MSc Computer Animation

Program Overview

Computer Animation MSc

Overview

This MSc Computer Animation degree will prepare you to work in animation roles across the creative and media industries. Whether you want to work in computer games, television, film or advertising, this Master’s will help you to build on your existing animation experience, specialise in specific areas of animation and prepare for the career you want.

During the course you’ll have opportunities to attend industry talks, network with professionals and develop your showreel. You’ll graduate ready to enter the industry, and be able to showcase your skills, knowledge and experience to potential employers.

Supported by lecturers with experience in many areas of animation, including specialists in 3D modelling/sculpting, texturing, rigging, 3D animation, FX and compositing, this Master's will enhance your technical animation skills and subject knowledge as you use industry equipment and software to build on your previous experience.

You'll apply your learning on your own CGI/Animation/VFX project, which you’ll tailor to your skills, interests and career goals with support from your supervisor.

This qualification is an option on the MSc Creative Technologies course. You'll apply for the MSc Creative Technologies course, then choose Computer Animation as your pathway project after you start the course. You'll graduate with MSc Computer Animation.

Eligibility

This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.

Course Highlights

• Specialise in a specific area of computer animation and expand your existing animation skills and knowledge
• Access University facilities including high-end computers and Cintiqs (drawing tablets)
• Use professional level software including Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Substance Painter, and Substance Designer
• Join creative technologies clubs and workshops including ZBrush sculpt club, character animation workshop, film/animation nights
• Attend networking and careers events to meet and build relationships with potential employers
• Benefit from our relationship with with local VFX company Dark Cosmos Creative
• Attend industry talks

Entry Requirements

• A second-class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject.
• Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete.
• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

Course Costs and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man students: £9,400 (full-time), £4,700 per year (part-time)
  • EU students: £9,400 (full-time), £4,700 per year (part-time)
  • International students: £17,900 (full-time), £8,950 per year (part-time)
• University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
• Fees are subject to annual increase.

Modules

Full-time

• Professional, Academic and Research Development (30 credits)
• Project Context and Definition (30 credits)
• Project Design and Development (60 credits)
• Project Evaluation and Resolution (60 credits)

Part-time

• Year 1:
  • Professional, Academic and Research Development (30 credits)
  • Project Context and Definition (30 credits)
• Year 2:
  • Project Design and Development (60 credits)
  • Project Evaluation and Resolution (60 credits)

Facilities and Specialist Software

• 3D software and game engines (Maya, 3DS Max, Unity, Unreal)
• CCIXR (UK's first integrated facility of its kind)
• Eldon TV studios and CCI TV
• Volumetric Capture studio
• Photogrammetry studio
• White Swan TV studio
• Wacom studios
• Lightbox suites
• Motion capture studio
• VR lab
• Video editing suite

How You'll Spend Your Time

• 1 day per week on campus
• Opportunities to attend additional undergraduate lectures
• Access to learning resources online in your own time

Teaching

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Tutorials

Assessment

• Practical artefacts
• Written reports
• Creative projects

Careers and Opportunities

• This MSc Computer Animation degree is your opportunity to specialise in a particular area of animation and develop your existing industry skills.
• Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
  • 3D generalist
  • Animators
  • Concept artists
  • Storyboard artists
  • Compositors
  • Creative directors
  • Art directors
  • Modellers
  • Riggers
  • Riggers
  • Texture artists
  • FX artists
  • Motion capture technicians
  • Freelance artists

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Student support advisor
• Creative skills tutors
• Academic skills tutors
• IT and computing support
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support
• Support with English

How to Apply

• Applications for this Master's course are made directly to the University of Portsmouth.
• There's no deadline for applications to this course.
• International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options.