Program Overview

Animation, MA

Overview

Our MA Animation course will enable you to enhance your animation skills under the supervision of industry professionals. Whether you're looking to create brilliant character animation, an outstanding animated film, or amazing sound design, we'll help you master your craft.

Why Study with Us

• Opportunities to work on ‘live’ projects with industry connections and build up an impressive portfolio of professional-standard work.
• You’ll have access to extensive studio, workshop and computer facilities equipped with the very latest specialist software.
• Key facilities include stop motion studios with lighting rigs, computer suites, rostrum suites for traditional animation and stop motion, a recording studio, and 3D printing and scanning.

What You'll Do

• You’ll get the chance to take part in our unique cJAM employability event, where you can pitch to industry professionals offering work opportunities.
• Regular visiting industry professionals and trips to animation festivals will help and encourage you to network with the animation industry and are a key part of this course.
• You'll be taught by professionals who have created and directed their own animation series for terrestrial broadcast - Channel 4 and BBC. Sarah Ann Kennedy and Mark Mason still work in the industry today and have active academic research profiles.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

• Animation Advanced Practice: This module aims to provide the opportunity for you to realise your ideas and aspirations as identified in earlier modules through the successful completion of a major study within animation.
• Research Methodologies: In this module, you'll develop your knowledge and application of theory to underpin practical investigations.
• Research in Context: This module will support you to make informed decisions of your critical position in the design industry.
• Reflective Practice: This module will encourage a more focused analysis and initiate the generation of unique connections within the field of contemporary art, design and media practice relating to your chosen discipline.
• Experimental Practice: This module aims to analyse, de-construct and re-construct through practical activities.
• Specialist Practice: Utilise theoretical debate and discussion to stimulate analytical, creative and innovative responses to your practice.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a 2:2 degree or equivalent professional experience or learning in a related field.
• Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits in the light of the nature and scope of the programme.
• IELTS: Score of 6.0 with no component score lower than 5.5.
• A high level of achievement in undergraduate studies at a university elsewhere such as North America: Minimum overall GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale.
• All applicants are requested to submit digital supporting material and where possible will be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio of recent work.

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• UK: Full-time £9,450 per year, Part-time £1,050 per 20 credits.
• International: Full-time £17,900 per year.

Additional Costs

As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies.

Learning and Assessment

The aim of this course is to guide and empower you to find the role you wish to undertake in the industry and take the first steps towards a successful career.

Our MA Animation course offers you the opportunity to explore the broad subject of animation within a professional framework. It is mainly a practical course where you may specialise in one area of animation such as modelling, special effects, writing or sound design, or you may choose to make a film in the style and methods of your own choice.

You are able to choose to work on live briefs throughout your MA under the guidance and advice of your course tutor to gain industry experience.

Research modules underpin practice and help to guide you with insight and understanding of the professional world of animation – which in turn helps you to forge the career path of your choice.

You’ll spend much of your time developing your skills in our workshops under the guidance of your tutors. You’ll also be expected to carry out independent study.

Your tutors will assess your progress through a range of project work. The nature of this work will depend upon the area you choose to specialise in.

Future Careers

Our Animation graduates have gone on to enjoy successful careers as animators, model-makers, editors, directors, scriptwriters, set designers and sound designers.

Others have gone on to work at major companies such as Nintendo, The factory, McKinnon and Saunders, Sony Pictures, TT Games, Soccer Manager, the BBC and many others.