MA Animation

Program Overview

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The MA Animation program at the University of Hertfordshire equips students with professional-level animation direction skills through a flexible learning format. The program emphasizes animation production expertise, theoretical understanding, and the creation of a graduation film reflecting contemporary practices. Students gain valuable industry experience through live external briefs and benefit from strong industry connections.

Program Outline

The program offers flexibility, allowing students to opt for online or on-campus learning (applicable to home students only). The curriculum focuses on honing animation production expertise, expanding theoretical and contextual understanding of animation, including its audiences and media culture, and culminating in a graduation film that reflects individual style and contemporary animation practices. Students also gain valuable experience through a live external brief as part of their coursework, providing them with real-world learning and industry insights.

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Objectives:

• Develop professional-level, individual approach towards animation direction
• Advance animation production knowledge
• Enhance theoretical and contextual understanding of animation, its audiences and media culture
• Produce a graduation film reflecting individual style and contemporary animation practices
• Strengthen professional-level enquiry, research, creative, invention, project planning and management
• Foster development within a multi-disciplinary environment

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Program Description:

The MA Animation program provides a comprehensive learning experience, encompassing:

• 2D Animation: Blends traditional animation techniques with new digital media for innovative content and formats.
• 3D Animation: Explores the possibilities of 3D animation and challenges preconceptions, fostering innovation in the field.
• Interdisciplinary Project: Collaborates with students from other disciplines for experimental and creative work.
• Distributed Groups: Provides opportunities to work in teams with members both on campus and online.
This postgraduate program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the animation industry.

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Outline

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Content:

• 2D and 3D animation techniques
• Animation production
• Animation theory and history
• Professional practice

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Structure:

The program consists of a combination of taught modules, independent study, and a major project.

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Course Schedule:

• Full Time: 1 year
• Part Time: 2 years

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Modules:

• Practice 1: Developing Skills (30 credits)
• Digital Media: Sources and Significance (30 credits)
• Practice 2: Creative Project Development (30 credits)
• Exploring Professional Practice (30 credits)
• Major Study: Animation (60 credits)

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Module Descriptions:

• Practice 1: Developing Skills: Focuses on developing core animation skills.
• Digital Media: Sources and Significance: Explores the history and impact of digital media.
• Practice 2: Creative Project Development: Helps students develop their creative project ideas.
• Exploring Professional Practice: Provides insights into the professional world of animation.
• Major Study: Animation: Allows students to specialize in a particular area of animation.

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Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Coursework assignments
• Presentations
• Portfolio
• Major project
Assessment criteria are based on:
• Technical skills
• Creativity
• Originality
• Critical thinking
• Professionalism

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Teaching

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified animators. The teaching methods used include:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Supervision
The program also benefits from guest lectures and industry visits.

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Careers

Graduates of the MA Animation program have gone on to work as animators in a variety of industries, including:

• Film and television
• Advertising
• Gaming
• Education

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Other

• Work placement: Students complete a live external brief as part of their coursework, providing them with valuable work-related learning and industry experience.
• Rookies Certified School: The University of Hertfordshire is a Rookies Certified School, recognizing the high quality of its animation programs.
• Entry Requirements: A degree, ideally in a relevant subject, with a minimum of 2.2, and a portfolio demonstrating recent engagement and creative activities in the intended study area.
• Fees:
• Full Time:
£9450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
• Part Time:
£790 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year

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UK Students Full time £9450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £790 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year EU Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year International Students Full time £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year Part time £1370 per 15 credits for the 2024/2025 academic year