Master of Arts - Animation

The MA Animation at Middlesex University prepares students to produce technically sophisticated and creatively original animated work. The program emphasizes storytelling, character design, and animation techniques through both traditional and digital workflows, supported by theoretical and ethical frameworks. Students also learn to integrate AI tools and automation into animation practice while developing professional portfolios and leadership skills.

The program provides advanced training in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, with a focus on the ethics and influence of AI and emerging technologies. Located in London, students benefit from close proximity to studios, festivals, and international creative networks. Collaborative opportunities span film, sound, and digital media, enabling the development of technically advanced and creatively innovative animation projects.

Professional portfolios are built through live briefs, placements, and client-facing projects, supported by the Careers & Futures team and industry mentors. The curriculum emphasizes ethical, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to animation production and storytelling, preparing graduates for careers in film, television, gaming, advertising, and the wider creative media industries. Students can choose between one- and two-year modes, with embedded, credit-bearing work experience on real-world industry projects, enhancing employability and professional readiness.

The program is delivered within state-of-the-art facilities at MDX Studios, including dedicated 2D and stop-motion studios, high-spec digital media workshops for 3D animation, a double-height film studio, sound recording foley and ADR studios, and suites for editing and color grading (DiVinci Resolve), with AVID Media Composer and Pro Tools certification offered. The Motion Capture studio features a 25-camera OptiTrack system and a Vanishing Point Viper for industry-level VFX in a sound-proofed green-screen environment. The Kit Hub provides access to professional cameras, sound recording equipment, and VR headsets, with strong industry partnerships with Canon, Sony, and AVID ensuring students engage with the latest creative technologies.

MA programmes feature one- and two-year options with embedded, credit-bearing work placements on live industry projects.