United Kingdom

University of the Arts London

MA Animation

University degrees: Postgraduate

Course length: 1 year 3 months full time (45 weeks across a four-term model)

MA Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation across a broad range of experimental visual media.

Animation at LCC is taught as a broad and experimental visual practice in the context of communication design.

With new technologies changing how we make, understand and experience animation, students are encouraged to test boundaries and look at animation in many forms and in many ways.

MA Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation aiming to give you the tools to be able to express creative ideas using a broad range of experimental visual media.

You will investigate the production of animation in an era with unparalleled opportunities for skilled visual communicators.

What can you expect?

The central ethos of the course is to give you enough freedom and guidance to test and discover creative ideas within a critical framework in balance with developing the accomplished production skills across 2D, 2.5D, 3D, stop-motion and drawn animation, to realise your creative goals.

You will develop skills in narrative storytelling and interpreting ideas for the flat screen and you’ll also be encouraged to work across multiple formats.

You’ll explore how animation can be used in different contexts, such as in the fine arts installation as well as in digital media – exploring the online, mobile and interactive opportunities for animation practice.

The course supports progression to research at MPhil/PhD level as well as to advanced self-directed experimental practice.

Building on LCC’s resources, in digital, time-based and interactive media alongside printmaking, graphic design and visual communication, the course encourages an experimental and reflective practice that echoes the cross media nature of the design, communication and media industries.

Mode of Study

MA Animation is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.

Course units

The course is delivered across four terms, starting in September and finishing in December the year after. Incorporating a summer break, this is a one year full-time course (45 taught weeks), delivered over 15 months. You will respond to briefs that are set to test the learning in the units described below.

Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves five units, totalling 180 credits.

Autumn, Term One

Animation Practice and Process 3D & 2D (40 Credits)
Design for Animation, Narrative Structures and Film Language (20 Credits)

In Term 1 you will explore a range of both technical and conceptual approaches to animation and work with a range of technologies and processes by producing short-form animation across 2D & 3D to set briefs.

You’ll also engage in a programme of theoretical seminars that explore the cinematic underpinning of this practice. This phase is the technical and conceptual basis for the subsequent units of the course.

Spring, Term 2

Experimental Critical Practice and Research (40 Credits)
Collaborative Unit (20 Credits)

You’ll engage in experimental 2D/3D animation process and practice, developing your distinct visual voice. This is underpinned by critical study that significantly expands your understanding of the themes animation can address in a critical context, and by a technical programme that ensures you are able to experiment widely with various animation techniques. Term Two specifically contains the cross College collaborative unit.

Summer and Autumn, Terms 3 and 4

Final Major Project and Thesis (60 credits)
Experimental Critical Practice and Research (40 credits)
Final Major Project and Thesis (continued)

You will take the knowledge, skills and experience gained on the course and bring these together in the production of a self-directed longer form project and associated thesis.

If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures/Large Group Learning
  • Workshop and Seminar Learning
  • Academic Tutorials
  • Individual and group critiques
  • Individual project work
  • Self-Directed learning
  • Assessed Assignments
  • Technical Workshops
  • Demonstrations

Assessment methods

  • The Portfolio of Work
  • Prepared writing
  • Crits and presentations

Programs, Courses, Workshops