MArt Animation

UCAS code

W616

Attendance

Full-time

Four years full-time

At a glance

Develop a thorough understanding of all aspects of animation on a course that encourages creativity and innovation. You learn how to work with animation and visual effects, such as stop motion, 2D and 3D animation and camera and green screen, using industry-standard software. Workshops and practice-based assignments give you chance to develop the creative skills needed to work in this vibrant industry.

Key points
• Study 2D, 3D and traditional methods of animation.
• Fully develop your knowledge of animation and visual effects theory.
• Work with professional film equipment in our fully dedicated stop-motion studio and green screen film studio.

What is animation?
Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images to create an illusion of movement. It is a unique filmmaking and effects based technique that has been used within the industry for over 100 years.

Today, the range of animation techniques and disciplines have grown due to technological advances, making it an exciting time to be involved in this creative industry. 3D CG, drawn, stop-motion animation and visual effects all have an important role within film making, adverts, games production and online interactive media.

About this course

Learn the creative skills and techniques of animation from tutors who are practising industry animators and effects artists. Members of the teaching team have worked on award-winning productions across all disciplines of animation and visual effects.

To help create a stimulating environment and to ensure that you gain the latest industry knowledge, you attend animation festival trips and film seminars. We also run a programme of visiting guest lecturers. Our industry links include Aardman, Double Negative, Frame Store, McKinnon and Saunders and Finger Industries.

Throughout the course you develop a portfolio of your project work to showcase your skills to potential employers. Your portfolio will include • stop-motion puppet animation • 2D drawn animation • 3D-CG rigging and animation • mixed media • set building • animation • pre-production research and development.

These techniques are explored using regularly updated industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, 3D Studio Max, Foundry Nuke X and Stop Motion pro, as well as the full Adobe Master Suite, in dedicated workstation labs.

Other facilities you use include a stop-motion studio, a green screen studio, and a workshop including rapid prototype machines such as 3D printers and laser cutters.

All these skills prepare you for your final year project, creating and producing a professional-standard animated film.

We aim to ensure that you graduate from this course as a creative, innovative individual with skills and knowledge to work in this exiting and vibrant industry.

About the MArt
This course runs parallel to the BA (Honours) Animation. The main difference begins in year three. The pace of work increases as you complete your undergraduate studies and begin your postgraduate studies.

In year four, self-directed study forms the main part of your learning. This is supported by taught modules, which are common to the masters programme. You also increase the professional activity in your specialist area. This improves your skills and develops career opportunities by building on links with external partners.

Key areas of study
Key areas include • traditional animation techniques • 3D-CG animation • animation theory • life drawing • digital compositing • image acquisition • animation production • photography and lighting for animation and visual effects.

Associated careers

Animation involves developing skills and knowledge in a wide range of disciplines, which means that animation graduates are able to work in numerous roles. These include • stop-frame • 3D-CG and 2D animator • set builder • puppet builder • lighting technician • texture artist • modeler • compositor • producer • editor • story board artist • character designer • games designers.

Some of our graduates are currently working for organisations including • Riot Atlanta (America) • AbstractNormalityMedia • Double negative • OG International • Just Add Water (Developments) Ltd • Fuzzy-Frog Games • Kettle.

Others have launched their own companies, such as Scrapbook Development and Griffnix.

We also help graduates to set up their own business through our business incubator, which provides student entrepreneurs with a low risk environment to build a company.

Course content

Year one modules

• introduction to technologies and equipment • animation techniques • development and delivery of digital content • cultural and ethical impact of digital technologies • contemporary animation and media practice • animation and moving image • specialism

Year two modules

• theories of creative practice • new media • film/video theory • critical methods • drawing, rendering and creative realisation

Year three modules

• creative practice • individual project • animation/film making workshops • special effects • distribution processes

Year four modules

• observational drawing • advanced 3D modelling and animation • work with industry • final individual project • elective modules in conjunction with MA

Assessment

• coursework • portfolios • projects

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

Normally GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.

• Access – an Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2. At least 15 level 3 credits must be at merit grade or above, in a media-related programme from a QAA-recognised Access to HE course, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate

If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate your ability. Download our application guidance to ensure you understand the selection process and how to produce a strong application and portfolio.

We welcome applications from people of any age. We may be flexible in our normal offer if you can show a commitment to succeed and have the relevant skills and experience. This must show that you will benefit from and finish the course successfully.

2013 entry requirements

Normally GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 260 points including at least 160 points from two GCE/VCE A levels, or BTEC National qualifications, or one AVCE double award. AS levels and Key Skills may count towards these points.

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 4023, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk