Animation and Visual Effects (MA)

Using animation and visual effects in film, tv and games continues to increase and the demand for skilled artists is not slowing down. This course is ideal if you have a creative ba degree such as graphic design or animation – or relevant industry experience – and are interested in a career in the animation and visual effects industry. 

You explore specialised areas including animation, photo-real texturing and surfaces, hard surface modelling, shaders, materials, lighting and effects animation.

• Industry links: take part in Animex, our annual international animation and games festival featuring experts from Rockstar, Pixar, Disney and Sony.
• Real-world experience: enter real world events, take part in industry competitions and explore live projects.
• Career-ready: our ExpoSeries allows you to showcase your skills to industry professionals who are looking to recruit new and rising talent.
• Start-up business support: we support you to develop your own business through our enterprise support teams.

Core modules

• Asset Pipeline
• Compositing
• Effects
• Masters Project
• Motion Design

How you learn

• You learn in group sessions that focus on practical skills supported by the academic concepts and theories. Which means you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in smaller groups.
• Your learning experiences are strengthened by sessions delivered by industry practitioners who share their valuable industry insights with you.
• You work on projects using the latest technologies such as Maya, Nuke X, Houdini and Unreal, in a scenario that is as close to industry practice as possible.
• Subject (or modules) are delivered in six-week blocks. You study one at a time, supported by online learning materials.

How you are assessed

• It’s essential that you learn by doing. Which means that most of your assessed work is based around practical projects that you work on throughout. You get valuable tutor feedback to guide your work and your overall development.
• As you progress through the course, you develop a portfolio of work - this is an important industry requirement. Our tutors can give you advice and guidance on which work to include.
• And your final project allows you the freedom to set your own brief based on your skills, interests and career aspirations.

Career opportunities

• Teesside University graduates have gone on to work as animators, visual effects artists and technical directors at a range of games and visual effects companies including Rockstar Games, Blue Zoo, Imaginarium, FrameStore, Double Negative, Creative Assembly and so many more.
• We have excellent relationships with many businesses, giving you the opportunity to apply for internships and graduate positions with key organisations such as Creative Assembly, Double Negative, ILM and more.
• You graduate prepared for a career in industry. And you have opportunities to meet and network with our industry partners through ExpoTees, our event to showcases student work to industry.