Our MA in Computer Animation is a mastery of the art and science of animation wizardry! At our animation wizarding school we provide students with an understanding of the magic behind animation styles and techniques.
We use the technology to cast new spells and approaches in the control of motion and the use of timing during the illusion of animated sequences.
MA students will gain a better appreciation of replicating, animating and mastering natural forces, summoning visions of weight, inertia, friction, linear and non-linear motion. Throughout the year of study, we aim to propel student’s knowledge of animation grammar and lore – the grimoire of animation principles and filmmaking.
We encourage students to extend their visual library of motion work, to craft the best and most ambitious and evocative scenes. In the last part the apprentice and journeymen stages are done (early terms in part 1) and students seek full mastery (latter stage in part 2) in the production of computer animation, normally encountered in production workflows.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Animation knowledge, animation art and production techniques inform all the classes. This MA is suitable for experienced animators and for those that wish to learn and add computer animation to their portfolio.
The structure gives priority to the creative exploration and adoption of innovative new animation methods, to develop new work in the fields of image creation, 3D modelling, 2D classical animation, sound and vision, pre-production, project management, etc. You are encouraged to explore and utilise the latest computer technologies, as other areas encourage group productions and the crossover of ideas and techniques at an advanced level.
Students enhance their ability to understand the way in which different software applications are used in a single project, to be able to plan, use and integrate assets generated and bring them together into a final animated film. The course is industry facing, based upon industrial studio best practices.
Our MA in Computer Animation is designed to pave the way into a career with either larger or medium sized animation and film/TV facility companies, or as an individual providing animation services from their own studio.
(60 credits)
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
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Staff
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 assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Accommodation
Swansea Accommodation
Swansea has a huge student population, and the variety of accommodation available will leave you feeling spoilt for choice. Various purpose-built student accommodation providers provide accommodation in Swansea, and the accommodation team can guide you through your options. It will offer ongoing support throughout your time as a UWTSD student.
Further information
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We normally require an undergraduate 2.1. However, we also consider candidates with relevant experience and aim to interview all applicants. Where possible, we invite prospective students to book a taster session and/or Open Day, to discuss this application further, to see if it suits their expectations.
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Class content, exercise and theoretical content is communicated through demonstrations and lectures. Workshops enable the student to further investigate techniques, methodology and procedures demonstrated, to create functional animated sequences. Coursework set encourages the students to develop their visual literacy skills, to create appealing designs and evocative computer-generated animation.
Through further study time and experimentation and the student will develop a mastery of the technical requirements in the production of computer animation. The approach is systematic and requires each student to experience a wide range of animation tasks, challenges and experiences.
The first part of the MA Computer Animation degree requires each student to advocate their individual idea for animated film production. The major project offers an opportunity for full time and part-time students to work together on a common major project or to provide input or services between each other’s major projects.
Ideas are “pitched” to tutors and the rest of the student cohort and the selected project is taken forward and further developed in the second part of the module. Under supervision they have an opportunity to identify an ambitious and challenging Part II Project which is academically rigorous and to be completed as a team project, to break down the production material so that every team member has a specialist area to work in.
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Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources which, in most cases, is sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, it is likely animation students may incur some additional costs in the extension of their personal practice. Examples include purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, software and hardware, joining optional study trips, paying for printing, etc.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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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