| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Animation program at Teesside University prepares students for careers as 3D character animators in the film, television, and gaming industries. The program offers three pathways, including an intensive option with an industry internship semester. Ranked 18th in the world by Animation Career Review, the program provides a comprehensive education in acting for animation, body mechanics, creatures, facial animation, and research and development. Graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in the animation industry.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program boasts high industry recognition, with recent graduates finding positions at Industrial Light and Magic, Animal Logic, Blue Zoo, Imaginarium, and Rockstar North.
The MA Animation program offers three pathways:
- Full-time with advanced practice (2 years): This intensive option includes a dedicated industry internship semester.
- Full-time (1 year): This option provides a focused curriculum within a shorter timeframe.
- Part-time (2 years): This flexible option allows working professionals to complete the program at their own pace.
Outline:
Core Modules:
- Acting for Animation: This module delves into acting theory and its application to character animation. Students learn to create convincing animated performances by analyzing live-action references and applying the principles of human emotion and acting.
- Body Mechanics: This module explores the science and art of body mechanics in animation. Students analyze the movement of humans and other elements, applying this knowledge to create realistic and believable 3D animations.
- Creatures: This module focuses on animating creatures, ranging from cartoon characters to realistic creatures in live-action films. Students explore techniques and tools to create compelling creature animations while considering weight, balance, anatomy, and locomotion.
- Facial Animation and Dialogue: This module delves into the intricacies of creating high-quality facial performances and dialogue animation. Students explore advanced keyframe animation and performance capture techniques, using audio and dialogue to enhance the emotional impact of their characters.
- Group Project: This module allows students to work in multidisciplinary teams on a short film or video game cutscene, building their collaborative skills and creating a professional-level project for their portfolio.
- Master's Project: Animation: This module culminates in an independent research project, allowing students to explore a specific area of animation in depth. They conduct research, develop creative outputs, and produce a written report that contextualizes and critically evaluates their work.
- Research and Development: This module equips students with the research skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete their master's project. They learn research strategies, data generation methods, and critical evaluation techniques, enabling them to conduct effective research and develop their own creative solutions.
Advanced Practice (2-year full-time MA only):
- Internship: Students can choose between a vocational or research internship. The vocational option provides real-world industry experience, while the research option allows students to participate in academic research within the University.
Assessment:
- Practical work: Portfolio, typically showcasing animated projects of varying complexity.
- Presentations: Poster and viva presentations to demonstrate research findings and creative outputs.
- Reflective blogs: Examining and analyzing the creative process and artistic choices.
- Written reports: Contextualizing and evaluating the research and project outcomes.
- Animated piece with dialogue: Demonstrating professional-level quality and industry-standard skills.
The criteria include presentation skills, report writing, and the ability to meet industry standards.
Teaching:
- Lectures: Delivered by experienced staff and industry professionals, lectures provide fundamental knowledge and introduce key concepts.
- Tutorials: Interactive sessions offer opportunities for individual guidance, feedback, and in-depth analysis of specific topics.
- Individual research: Students undertake independent research to explore specific areas of interest and develop their own creative practice.
Careers:
- 3D character animator
- Creature animator
- Facial animator
- Animation rigger
- Animation director
- Visual effects artist
Other:
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £7,365 a year £4,770 a year with advanced practice Fee for international applicants £17,000 a year £10,000 a year with advanced practice
Part-time
2024/25 entry Fee for UK applicants £820 for each 20 credits
