UH ONLINE
MA Character and Creature Animation
From Pixels to Personality: Shape the Future of Animation
Join our MA Character and Creature Animation programme and embark on a creative journey that shapes the future of visual storytelling
Intake
Duration
Mode
Delivery
Bring imagination to life from the digital pen to the silver screen
Step into the enchanting world of animation excellence. Our 100% online MA programme unleashes your creativity, ignites your passion, and elevates your animation prowess. The University of Hertfordshire has multiple student animation award winners, and our programme holds the esteemed Rookie Accreditation (2022). Dive into 3D animation wizardry, honing your skills for Visual Effects, Games, and Film and Television. Embrace advanced workflows, pushing the boundaries of character and creature animation. Our dynamic, global community fuels inspiration and innovation, while industry experts guide your transformation. Don't miss this chance to craft a thrilling career in animation's forefront. Embrace the MA in Character and Creature Animation at UH Online, and become the visionary animator the world craves.
We are UH Online
Excel in Your Current Career
Already working in animation or a related field? Our online MA programme equips you with advanced 3D animation skills, positioning you as a skilled influencer in your current role. Master the art of character animation and bring life to fantasy worlds, driving positive change in the animation industry.
Change Career Paths
Ready to embark on a new journey in animation? Immerse yourself in diverse animation practices, from character performance to visual effects. Redefine your career path and seize opportunities as a character animator, visual effects artist, or game animator. Create immersive experiences and elevate visual storytelling.
Go Your Own Way
Dream of starting your own venture in animation? Our MA programme empowers you to shape your unique path. Develop animation practices that address contemporary challenges and launch your own creative projects. Become a visionary in the world of animation, leaving a lasting impact on diverse audiences.
Advance your career with an internationally recognised degree
Flexible learning that fits your schedule
Taught by expert faculty with industry experience
Rigorous academic standards and quality control procedures
Am I Eligible
Take our Questionnaire to find out if you are eligible for the programme.
Core Modules
Animal & Creature Animation (30 Credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop animation practices that show knowledge and understanding of animal movement and locomotion, including their applicationfor fantasy creature work. This will include animal physiognomy, anthropomorphism, physiology,and the use of live action study and research. The module supports students to develop understandings of performance aesthetics, genres and representations of animal and creature animation with reference to historic and current animation artefacts and the broader cultural and critical debates that relate to them and to develop a theory-informed reflective and critical approach to their own development.
Character Performance (30 Credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop animation practices that show knowledge and understanding of Acting and Character performance: how motivation, body language and the acting and mime crafts can bring life to animated characters. This includes stagecraft and traditional performance techniques for animated entertainment, emotion and expression. The module also aims to develop understandings of aesthetics, genres and representations of character performance in animation referencing historic and contemporary animation practices and the broader cultural and critical debates which relate to them and to develop a theory-informed reflective and critical approach to their own development
Locomotion and Mechanics for Animation (30 Credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop animation practices, knowledge and understanding of how physical forces interact and impact with an animated character’s body-mechanics: how weight, gravity and other physical forces combine with animated character movement, and impact skeletal/rig systems, muscle systems and locomotion. The module supports students to develop further understandings of the aesthetics, genres and representations of body mechanics and locomotion with reference to historic and current animation artefacts and the broader cultural and critical debates that relate to them and to develop a theory-informed reflective and critical approach to their own development.
The Animation Industry: Preparing for a Career (30 Credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to develop an understanding and knowledge of the contexts and possibilities of animation employment in the relevant and emerging creative industries nationally and internationally and extend their 3D animation skills, building on previous learning in locomotion, mechanics, acting and animal/creature animation. The module aims to develop an understanding and knowledge of employment landscapes and approaches to employment through aligning a student’s knowledge, understanding, and practical skills with the three main employment areas for animators: Visual Effects, Games and TV/feature. These approaches may include appropriate networking strategies, an online presence, showreel, CV and other materials. The module aims to continue the development of an individual, creative, reflective, and observational practice contextualised within relevant creative industries and their histories.
Introduction to Animation Skills
The aims of this module are to enable students to successfully negotiate the academic needs and structures of animation study at master’s level and the online study environment. The module aims to introduce animation software, practices, and workflow together with the basic principles of animation and enables the student to produce exercises and take on pre-requisite understandings and knowledge needed for master’s level animation study.
Final Research Project
Graduation Portfolio (60 Credits)
The aims of this module are to enable students to produce a graduation portfolio comprising a number of longer and more in-depth animation sequences presenting simple narratives with a level of finish and polish at, or approaching, professional levels. The production process for the portfolio will enable students to demonstrate skills in project planning and management as well as in negotiating arrangements with collaborators. The module also develops both enquiry and communication skills at post-graduate level within an awareness of audiences and reception together with an understanding of the aesthetics, genres and representations of animation and a knowledge of historic and contemporary animation artefacts, genres and their broader theoretical, cultural and critical contexts.The module aims to bring together the strands of learning introduced over the course to support students in becoming creative, reflective, knowledgeable and skilled practitioners ready for professional career.
The entry requirements for the programme are:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline at a level equivalent to a UK second-class Honours degree.
- Applicants must also submit a portfolio of creative work showing appropriate skills in the intended area of study to be considered for these courses.
- For International applicants whose first language is not English, IELTS score of 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any band), or equivalent
- The school will consider non-standard applicants who can demonstrate that they have relevant work experience over a period of 3 years via a Curriculum Vitae and/or LinkedIn profile.
The supporting documents for the programme are:
- Bachelor’s degree (where applicable) at a level equivalent to a UK second class Honours degree.
- A reference letter from a current or previous manager or HR department or person in a position of authority is required as supporting evidence
- Personal identification documents e.g passport or I.D
- A personal statement (approx. 3-500 words) and/or video presentation about why you want to study this programme.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) where applicable.
- POE exemption may be offered to students. Please speak to a Student Success Consultant to discover whether you are eligible for an exemption
Start your application Journey
Advance your career with UH Online's postgraduate degrees. Apply today and gain the knowledge and skills for professional success, from the convenience of your home.
Delivered by Expert Faculty
Personal and Network development
Inter Disciplinary Module Approach
Consultancy Project Options
Industry Informed Content
Delivered by Expert Faculty
Personal and Network development
Inter Disciplinary Module Approach
Industry Informed Content
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