MA in Computer Animation
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 9,860 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* there is no application deadline for postgraduate courses
** home full-time: £9,860 | international full-time: £15,800
Introduction
Why choose this course?
The course is project-based; each module aims to equip students with a robust portfolio with which to enter the creative industries.
You will learn clean modelling techniques, principles of animation, lighting, shading, texturing, rigging, rendering and compositing.
You will collaborate in a studio environment as part of a team with students from other digital media courses.
Industry-standard production techniques and tools will simulate a professional environment. Work placements, internships and mentoring will prepare you for your future career.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- Kingston University is an active member of The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA) and the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA).
- Access to the latest industry-standard software, such as Autodesk Maya & Mudbox, Pixologic Zbrush, Substance, 3DPainter & Designer, Nuke, Mari, Adobe Suite, etc.
- You will use facilities with high-spec workstations, including brand-new Wacom Cintiq Pro 24" HD tablets. Students also have access to a digital media studio, motion capture suite and kits including Rokoko MoCap suits.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme
Applicants to Computer Animation MA can apply for the BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme, which is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance. Each successful BAFTA Scholar receives up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees, as well as mentoring support from a BAFTA member, and free access to BAFTA events around the UK.
In addition, three successful applicants will be awarded a Prince William Scholarship in Film, Games and Television, supported by BAFTA and Warner Bros., including a funded work placement within the Warner Bros. group of companies and other benefits.
Curriculum
What you will study
3D Animation: you will learn the principles of animation, body mechanics, and character performance, scene setup, and performance. You will study the fundamental ideas of creating believable and appealing animation. You will participate in motion capture sessions with our new Rokoko Mocap kit and progress with formative animation exercises to connect concepts and practical applications via Autodesk Maya software.
Digital sculpting and 3D modelling: You will explore a range of concepts, techniques, and tools for creating organic, hard-surface models and sculpts. These disciplines will be informed by underlying design concepts, as well as by reference collection, and an appreciation of anatomy and visual narrative.
UV mapping, shading and texturing: You will learn the inner workings of producing complex shading networks and creating photo-real surfaces with multi-layered, PBR practices.
Character rigging: You will bring your character model to life with the technical skill sets and tools of 3D rigging.
Lighting and rendering: You will capture your 3D creations in the best light by applying cinematic lighting approaches to your CGI scenes to help to convey the story and mood. You will learn the tricks of the trade to balance render speed and quality for producing eye-catching renders.
Compositing: You will be able to seamlessly integrate your CGI assets into live-action footage, and maximise post-production flexibility, by learning 2D and 3D match-moving, colour grading, advanced rendering techniques and other post-production methods.
You will also work as part of a team, comprising students from different media disciplines, undertaking simulated project briefs that have previously included augmented reality children's books, driverless car interfaces, virtual fashion shows, and interactive transparent displays for museum exhibitions. You will learn how to present yourself to potential employers through your professional presence and portfolio.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module the first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
- Digital Studio Practice
- Character Animation for Film and Games
- Digital Media Final Project
- 3D Creation Pipeline for Film and Games
- Perfecting the Look
- Professional Placement
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Outcome
What this course offers you
Computer Animation MA is part of the Digital Media Kingston suite of courses, providing you with a unique mixture of creative and technical skills.
- Input from industry practitioners and experts will add a valuable dimension to your studies.
- Industry guest speakers will share experience, knowledge, and insights.
- You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment resources and equipment, such as Rokoko motion capture suits (with gloves and headgear), four 24-inch Wacom Cintiq Pro display tablets, various cameras, lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment. Sound-recording equipment. 360 cameras for creating HDR image-based lighting, Wacom Intuos graphics tablets available to all students.
- You will have access to first-class technical facilities, such as our Digital Media Studio (with blue and green screens), Motion-Capture Suite, high-spec workstations, and our Centre for Augmented and Virtual Environments (CAVE), where students can create VR apps with a number of Sony PlayStation developer kits. Students will be able to develop this platform under an academic development agreement with Sony.
- The Final Project module enables you to pursue an area of specialisation or particular interest, and produce a substantial and personal piece for your growing portfolio, under the supervision of our knowledgeable team.
Software includes:
- Maya, MotionBuilder, 3ds Max, and Mudbox
- Zbrush
- Arnold Renderer
- Substance Painter, Designer, and Alchemist
- Marmoset Toolbag
- Nuke, Mari, and Modo
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Unreal Engine
- Unity
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Blender
Staff will be drawn from across the University, including from Kingston School of Art and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Where this course will take you
The technical and creative skills provided by this Computer Animation course are applicable in areas related mainly to the movie and games industry. Furthermore, advertisement, 3D printing, architectural design and web-based modelling are areas that require skills and knowledge in modelling, texturing, rigging, animation, and compositing. Graduates have go on to work at Industrial Light and Magic, Kuato Studios, and AccuCities.