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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
MSc Computer Animation
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 much where you live as your accommodation.
Programme Background
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.
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 School 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 School'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. 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
Stage 1
Stage 2
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. All applicants are required to submit a portfolio.
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, please contact our postgraduate admissions officer.
E-mail: eda-admissions-pg@kent.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1227 823724
Fax: +44 (0)1227 456084