Master of Arts - Animation

Program Description MA Animation is a taught MA, with equal value placed on developing students authorial voice, unique vision and creative originality, alongside their advanced technical skills and professional practice development

Nottingham Trent University's course will provide students with the opportunity to develop specialist skills and knowledge, through research and focused study, to enhance their understanding of the subject area and support their future employment goals.

The course will allow students to develop a distinct visual language to enhance animated storytelling for a specific target audience. Students will also get the opportunity to evidence, articulate and evaluate their own creative process when responding to creative challenges and briefs.

Optional workshops to support their skills development and understanding of software, production processes and practice, are offered throughout Terms 1 and 2. Workshops cover a breadth of subjects, including; Animating in 3D, 2D and Stop-motion, 3D Modelling, sculpting, texturing and lighting, 2D character design, concept art and storyboarding, there are also life drawing sessions available.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to both work individually, and also as part of a wider creative group. There is both a strong emphasis on self-directed study and independent learning, delivering the opportunity for students to express their own interests within the course – and also the course provides the basis to demonstrate qualities, attitudes and behaviours of working creatively as part of a creative collective.

The main focus of the course will be on the exploration and refinement of the students' skills. Develop content specific to their research area, as well as attending contextual lectures in which students will investigate global animation history, theory and practice. This course will prepare students for a career in a commercial production studio, in games production or feature animation. Additionally, students may choose to work in visual effects production or as an independent filmmaker.

Key features: • Develop a project tailored to the student's own personal interests and career aspirations. • Attend lectures held by industry professionals from leading animation studios. • Visit animation festivals in the UK and Europe • Take advantage of Nottingham Trent University's extensive industry links • Opt for an additional research module if they are thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study • Work with fellow students, practitioners and academic staff from different cultures and backgrounds • Nottingham Trent University is proud to be ranked 13th in the UK for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).