Program Overview
The MA Animation degree at Leeds Arts University is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that empowers animators to create animated films, technical showreels, and other animation-related outcomes. The program emphasizes critical dialogue, individual and collaborative practice, exploration of emerging technologies, and cultural value, providing a strong foundation for success in the animation industry.
Program Outline
MA Animation Degree Overview:
Objective:
This one-year full-time or two-year part-time program empowers practitioners to create an animated film, technical showreel, or other animation-related outcomes from conception to completion. Participants engage in critical dialogue, seamlessly integrating practice, theory, and animation's professional aspects.
Program Description:
The MA Animation degree offers a platform for animators to produce culturally valuable work while exploring their practice across creative, commercial, and industry-based contexts. The curriculum fosters both individual and collaborative endeavors, though collaboration is strongly encouraged as it forms a cornerstone of the animation production process, enabling ambitious project undertakings. Participants delve deeper into understanding and knowledge surrounding animation practices, questioning the medium's potential and its communication with audiences. Additionally, they explore emerging technologies and innovative storytelling approaches, including VR and real-time technologies. The program provides access to a diverse team of researchers and practitioners within the animation field, alongside interactions with visiting industry professionals. Students benefit from collaborative opportunities with other creatives on the program and across different MA courses within the institution. The goal is to empower students to produce engaging work across all animation forms, from animated shorts to documentary and experimental practices.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Critical Dialogue: Integrate practice, theory, and the professional aspects of animation.
- Individual and Collaborative Practice: Develop both individual and collaborative skills, fostering ambitious projects through teamwork.
- Animation Understanding: Deepen understanding of animation practices and explore the medium's communication power.
- Emerging Technologies: Explore VR, real-time technologies, and other innovative storytelling approaches.
- Cultural Value: Produce work of cultural value with diverse applications.
- Industry Engagement: Interact with visiting industry professionals and collaborate with other creatives.
Structure:
- One year full-time or two years part-time
- Three teaching blocks per year
- Independent learning
- Variety of teaching methods: Individual supervision, group tutorials, live briefs, project proposals, and collaboration across postgraduate courses.
- Transdisciplinary core modules alongside specialist subject modules
- Research methods and business-related modules for all postgraduate students
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Individual supervision
- Group tutorials
- Live briefs
- Project proposals
- Collaboration across postgraduate courses
Faculty:
- Dr. Joe Sheehan - MA Animation Course Leader
- Other faculty members with diverse research and practical interests within the field of animation.
Unique Approaches:
- Emphasis on collaboration and teamwork
- Integration of theory and practice
- Exploration of emerging technologies and innovative storytelling approaches
Other:
- The postgraduate program culminates in a postgraduate show, showcasing students' work.
- The program encourages students to actively participate in industry opportunities and events.
- Students receive support from the university's Careers and Industry team in career development.
Conclusion:
The MA Animation degree at Leeds Arts University offers a comprehensive and engaging program for aspiring animators. Its focus on critical dialogue, individual and collaborative practice, exploration of emerging technologies, and cultural value provides a strong foundation for success in the animation industry.
