About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: W92012
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Creative Industries
- Campus: Bower Ashton
- Duration: MA 18 months full-time, 36 months part-time.
Postgraduate diploma 12 months full-time, 24 months part-time.
- Delivery: Part-time, Full-time
- Study Abroad: No
- Programme leader: Chris Webster
Introduction
The MA Animation course combines the opportunity for the realisation of individual creative talent alongside the understanding of the workings of the animation industry. Practitioners from Bristol's leading animation studios support the development of this course and are regularly invited to view students' work and to offer professional advice.
During the course you will be introduced to a range of practical animation and film-making skills and techniques prior to making your own short animated film.
The course is 'modular' allowing the choice, time and flexibility to develop new skills and ambitions. This means that you can adapt your programme of study to best suit your needs. For example, you can change whether you study full or part-time by changing the number of modules you study each year.
Structure
Content
The course is made up of five modules:
1. Introduction to Animation - 30 credits
Through seminars and lectures, practical workshops and projects, you are introduced to a range of practical skills and techniques relevant to the production of animation in a range of different environments.
2. Option module - 30 credits
At this stage in the course you are able to take one of a series of option modules, each of which have specific sets of concerns related to the practice and theory of art, media and design. The options are:
- Research Methodologies
- Enterprise in the Creative Industries
- Research Methods.
3. Pre-Production for Animation - 30 credits
During this module you will research and develop a script and storyboard for an animated film, forming the basis for subsequent modules. The module culminates in you making a presentation 'pitch' of your ideas to an invited panel of staff and external representatives from the animation industry.
4. Production for Animation - 30 credits
During this module you produce your film. This involves the refinement and development of ideas generated during 'Pre-Production for Animation'. You are expected to develop your film in preparation for post-production and evaluation in the next module.
5. Post-Production and Evaluation - 60 credits
Based on feedback and evaluation from the Production for Animation module, you complete your film and make a critical evaluation of the finished work. You are expected to identify possible clients and to prepare to show your work publicly.
The full masters programme comprises 180 credits divided into three 60 credits stages: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Masters. Students work incrementally through the three stages and must pass all modules at each stage in order to progress to the next.
Students may join the programme as either full-time or part-time students.
Full-time students typically study for three semesters over 18 months, part-time students study for six semesters over three years. A semester is a 15-week period of study and generally runs September to January and February to June.
Teaching and learning
You are taught through a series of lectures, seminars, practical workshops and projects.
The course is based in animation studios at Bower Ashton Campus and The Tobacco Factory. They are equipped with high-end Apple Macintosh and PC computers with industry standard software and DVD authoring facilities as well as state-of-the-art 2D and 3D model animation equipment. You also have access to the School's Media Centre, EPI Centre, 3D Centre, Print Centre and library.
This course will enable you to:
- Research, produce and direct an animated film;
- Increase your range of technical skills and improve presentation, management and organisation skills;
- Benefit from the opportunities generated by the University's links to the animation industry: networking, screenings, gaining professional contacts.
Entry
Entry requirements
We are looking for highly motivated creative students with some experience of animation. Usually applicants will have a first degree in the Visual Arts but those with other academic qualifications or professional experience are also encouraged to apply.
Candidates are usually invited to interview. You will be expected to articulate a clear vision of the potential role of animation in the development of your own creative practice and will be expected to make a short presentation of previous work alongside examples of your written work.
There is no official closing date for postgraduate programmes and we accept applications throughout the year. If you are applying to organisations for funding they may have application deadlines by which time you will need to know if you have a place on a course. You should build this deadline into your application process and if you are working to a funding deadline then please let us know.
Overseas Applicants
A representative from the University makes regular visits to Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan and is able to view portfolios and interview students.
The University also has representatives in a number of other countries. Please contact Admissions and International Recruitment for further details:
admissions@uwe.ac.uk
+44 (0)117 328 4716
If you are unable to meet up with a Bristol UWE visiting representative then please send us your application in the normal way. We will then contact you and advise you where and how to send us some samples of your creative work.
Fees
Full details of fees for this course can be found on our postgraduate fees pages.
For funding options, please see our funding and scholarships information.
How to apply
There is no official closing date and we accept applications throughout the year.
Applications for this course can be made by using the "Apply for this course link" within the "next steps?" box.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011