Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Kingston School of Art's MA Animation program emphasizes interdisciplinary moving image production, equipping students with skills in 2D/3D animation, virtual/augmented reality, and critical making. Through research-based practice, students develop their individual styles and contribute to the evolution of animation. Graduates pursue careers in animation, motion graphics, and visual effects, as well as teaching and research.
Program Outline
It focuses on equipping students with the skills and attributes necessary to thrive in a dynamic professional environment characterized by rapid cultural and technological advancements. This program nurtures the development of individual practice grounded in a culture that values research and collaboration. Research is considered an integral part of critical making, encouraging experimentation with physical, digital, and virtual tools and technologies, embracing a diverse range of multidisciplinary approaches. Through a combination of tutorials, lectures, seminars, workshops, and research projects, students acquire the critical tools, knowledge, and confidence to contribute to the evolution of the subject and its practice. All students have the opportunity to undertake an extended research project, typically culminating in the creation of a film.
Outline:
Year 1
- Core Modules: The focus is on introducing new material-based media and digital approaches to animation practice, enabling students to critically challenge their existing animation practice.
- Reading: Critical Positions (30 credits): This module introduces ways of theorizing contemporary and historical design, enabling students to position their practice within broader professional, social, and political contexts and an interdisciplinary framework. It explores key current issues in design and facilitates participation in urgent critical debates, developing a theoretical and conceptual vocabulary to position their practice. Students consider audience engagement, communication, and platform selection to create meaningful works that communicate with empathy, present alternative realities, and tell compelling stories.
- Studio: Extended Research Project for Animation (60 credits): This module fosters individual and situated animation practice through moving image production, direction, and practice-based research. Students are given the agency to initiate and complete their self-directed and research projects, either individually or through collaboration.
Optional Placement Year
- Professional Placement (120 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a relevant work environment, developing key employability skills and subject-specific professional skills.
Assessment:
Assessment typically comprises exams, practical components (presentations, performances), and coursework (essays, reports, self-assessments, portfolios, dissertations). Feedback on assessments is typically provided within 20 working days.
Teaching:
Students benefit from a diverse array of learning and teaching approaches, including brief-led project work, workshops encouraging creative experimentation and individual critical reflection, and peer-led learning.
Careers:
Graduates from the Illustration Animation Department are active in the animation industry worldwide. They work as directors for animation, motion graphics, adverts, pop promos, and instructional educational films, engaging diverse audiences. They also establish their own animation studios and work in visual effects houses like Framestore and Moving Picture Company.
- The university offers dedicated graduate facilities, including the Graduate Centre with IT facilities, seminar rooms, and social spaces.
Home 2025/26 MA full time £12,400 MA part time £6,820 International 2025/26 MA full time £21,800 MA part time £11,990 Home 2024/25 MA full time £11,900 MA part time £6,545 International 2024/25 MA full time £20,900 MA part time £11,495
Entry Requirements:
- Typical Offer: Applicants should have a 2:2 or above honours degree in illustration or animation or a related subject, such as fine art, graphic design, photography, printmaking, fashion or textiles.
- Other Qualifications: Applicants with academic qualifications in other subjects, or relevant work experience, will be considered on an individual basis.
- Portfolio: A portfolio of work must accompany your application.
Portfolio Guidance:
- The portfolio should demonstrate the following values: questioning, curiosity, technical ability, and enthusiasm.
- It should include a show reel of moving image or animated work and supporting images that demonstrate competence in drawing, observational drawing, life drawing, concept sketching, character designs, storyboards, and evidence of relevant creative practice.
- The portfolio should be 15-20 pages, landscape orientation, and saved/uploaded as a print-based or interactive PDF file.
Prior Learning - AP(E)L:
- Applicants with prior qualifications and learning may be exempt from appropriate parts of a course in accordance with the University's policy for the assessment of prior learning and prior experiential learning.
International:
- All non-UK applicants must meet the English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5.
- Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no element below 5.5.