotion, behaviour and performance. You'll explore making creatures perform, act and talk and look at how to work with realistic animal locomotion by analysing real motion and applying it to create believable animations. You'll study how to give your creatures character & personality.Professional Preparation 20.00
Credits
20.00
Through reviewing your work and reflecting on the needs of the industry, you'll assemble a demo reel to showcase your work to prospective employers. You'll also finalise a blog or website, prepare a professional CV and research and critically evaluate employment opportunities and current practitioners in the animation and visual effects industries.Client Brief 20.00
Credits
20.00
You'll assemble a professional-standard animation for an external client, demonstrating your ability to respond to external briefs, pitch ideas, balance personal vision and aesthetic with the needs of a client and manage time and practical constraints. You'll also look at storytelling and film editing in the context of a compact visual narrative.Research Project 60.00
Credits
60.00
You'll write a 10-12000 word dissertation. This involves extensive research and analysis on your chosen subject. You'll refine your work through tutorials to compose a clear line of thought.Buckinghamshire New University
Overview:
Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is a modern university with a focus on practical and job-related learning. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines. BNU is known for its high student satisfaction rates, excellent student support, and strong employability outcomes.
Services Offered:
BNU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Student Success and Support:
This includes career guidance, health and wellbeing services, disability support, library resources, and a multi-faith chaplaincy.Digital and Technical Services:
BNU offers access to IT facilities, software, and online learning platforms like Blackboard.Accommodation:
BNU provides on-campus accommodation options at its High Wycombe campus, as well as guidance for finding private rented accommodation.Financial Support:
BNU offers various financial aid options, including bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds.International Student Support:
BNU provides specific support for international students, including visa guidance, travel assistance, and integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
BNU offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience with a strong focus on student engagement. Students can expect:
Active Students' Union:
BNU's Students' Union provides a range of social, cultural, and sporting activities.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
BNU prides itself on its welcoming and diverse student body.Modern Facilities:
BNU has modern facilities, including a gym, a human performance center, and a library.Campus Tours:
BNU offers virtual and in-person campus tours to prospective students.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
BNU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Excellent Student Support:
BNU is known for its strong student support services.Strong Employability Outcomes:
BNU graduates have a high rate of employment or further study after graduation.Industry-Focused Courses:
BNU's courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed for the modern workplace.Practical and Job-Related Learning:
BNU emphasizes practical learning through simulations and real-world projects.Academic Programs:
BNU offers a wide range of academic programs across various schools, including:
- School of Art, Design and Performance
- School of Aviation and Security
- School of Business and Law
- School of Creative and Digital Industries
- School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- School of Health and Social Care Professions
- School of Human and Social Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Missenden Abbey International Hotel and Hospitality School
Other:
- BNU has a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- BNU is a TEF Silver-awarded institution, recognizing its high quality of teaching and learning.
- BNU has a strong focus on research and knowledge exchange.
- BNU has partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
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BNU has a dedicated alumni network.
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Academic Programs:
While the context lists the schools within BNU, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.
What are the course entry requirements?
We look for students with a minimum of 2:2 degree classification from an animation degree programme or from a related discipline. We also accept applications on an individual basis and will consider industry professionals who have developed the right skills through work.
All students will need to submit an online portfolio of work to support their application. We also ask prospective students for an interview - either face-to-face, phone or online.
For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our
international pages.
