Animation (Full-time) (MA)

Our full-time MA in Animation is designed to build your skills in both the art and science of animation. Here, we offer a deep investigation into the animation theory and practice that underpins every animated scene, from 2d animation to cg animation. 

• This course encourages students to explore their creativity while developing technical expertise, empowering you to tell your stories and share them with audiences in fresh, engaging ways.
• As an MA Animation student, you will learn the animation practice involved in controlling motion and timing to make animations look realistic and compelling. You will master techniques to create lifelike actions, such as weight, inertia, and friction, which give animations depth. This knowledge helps animators build scenes that feel real and showcase every detail, no matter the style or technique, whether in stop-motion animation or fully digital environments. By learning to blend techniques in experimental animation, you’ll be equipped to find your style while working with animation’s traditional roots and the latest digital approaches.
• A significant part of the course focuses on visual storytelling to make stories come alive on screen. You will build a visual library that you can draw upon in every project, learning to craft sequences that connect with audiences. From the very start, we aim to expand your creative potential, pushing your creative boundaries as you take on different styles, tools, and methods. With access to our animation resources and facilities, including both traditional and digital tools, you’ll be able to explore the entire animation process, from the basics to the advanced techniques used by today’s industry.
• As the course progresses, students work on their final projects and progress toward mastery in computer animation through realistic production workflows. By this point, you will have moved beyond the basics and developed a personal approach to animation, gaining insight into what’s needed to work in the industry. This experience prepares you for a career by building a professional portfolio that includes all the essential skills, techniques, and knowledge of industry standards.
• Throughout the course, you’ll connect with animation industry links that give valuable insights into the real world of animation. Our MA in Animation is an ideal path for anyone wanting to push the limits of their creative work, discover new ways to tell visual stories, and pursue a career in this exciting field.

What you will learn

• Our full-time MA in Animation focuses on animation knowledge, art, and production techniques that bring creative ideas to life. With an emphasis on exploring new technologies and industry-standard practices, the course is ideal for both experienced animators and those looking to expand into computer animation. We prioritise innovation and collaboration, ensuring students build technical skills and a professional portfolio suited for studio work or independent careers.

Year 1

• In this one-year MA, students dive into courses like Advanced Studio Workflow and Techniques and Animation Alchemy and Motion, focusing on core skills in animation development. The curriculum covers story universe creation, production management, and world-building, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard software. They learn to build cohesive animation projects that combine 2D, 3D, and other animation art forms.
• Throughout the year, students expand their professional skills through Research-Led Practice and Immersive Worlds, applying their knowledge in real-world contexts. The Master’s Project culminates the course, allowing students to integrate their skills in production techniques, project management, and software integration into a final animated film, preparing them for industry standards and practices.

Modules

• Advanced Studio Workflow and Techniques (20 credits)
• Animation Alchemy and Motion (20 credits)
• Imaginary Realms: Creating Story Universes (10 credits)
• Leadership, Management and Ethics (10 credits)
• Animated World Building (20 credits)
• Production Management (20 credits)
• Research-Led Practice (10 credits)
• Immersive Worlds (10 credits)
• Master's Project (60 credits)

Our People

• You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Career Opportunities
The main career opportunities that the MA in Computer Animation offers are found in:

• TV Broadcast Content
• TV Commercials Content
• General Digital Media Content
• Feature Film Content
• Computer Games Content
• Computer Games Promotion
• Corporate Sector Promotion
• Corporate Sector Training
• Education Sector Training