Animation MA

Overview

Our MA Animation is an intensive, practice-based programme which will develop your range of skills in animated performance to allow you to meet industry demands and developments. At the same time, opportunities for enterprise and academic research make a broad range of outcomes available to you.

Course Details

Core Modules

• Acting for Animation
  • This module is an in-depth study of acting theory as applied to character animation.
  • The overall aim is to enable you to create convincing performances using animated characters.
• 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.
• 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.
• Facial Animation and Dialogue
  • You explore methodologies and techniques necessary to create animated facial performances to a professional quality.
  • You investigate advanced keyframe animation and performance capture pipelines, experimenting with each to create professional pieces of work.
• Group Project
  • You complete a multidisciplinary group project in your area of interest to create a short film or video game cutscene.
  • You work in an individual production role within small teams to create an original short film or cutscene, which provide a high-end showpiece for your portfolio.
• Master's Project: Animation
  • You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your animation programme.
  • Your project is drawn from appropriate commercial, industrial, artistic or research-based problem areas and involves research and investigation in relevant aspects of a very specific area of study followed by the production of a major deliverable portfolio of relevant practice based materials from the area of animation.
• Research and Development
  • You gain the knowledge and skills to understand the research process in computing and digital media, and the necessary skills to undertake your masters project.
  • You learn how to use and critically evaluate previous academic research, and to generate good evidence material to justify their professional practice.

Advanced Practice (2 Year Full-Time MA Only)

• Internship
  • The internship options are:
    • Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University.
    • Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University.

How You Learn

• You learn about concepts and methods primarily through keynote lectures and tutorials using case studies and examples.
• Lectures include presentations from guest speakers from industry.
• Critical reflection is key to successful problem solving and essential to the creative process.
• You develop your own reflective practice at an advanced level, then test and assess your solutions against criteria that you develop in the light of your research.

How You Are Assessed

• The programme assessment strategy has been designed to assess your subject specific knowledge, cognitive and intellectual skills and transferable skills applicable to the workplace.
• The strategy ensures that you are provided with formative assessment opportunities throughout the programme which support your summative assessments.
• There is a mix of practical work (usually in the form of a portfolio of animation tasks), presentations, reflective blogs and written reports.
• Formative feedback is typically given during lectures, tutorials and summative feedback using on-line methods.
• The assessments can include individual or group work.

Entry Requirements

• 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.

Employability

• You have many opportunities to develop your professional skills, links with industry and meet with recruiters through ExpoTees, Animex Festival and Student Futures activities.

Fees

Full-Time

• Fee for UK applicants: £8,365 a year
• Fee for international applicants: £17,000 a year

Part-Time

• Fee for UK applicants: £930 for each 20 credits

Duration

• Full-time: within 1 year (September start), 16 months (January start) or 2 years with advanced practice (September or January start)
• Part-time: 2 years (September start) or 3 years (January start)

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Degree Overview:

The program boasts high industry recognition, with recent graduates finding positions at Industrial Light and Magic, Animal Logic, Blue Zoo, Imaginarium, and Rockstar North.

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The MA Animation program offers three pathways:

• Full-time with advanced practice (2 years): This intensive option includes a dedicated industry internship semester.
• Full-time (1 year): This option provides a focused curriculum within a shorter timeframe.
• Part-time (2 years): This flexible option allows working professionals to complete the program at their own pace.

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Outline:

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Core Modules:

• Acting for Animation: This module delves into acting theory and its application to character animation.
Students learn to create convincing animated performances by analyzing live-action references and applying the principles of human emotion and acting.
• Body Mechanics: This module explores the science and art of body mechanics in animation.
Students analyze the movement of humans and other elements, applying this knowledge to create realistic and believable 3D animations.
• Creatures: This module focuses on animating creatures, ranging from cartoon characters to realistic creatures in live-action films.
Students explore techniques and tools to create compelling creature animations while considering weight, balance, anatomy, and locomotion.
• Facial Animation and Dialogue: This module delves into the intricacies of creating high-quality facial performances and dialogue animation.
Students explore advanced keyframe animation and performance capture techniques, using audio and dialogue to enhance the emotional impact of their characters.
• Group Project: This module allows students to work in multidisciplinary teams on a short film or video game cutscene, building their collaborative skills and creating a professional-level project for their portfolio.
• Master's Project: Animation: This module culminates in an independent research project, allowing students to explore a specific area of animation in depth.
They conduct research, develop creative outputs, and produce a written report that contextualizes and critically evaluates their work.
• Research and Development: This module equips students with the research skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete their master's project.
They learn research strategies, data generation methods, and critical evaluation techniques, enabling them to conduct effective research and develop their own creative solutions.

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Advanced Practice (2-year full-time MA only):

• Internship: Students can choose between a vocational or research internship.
The vocational option provides real-world industry experience, while the research option allows students to participate in academic research within the University.

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Assessment:

• Practical work: Portfolio, typically showcasing animated projects of varying complexity.
• Presentations: Poster and viva presentations to demonstrate research findings and creative outputs.
• Reflective blogs: Examining and analyzing the creative process and artistic choices.
• Written reports: Contextualizing and evaluating the research and project outcomes.
• Animated piece with dialogue: Demonstrating professional-level quality and industry-standard skills.

The criteria include presentation skills, report writing, and the ability to meet industry standards.

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Teaching:

• Lectures: Delivered by experienced staff and industry professionals, lectures provide fundamental knowledge and introduce key concepts.
• Tutorials: Interactive sessions offer opportunities for individual guidance, feedback, and in-depth analysis of specific topics.
• Individual research: Students undertake independent research to explore specific areas of interest and develop their own creative practice.

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Careers:

• 3D character animator
• Creature animator
• Facial animator
• Animation rigger
• Animation director
• Visual effects artist

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Other:

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £7,365 a year £4,770 a year with advanced practice Fee for international applicants £17,000 a year £10,000 a year with advanced practice

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Part-time

2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £820 for each 20 credits

Teesside University

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Overview:

Teesside University is a public university located in Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, England. It is known for its strong focus on student experience, research, and business partnerships. The university has invested heavily in its campus, offering modern facilities and a vibrant learning environment.

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Services Offered:

Teesside University provides a wide range of services to its students, including:

Undergraduate and postgraduate study:

Offering a diverse selection of programs across various disciplines.

Short courses and CPD:

Providing opportunities for professional development and upskilling.

Online learning:

Delivering flexible and accessible learning options.

International student support:

Providing dedicated services for international students.

Career services:

Offering guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

Student support services:

Providing academic, personal, and financial support to students.

Library and IT facilities:

Offering access to extensive resources and technology.

Accommodation services:

Providing on-campus and off-campus accommodation options.

Sports and recreational facilities:

Offering a variety of sports and leisure activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Teesside University prides itself on its close-knit and supportive community. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with:

Social events and activities:

Offering opportunities to connect with fellow students and engage in extracurricular activities.

Student societies and clubs:

Providing platforms for students to pursue their interests and develop their skills.

Campus facilities:

Including a modern library, sports facilities, and a variety of dining options.

A welcoming and inclusive environment:

Fostering a sense of belonging and diversity.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable excellence:

Offering a high-quality education at a competitive price.

Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

Recognized for its outstanding teaching and student experience.

World-leading research:

Conducting impactful research across various fields.

Strong industry partnerships:

Providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience and develop valuable connections.

Vibrant and supportive community:

Offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students to thrive.

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Academic Programs:

Teesside University offers a wide range of academic programs across six schools:

School of Arts & Creative Industries

School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies

School of Health & Life Sciences

School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law

Teesside University International Business School

University departments

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Other:

Campus Masterplan:

Teesside University has invested £280 million in its campus to enhance the student experience and support the local community.

Strong commitment to equality and diversity:

Recognized as a top employer for its commitment to inclusivity.

Nationally recognized for its services to business:

Providing impactful partnerships with local and global organizations.

Located in a vibrant and affordable region:

Offering a unique blend of urban and rural experiences.