M.A. in 3D Character Animation
Program Overview
M.A. in 3D Character Animation
Description
Do you want to learn how to breathe life into modelled characters in a 3D environment? Would you like to work in the animation, video game or VFX industry? This is the master’s program for you!
In this master’s, you will discover how to use computers to bring your characters to life. With your training, you will learn how to give them heart through rendering.
You will finish the master’s degree ready to join a team at a large animation, advertising or video game studio. Our faculty will set you up you with professional contacts at one of the greatest animation studios in the world, showcasing your talent to the supervisors and animation leads at Skydance Animation.
These professionals will oversee your reel, granting you access to major companies where you will further your international career.
Career Opportunities
- Character Animator
- Crowd Animator
- Character Animator for the VFX Industry
Paths to Entry
Student Entry Profile:
- People with general 3D training who want to specialize and focus their career on character animation
- Graduates in Audiovisual Communication, Animation, Architecture, Fine Arts, Graphic Design and related post-secondary vocational training
- Professionals in traditional animation, character design, storyboarding or similar disciplines in related industries (illustration, comic book)
Where Our Alumni Work
Our master’s students graduate ready to work on first-class productions. Our past students are now working at Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, Animalogic, MPC, Scanline, Double Negative and Disney, among many other international companies.
Partner Companies
Study Plan
- Location: U-tad
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CET
- ECTS: October-June (665 HOURS)
- Language: Spanish
- Modality: In campus / On-line
- Center Attached to: Camilo José Cela University
Course 1
- COURSE NAME
- PRODUCTION
- Production Pipeline
- RIGGING
- Introduction to Maya for Animators
- Principles of animation applied to 3D animation
- The importance of poses and their application to 3D characters
- Basic Physics: Cycles and Body Mechanics
- Technical aspects: constraints, FK/IK, gimbals, axes…
- Advanced Physics
- Basic Acting
- Facial animation and lip sync
- Animation exercises / Dailies
- Advanced Acting
- Animation reinforcement
- NARRATIVE FOR ANIMATORS
- Script
- Narrative and Storyboarding
- WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES
- Process for approaching an animation shot Masterclass
- Animation Workflow Masterclass at Blue Sky Studios
- Animation Workflow Masterclass at Dreamworks Animation
- Live Animation Workflow Workshop
- Rigging Workshop for animators
- Lighting Workshop for animators
- Interpretation Workshop
- MASTER’S THESIS
- PRODUCTION
Faculty
Andrés Bedate
- Master’s Director in 3D Character Animation. Teacher
- Lead Character Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks, Little Zoo
Pepe Mansuy
- Drawing and Animation teacher
- Storyboart Artist, Character Design, Animator at Blur Studios y Sunrise Productions
Students' Projects and Awards
Your Project: your best letter of recommendation
Throughout this master’s degree, our students develop projects that later make up their reel. It will function as a great letter of recommendation when it comes to entering the labor market.
Talent Awards
Our students have won the most prestigious awards in the industry for the projects they’ve developed throughout their studies. Check them out.
Students' Feedback
The Master’s in 3D Animation allowed me to master the most important skills in the discipline. It is taught by top industry professionals who share all their help and experience, which makes the education completely holistic. When I graduated, I started at B-Water Studios with the series 'Treasure Trekkers', and currently I'm at Core Animation, working on the film 'Moomios'.
Sara Valdés
I did an internship at 'In Efecto' in Montpellier. From there, I jumped to 'Pocoyo', Montreal (Cinesite - 'The Star'), Vancouver (Sony Picture Imageworks - 'Hotel Transylvania' and 'Spiderman Into the Spiderverse', which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2019) and then to Bron Animation ('The Willoughbys' for Netflix). I am now at Sony Vancouver (Vivo) until 2021. Studying at U-tad for my master's, I learned with the top professionals. The motivation and support I had at Ilion Animation Studios was unmatched. Now I work with my fellow master’s students in different studios around the world.
Andrés BedateMaster’s in Animation Alumni
Since I studied my master's degree in character animation at U-tad, I’ve had constant work in the animation industry. I started with an internship at Ilion Animation Studios (now Skydance), where I learned from top industry professionals. I worked on in several animation shorts like 'ColRun' and 'The Grumpy Ghost', and worked as a character animator at B-water Animation Studios (TV series, Tenerife). Then I worked at Mercury Steam (videogames, Madrid) and, finally, at Lightbox Animation Studios for the film 'Tadeo Jones 3: la maldición de la momia'. Todo esto no hubiera sido posible si no hubiese realizado el máster de U-tad, donde aprendí muchísimo con profesores que son de los mejores profesionales en activo en la industria de la animación.
Irene Escuer
The Master’s in 3D Animation allowed me to master the most important skills in the discipline. It is taught by top industry professionals who share all their help and experience, which makes the education completely holistic. When I graduated, I started at B-Water Studios with the series 'Treasure Trekkers', and currently I'm at Core Animation, working on the film 'Moomios'.
Sara Valdés
I did an internship at 'In Efecto' in Montpellier. From there, I jumped to 'Pocoyo', Montreal (Cinesite - 'The Star'), Vancouver (Sony Picture Imageworks - 'Hotel Transylvania' and 'Spiderman Into the Spiderverse', which won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2019) and then to Bron Animation ('The Willoughbys' for Netflix). I am now at Sony Vancouver (Vivo) until 2021. Studying at U-tad for my master's, I learned with the top professionals. The motivation and support I had at Ilion Animation Studios was unmatched. Now I work with my fellow master’s students in different studios around the world.
Andrés BedateMaster’s in Animation Alumni
Program Outline
Outline:
- Course 1
- PRODUCTION
- Production Pipeline
- RIGGING
- Introduction to Maya for Animators
- Principles of animation applied to 3D animation
- The importance of poses and their application to 3D characters
- Basic Physics: Cycles and Body Mechanics
- Technical aspects: constraints, FK/IK, gimbals, axes...
- Advanced Physics
- Basic Acting
- Facial animation and lip sync
- Animation exercises / Dailies
- Script
- Narrative and Storyboarding
- WORKSHOPS AND MASTERCLASSES
- Process for approaching an animation shot Masterclass
- Animation Workflow Masterclass at Blue Sky Studios
- Animation Workflow Masterclass at Dreamworks Animation
- Live Animation Workflow Workshop
- Rigging Workshop for animators
- Lighting Workshop for animators
Teaching:
- Faculty:
- Andrés Bedate
- Master’s Director in 3D Character Animation. Teacher
- Lead Character Animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks, Little Zoo
- Pepe Mansuy
- Drawing and Animation teacher
- Storyboart Artist, Character Design, Animator at Blur Studios y Sunrise Productions
Careers:
- Character Animator
- Crowd Animator
- Character Animator for the VFX Industry
U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design
Overview:
U-tad University of Technology Arts and Design is a private university located in Madrid, Spain. It specializes in digital education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like animation, video games, digital design, and computer science. U-tad is known for its focus on practical skills and industry connections, preparing students for successful careers in the digital world.
Services Offered:
Academic Programs:
U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various digital fields.Student Information:
The university provides resources and support for students, including academic advising and career services.Campus Services:
U-tad offers various campus services, including a library, computer labs, and student clubs.Research Projects:
The university encourages research and innovation, offering opportunities for students to participate in research projects.Employment and Internships:
U-tad assists students in finding internships and jobs through career fairs and networking events.International Student Exchange:
U-tad facilitates international student exchange programs, allowing students to study abroad and gain global perspectives.Student Life and Campus Experience:
U-tad provides a vibrant and international campus environment. Students have access to various student clubs and organizations, fostering a sense of community and allowing them to pursue their interests. The university also organizes events and activities throughout the year, enriching the student experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry-Focused Curriculum:
U-tad's curriculum is designed to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital industry.Strong Industry Connections:
The university has strong partnerships with leading companies in the digital sector, providing students with internship and job opportunities.Award-Winning Faculty:
U-tad boasts a faculty of experienced professionals and academics, providing students with high-quality instruction and mentorship.Modern Facilities:
The university offers state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, studios, and workshops, providing students with the tools they need to excel in their chosen fields.International Environment:
U-tad attracts students from around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.Academic Programs:
U-tad offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the following areas:
Computer Science:
Software Engineering, Computational Physics, Mathematics and Software EngineeringAnimation:
Animation, 3D Animation, VFXDigital Design:
Digital Design, Graphic Design, UX/UI DesignVideo Games:
Interactive Design of Products and Video Games, Game Design, Game DevelopmentOther:
U-tad is a partner of the Universidad Camilo José Cela and the Software Center of Excellence. The university is also a Rookies Certified School, recognizing its commitment to providing high-quality education in the digital arts.
Entry requirements
People with general 3D training who want to specialize and focus their career on character animation Graduates in Audiovisual Communication, Animation, Architecture, Fine Arts, Graphic Design and related post - secondary vocational training Professionals in traditional animation, character design, storyboard or similar disciplines in related industries (Illustration, comic book)
