Program Overview

MA Animation

The MA Animation course at UWE Bristol is a practice-led curriculum that positions animation as an artform at the forefront of contemporary storytelling. This course is ideal for those who want to study animation in a diverse, creative postgraduate community.

About the Course

UWE Bristol's accredited MA Animation is led by internationally renowned industry professionals in a city recognised as a global centre for animation production. The course is based at the Bower Ashton site, part of the City Campus, where students have access to exceptional technical facilities and resources, including 2D, CG, and stop-motion animation studios, sound recording suites, and fabrication workshops.

Why Study this Course?

The MA Animation course offers students the opportunity to tailor their animation projects to fit their own career aspirations. With a strong focus on industry partnerships, students can benefit from input and networking opportunities with local organisations, including Aardman Animations. The course is accredited by ScreenSkills, the UK's skills body for the screen industries, and graduates may be eligible for the BAFTA scholarship.

Course Structure

The course is carefully sequenced to deliver a dynamic student journey over three intensive terms. In the first term, students develop an advanced understanding of what animation can be and actively develop creative ideas that will support and sustain their personalised learning and artistic agenda for future animation projects. The second term builds upon the practice-based project work established in the first term, and the third term provides the opportunity to realise ideas within a supportive community of interdisciplinary practice, technical expertise, and academic criticality.

Entry Requirements

The course is open to highly motivated students from any background, committed to creative growth in the supportive School of Arts community. Most applicants would have an honours degree in the Visual Arts, but those with qualifications in other disciplines or prior professional experience are also encouraged to apply.

International Applicants

For country-specific entry requirements, please refer to the country information pages. International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent).

Selection Process

Applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio of practical or project-based work and a personal statement for review. The portfolio should include recent or ambitious works, alongside developmental or process-based details. The personal statement should communicate confidently and coherently the rationale for application, including what the applicant hopes to achieve through Master's study and their understanding of the course.

Fees

The full-time course fees are as follows:

• Home Award Fee: Ł10,250
• Home Module Fee (15 Credit): Ł854
• International Award Fee: Ł16,250
• International Module Fee (15 Credit): Ł1,354

Features

The course is accredited by ScreenSkills, and students have access to industry-standard animation studios, media studios, and fabrication facilities. The University continually enhances its offer by responding to feedback from students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world.

Careers

Graduates of the MA Animation course have gone on to work in the animation industry, launch their own start-up studios, or progress to PhD study. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills, attributes, and identity in preparation to succeed in an uncertain and complex cultural landscape. Past students have gained employment and worked on productions throughout the world with companies such as Aardman Animations, Wonky, Rumpus, Sun and Moon, Wild Seed Studios, Blue Zoo, and Laika.