MA Character Animation

at University of the Arts London

MA Character Animation develops both creative and technical skills. Learning to animate is about much more than software. At the core of effective animation is an understanding of motion, characterisation and the portrayal of performance. On the course, we specialise in a hands-on, practical approach. We will encourage you to create innovative, animated characters which can move convincingly and perform with emotion and psychological nuance.

Through lectures and critiques, you will examine key areas of the theory and context of character animation. MA Character Animation works closely with the other courses in the Performance programme, offering an unparalleled application of performance methodologies to the practice of animation. The course team believe that since animation is the representation of performance, all animators benefit from studying movement and acting. Consequently, the course emphasises the analysis of characterisation through acting and motion through observational drawing. Animation classes are supplemented by life drawing sessions and you will also have workshops in relevant software techniques.

Throughout the course, you will apply your knowledge to new areas of professional practice. You will be expected to keep a personal animation journal from the start of your studies, in which you document your work and reflect on your evolving practice.  You will also be encouraged to develop your skills in problem solving, project management, planning and communication. We promote a networking environment through collaborative team projects, group critiques and peer-to-peer and alumni support. Our aim is to help you become a reflective, innovative practitioner able to locate yourself within the animation industry. 

Unit 1: Character and Movement Analysis

Unit 1 will provide you with a set of practical tools for critical and creative exploration.  You will be able to orientate your direction and your work within the field of animation.  We will cover life drawing, character design and development, anatomy, locomotion, motion analysis and performative approaches to animation. 

Unit 2:  Character Performance Studies

Unit 2 encourages you to become a self-sufficient, critical practitioner, confident to pursue your own goals. The unit focuses on two in-depth performance-driven pieces. These are designed to consolidate and expand your individual and collaborative animation practice. 

Unit 3:  Character Animation

In Unit 3, you will devise your own character animation portfolio. You will develop a proposal for either a self-directed short film or an animated character portfolio, which you can complete as an individual or in a team.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
 

• An honours degree 

• Or an equivalent EU/international qualification.

AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
 

• Related academic or work experience

• The quality of the personal statement

• A strong academic or other professional reference

Or a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS level 6.5 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Home fee
£6,045 per year

International fee
£15,165 per year

Based in London near the animation and post-production facilities of Soho, MA Character Animation has close links with the industry. Live projects with external agencies have included Cartoon Network, the National Theatre Archive, The National Gallery, Children’s Society and The English National Opera House.

Through lectures, demonstrations and workshops by working professionals, MA Character Animation maintains and values its links with the animation industry. We are committed to ensuring it remains commercially and artistically relevant in a volatile and fast-moving field.

MA Character Animation works closely with industry to ensure our graduates have the creativity, professionalism and specialist technical skills required for employment.

Short films created by MA Character Animation students have been nominated for prizes at:
 

• Austin, Texas IFF Short Animation Award
• BAF
• Bitfilm Festival Germany
• British Animation Awards
• Cinanima Onda Curto Award, Portugal
• CobraVision (ITV4)
• Dervio International Animation Festival
• Edinburgh IFF McLaren Award for British Animation
• Festival Internazionale del Cinema d'Arte
• Foyle Film Festival Animation Award
• Junior Animator Award | MESH (Channel 4)
• Microsoft Xbox Outstanding Student Award
• Propeller TV Studentfest
• Soho Rushes
• Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival Audience Prize
• Virgin Media Shorts People's Choice.

Many of our graduates find employment in the animation industry, in London and beyond. They work in Oscar-winning special effects teams on films such as Gladiator, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter; acclaimed television series like Walking with Dinosaurs and Charlie and Lola; commercials; award-winning websites; TV graphics and games.

Our graduates have worked with companies like Aldis Animation, BBC, Studio AKA, Cartoon Network, Chase Animation Studios, Cinesite, Dreamworks, EA Games, Flush Draw, Framestore, HRA, Michael Dudok de Wit, the Mill, Moving Picture Company, Richard Purdum Productions, Passion Pictures, Pesky, Saatchi & Saatchi, Slinky Pictures, Tiger Aspect, Tandem, Twelve Foot Nine, Uli Meyer Studios, Unit 9.