MSc Computer Animation

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Funding Opportunities

The aim of this course is to train computer animators to work in industry. Our successful ex students are working in animation and animation layout roles for companies like Sony Games and Framestore CFC on major titles in games, television and film. This is not easy to achieve as global competition is fierce in these areas - success depends on a much better than average concentration and constant practice to grasp the essence and modern techniques of animation. We want you to succeed and we work constantly to make sure our course is delivering everything you need to know.

This is an intensively taught post-graduate course that lasts a full year. It takes place in a dedicated computer laboratory where you can have your own seat and computer for the duration of the course. The course lectures and workshops, whether led by visiting professionals or staff, are all in this room. Demonstrations and showing of films are all by means of an HD projector in the room. By the end of the year, the lab will be as mcuh where you live as your accommodation.

Programme Background

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What the Professionals Say

"This MSc course is the best I have seen in British higher education; it contains exactly what you need to know to have a chance of working in high-end character and creature animation." Michael Eames, Animation Director, Framestore CFC.

A Career in the Film Industry

Our course is entirely oriented towards current industrial needs, technology and practice; it aims to be a direct route into this very desirable and high profile modern creative industry. The Programme lasts for one year full-time or two and a half years part-time. The first part of the programme consists of 105 credits of taught material which runs from September to April and has been developed jointly by the Department and Framestore CFC, our industrial partner. It covers 3D animation practice and principles, the animation pipeline, drawing skills for the time-based 3D medium, story boarding for animation, the language of film and character animation. Each module is delivered by means of lectures, demonstrations, workshops and assessed practical assignments. The second part of the programme from May to September, is based on project work. Two projects are undertaken, a 15 credit group project of four weeks duration followed by a 60 credit individual or group project which forms a suitable entree to a professional career. Projects are professional briefs carried out in the Department's Computer Animation Laboratory under expert supervision and with monthly reviews with industry professionals. The Animation Setup Module is taught at the start of the programme in September as an intensive four week course. Subsequent modules are taught on named days of the week to allow part-time delivery over two and a half years. If you are more interested in a career as a Technical Director, concentrating on 3D model building, texturing, lighting, rendering, procedural animation (cloth, hair, fur, dynamics), advanced compositing, high definition digital effects and so on, then you should consider our new MSc in Digital Visual Effects. Alternatively, you may like to undertake research leading to an MSc, MPhil or PhD, Digital Media Research Degree.

Collaboration with Industry

This programme is a collaboration with Mike Eames, Head of Animation, at Framestore CFC, the largest visual effects and computer animation company in Europe. The company has won numerous international awards including two Technical Academy Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, three BAFTA Craft Awards and eleven Primetime Emmy Awards.

Programme Modules

Entry Requirements

Offer Levels

Applicants are normally expected to hold a 1 or 2:1 honours degree in Multimedia, Art or Design or a related subject. The University requires all non-native speakers of English to produce evidence of proficiency in written and spoken English. We require a minimum score of:

  • 6.5 in International English Language Test (IELTS)
  • 600 in paper-based or 250 computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • B in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
  • A in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English.

To discuss other possible International and UK entry qualifications, please contact our Postgraduate Admissions Officer.

How to Apply / Further Information

If you have any specific questions about the course, please contact David Byers-Brown.

To apply, go to the online application page. For general information and/or a paper application form, please contact our postgraduate admissions officer.

E-mail: eda-admissions-pg@kent.ac.uk

Tel: +44 (0)1227 823724
Fax: +44 (0)1227 456084