Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Animation MA
Extend your creative vision and shape the future of animated storytelling through innovative animation practices and critical engagement.
Key information
- Course duration: Full-time 1 year
- Annual fees:
- Home (full-time): £10,600
- Overseas (full-time): £24,000
- Course start: September 2025
Course overview
Our innovative MA in Animation is designed to develop your visual style to convey complex ideas clearly using a range of media. The course encourages you to explore fresh perspectives on storytelling and narrative, focusing on future-oriented outcomes.
The course emphasises the integration of new technologies with established practices, supporting your growth through a variety of projects that enhance both conceptual and practical skills. Supported by a team of professional animators and academics, you will explore new techniques, develop your interests, and exchange and discuss ideas. You’ll explore media processes with students from other media disciplines, gaining access to state-of-the-art resources and workshops.
By the end of the course, you’ll have an extended portfolio and a deep understanding of both independent and collaborative practices, effectively positioning you within the contemporary animation field. You’ll be encouraged to push boundaries and experiment to find your unique creative voice. You’ll explore meaningful themes and learn how to engage audiences through multidisciplinary approaches, addressing contemporary, social, cultural, and environmental issues.
Join us at Norwich and be part of an animation community that drives creative boundaries, embraces innovation, and impacts the world.
Why study with us
- Advanced technical skills: Master a wide range of media and techniques, creating impactful animations that reflect your artistic vision.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Collaborate with postgraduate courses in media and visual communication, enriching your educational experience through multidisciplinary engagement.
- Professional-level resources: Access cutting-edge facilities, including animation labs, design studios, and licensed software to bring your creative ideas to life.
- Ethical and inclusive research: Commit to ethical practices that prioritise accessibility, diversity, equality, and sustainability in animation.
- Professional portfolio development: Create a strong portfolio that showcases your interests and prepares you for a successful career in animation.
- Innovative problem-solving: Tackle complex visual and narrative challenges through project-based learning, encouraging original and inventive approaches to animation.
Course details
This programme is a one-year course including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.
- Core practice and context in Animation (60 credits): This unit launches your master’s study experience at Norwich, immersing you in leading practices and emerging research within animation to enhance your understanding and knowledge in animation methodologies.
- Advanced technical skills in Animation (20 credits): This unit focuses on the advanced technical skills essential for idea generation, problem-solving and practical development in animation practice.
- Dialogue, debate and domain knowledge in Animation (10 credits): This unit is designed to encourage your exploration of leading practices and emerging research within animation through reflective analysis and interactive discussions.
- Professional technical skills in Animation (20 credits): This unit encourages your exploration with a range of professional-level technical skills essential for idea generation, problem-solving, and practical development in animation practice.
- Advanced critical context in Animation (10 credits): This unit deepens your understanding of leading practices and emerging research within and around animation.
- Major project (60 credits): This unit represents the culmination of your master’s study, where you will design, develop, and execute an individual or collaborative major project in animation.
Learning and teaching
The course is delivered through a variety of engaging learning and teaching methods.
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Technical labs
- Independent and group work
Assessment
Our assessment methods will vary based on the unit you choose and provide a comprehensive measure of your learning and progress. These methods may include:
- Critically reflective essay
- Course work
- Presentations
- Learning journal
- Reflective evaluation
- Body of creative work
- Reflective research report
- Team project evaluation
- Major project
- Supporting documentation
Real world problem-solving
This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Visual Communication, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MA Animation, MA Advertising, and MA Illustration. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.
Typical career paths
Graduates of our MA Animation are equipped to navigate the increasingly technology-driven and interdisciplinary design landscape. Whatever your goals, this course will support your individual interests and specialisms and open more career opportunities in the dynamic fields of animation, film, and digital media. The skills and experience you gain will prepare you to excel across a range of creative industries.
This course prepares you for a career in a variety of disciplines related to animation, including:
- Stop motion animator
- 2D animator
- Set designer
- Puppet builder
- Lighting technician
- Compositor
- Producer
- Editor
- Storyboard artist
- Character designer
Entry Requirements
Entrants should normally have achieved a BA (Hons) / BSc Degree of 2:1 or above (or its equivalent), in advertising, art or design (such as graphics, photography, film studies), psychology, marketing, business, english, sociology, or philosophy.
Those with industry experience or relevant skills from non-traditional backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including individuals currently employed. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us for guidance before applying.
English language requirements (International/EU)
If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. we also accept other English language qualifications.
International Qualifications
We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
For information on entry requirements from your country, see our international pages.
Portfolio requirement
When you apply for this course, we will ask you to prepare your portfolio and a written submission. We might also ask you to prepare for an interview. These methods are used to assess your suitability for the course. All three elements should clearly demonstrate your passion for the subject and your individual creativity.
Further information will be provided once you have applied.
Fees and funding
- Home: £10,600
- International: £24,000
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience. Find out more about scholarships and funding.
Additional costs
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition. Accommodation, cost of materials, and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees.
How to apply
Applications to our postgraduate courses should be made directly to Norwich University of the Arts using a Postgraduate Application Form.
Please see our Terms and Conditions and Admissions Policies for further details.
Postgraduate applicants can only apply directly by completing the below online application form or emailing the downloadable form to [insert email].
Online Postgraduate Application Form International Postgraduate Application Form (219kb)
International students requiring a visa should apply as soon as possible in the year they wish to start. Email our International Team for more information.
Please see our Terms and Conditions and Admissions Policies for further details.
Postgraduate open days
Get a taste of life at Norwich, learn more about our courses, our campus and meet the creators and makers you’ll be learning from.
Book an open day
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Norwich University of the Arts
Overview:
Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) is a public university specializing in art, design, architecture, media, performance, technology, and business management. It is located in Norwich, England, and boasts a campus that blends historic buildings with modern, innovative spaces.
Services Offered:
NUA offers a range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees:
A wide variety of programs across various creative disciplines.Short courses:
Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.Integrated Foundation (Year 0):
A preparatory year for students seeking to enter undergraduate programs.Campus facilities:
Modern studios, workshops, and learning spaces.Accommodation:
On-campus housing options for students.Student support:
Services for academic, personal, and career development.International student support:
Dedicated resources for international students.Fees and funding:
Information on tuition fees and financial aid options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
NUA provides a vibrant and stimulating campus environment where students can:
Engage in creative exchange:
Collaborate with peers and faculty in a supportive atmosphere.Explore a historic and modern campus:
Discover inspiration in the university's unique architectural blend.Benefit from a city full of possibilities:
Immerse themselves in Norwich's creative and diverse culture.Connect with industry professionals:
Gain valuable insights and networking opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Award-winning teaching quality:
Recognized for its high standards of education.Gold-rated Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
Demonstrates commitment to excellent teaching and learning.Industry-relevant programs:
Courses designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers.Vibrant and supportive community:
A welcoming environment for students to thrive and develop their creative potential.Location in a creative city:
Access to Norwich's rich cultural scene and opportunities for inspiration.Academic Programs:
NUA offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including:
Undergraduate degrees:
Acting, Animation, Architecture, Business Management, Computer Science, Creative Computing, Creative Technology and Robotics, Design for Publishing, Electronic Music and Sound Production, Esports, Fashion, Fashion Communication and Promotion, Fashion Marketing and Business, Film and Moving Image Production, Fine Art, Games Art and Design, Games Development, Graphic Communication, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Marketing, Photography, Psychology, Textile Design, User Experience Design.Postgraduate degrees:
Advertising, Animation, Illustration, Interaction Design, Creative Computing, Games Computing, Data Science and AI in Creative Industries, Service Design, User Experience Design, Architecture, Creative Education, Communication Design, Film, Fine Art, Games, Textile Design.Other:
NUA is committed to research and innovation, supporting inclusive communities and shaping the future of creative industries. It also operates East Gallery, a public art space showcasing exhibitions by renowned artists and designers.