| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Kingston University London's Computer Animation MA program equips students with comprehensive 3D animation skills through project-based learning and industry-standard software. The program offers a one-year full-time option, a two-year full-time option with a professional placement, and a two-year part-time option. Graduates are prepared for careers in the film, games, and related industries, with a strong foundation in industry-standard software and a portfolio of high-quality 3D works of art.
Program Outline
It is a one-year, full-time program, with the option for a two-year full-time program including a professional placement or a two-year part-time program.
- Digital Studio Practice (30 credits): Students work in multidisciplinary groups on projects relevant to contemporary platforms like iPhone, Android, Windows, Playstation, Xbox, and Next Generation controllers. They develop a professional online profile, including a CV and portfolio, that is tailored to their specific career goals.
- Character Animation for Film and Games (30 credits): Students develop their 3D animation skills by focusing on creating dynamic and appealing animations for film/TV and games production.
- Digital Media Final Project (60 credits): This capstone project consolidates knowledge gained in earlier modules and involves developing a significant solution to an individually defined design problem. The project requires research, documentation, and critical analysis of the work produced.
- 3D Creation Pipeline for Film and Games (30 credits): Students build on their existing 3D skills to create production pipeline-friendly assets, including hard-surface and organic modeling, UV mapping, digital sculpting, and producing both stylised and photo-realistic materials and textures. The module also covers lighting tools and methods, and advanced rendering techniques.
- Perfecting the Look (30 credits): This module expands on prior 3D modeling and animation software knowledge, enabling students to develop specialisms in areas that affect the look of a scene, including photo-realism and stylised visuals.
- Professional Placement (120 credits): This module is only relevant for students choosing the two-year full-time program with a professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a relevant working environment and enhance their employability skills.
Assessment:
Assessment methods include:
- Mr. Richard Cunningham (Course Leader)
- Professor Vasilis Argyriou
- Professor Vesna Brujic-Okretic
- Mr. Sunil Chhatralia
- Mr. Alex Clarke Teaching methods include:
- Scheduled learning and teaching (280 hours)
- Guided independent study (1,520 hours)
- Rokoko Wireless Motion Capture Technology, including Smartsuit Pro units, Smartgloves, facial capture bundles, and Rokoko Studio Plus software.
- Wacom Cintiq Pro Pen Tablets (four 24-inch machines)
- Gyroscopic inertial motion system (IGS-190-M mobile capture suit)
- Media technology labs with software like Maya Suite, ZBrush, Mari, Nuke, Adobe Production Studio, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Encore, Audition, Flash, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, and Combustion.
- Digital photography labs with Mac Pro computers running Photoshop software and professional quality digital printing.
- Premier filming space with a studio, 14-meter infinity cove, heavy black curtains, eight-meter professional film blue screen, Panasonic HVX200 high definition cameras, Kino Flow lighting system, and a 64-channel DMX desk.
- Post-production suite with Macintosh computers running the Apple XSan network and a 20 terabytes of storage.
- Animation suite with networked G5 Macintosh Power PCs running Maya.
- Sound recording studio with a control room, audio booth, talkback and video monitoring facilities, and high-quality transducers.
Careers:
Graduates of the Computer Animation MA program are prepared for careers in the movie and games industry, as well as related fields like advertising, 3D printing, architectural design, and web-based applications.
- Examples of industries and roles graduates have obtained:
- Film and Games companies (e.g., Industrial Light and Magic, MPC, Rebellion, Relish, Kuato Studios, Ballistic Moo)
- Advertising
- 3D Printing
- VR medical training
- The program provides a strong foundation in industry-standard software, including Maya, MotionBuilder, 3ds Max, Mudbox, Maxom One (Zbrush, Cinema 4D, Redshift), Arnold Renderer, Substance 3D, Marmoset Toolbag, Nuke, Mari, Modo, Adobe Creative Suite, Unreal Engine, Unity, Apple Final Cut Pro, Blender, and Animbot.
Home 2025/26 MA full time £11,400 MA part time £6,270 International 2025/26 MA full time £17,600 MA part time £9,680 Home 2024/25 MA full time £10,900 MA part time £5,995 International 2024/25 MA full time £16,900 MA part time £9,295 If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years. If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.
Scholarships and bursaries
Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including: Alumni discount Progression Scholarship Kevin Walsh scholarship The Kevin Walsh Scholarship is a one-year scholarship for a taught masters course in the School of Computer Science & Mathematics.
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships. Textbooks You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year. Computer equipment Photocopying and printing In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year. Field trips Travel Placements
Kingston University
Overview:
Kingston University London is a UK-based university recognized for its high-quality teaching and student experience. It features in the QS World University Rankings league table of the world's top universities.
Services Offered:
Kingston University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Guidance and resources for academic success.Career Services:
Support in finding internships, jobs, and career development.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Wellbeing Services:
Mental health support, counseling, and other resources.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Library and Learning Resources:
Extensive library facilities and online learning resources.Student Union:
A vibrant student union with clubs, societies, and social events.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Kingston University provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience. Students can expect:
Active Student Union:
Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and participate in social events.Vibrant Campus Life:
A lively campus environment with a range of activities and events.Supportive Community:
A welcoming and supportive community of students and staff.Location Advantages:
Located in Kingston upon Thames, a historic town with excellent transport links to London.Key Reasons to Study There:
TEF Gold Rating:
Recognized for its high-quality teaching and outstanding student experience.Future Skills Focus:
Emphasis on developing future-ready skills through embedded modules in all undergraduate courses.Strong Industry Links:
Close connections with businesses and industries, providing opportunities for internships and career development.Diverse and Inclusive Environment:
Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.Academic Programs:
Undergraduate Study:
A wide range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines.Postgraduate Study:
Master's and doctoral programs in various fields.Research:
Active research programs with a focus on areas like healthcare, technology, and the arts.Higher and Degree Apprenticeships:
Opportunities to combine work and study through apprenticeships.Entry Requirements:
- A 2:2 or above honours degree or equivalent qualification in animation or a related subject which includes significant 3D computer graphic content, such as moving image, illustration, 3D design, computer-related design or architecture.
- All applicants must, if requested, be able to demonstrate either through qualifications, work experience or portfolio of works, a solid understanding of digital media.
- Exceptionally applicants may have no first degree but more than five years working in the field. Experience in digital media, post production and animation is particularly valuable. Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.
- For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests.
