MA 3D Computer Animation

Course summary:

MA 3D Computer Animation is a practice-led course that explores both the theory and practice of digital 3D animation in film, television, games and interactive applications. With new and emerging technologies changing how we make, understand and experience animation, you'll be encouraged to push boundaries and explore the practices of animation from a variety of critical and professional perspectives.

About this course:

MA 3D Computer Animation offers a thorough understanding of the different processes to integrate 3D animation into projects, as well as introducing solid animation skills for work within traditional computer-generated imagery (CGI) mediums such as film and motion graphics.

London College of Communication is well placed to build on the teaching expertise and reputation of the existing MA Animation course, to provide MA 3D Computer Animation to students from backgrounds as varied as fine art, motion graphics, animation and architecture.

This course forms an integral part of a future-facing Screen School at LCC; dedicated to collaborative working, new fields of enquiry and research with a global reach.

Anyone Interested.

Course details:

In an era of unparalleled opportunities for skilled visual players and sequential image-makers, you will create, explore and play with 3D digital technologies and develop a specialist personal practice. The animation industry is rapidly evolving, with new developments in real-time animation and immersive digital world-building. Through experimentation and learning of advanced technical skills, you'll instigate innovative approaches driven by critical understanding and self-reflection. During the course, you'll create 3D computer animation sequences and assets, both individually and as part of creative teams comprising students from different media disciplines. Collaborative work forms an important part of the course philosophy and you'll work with external industry partners as well as other courses within LCC such as MA Games Design, MA Illustration and Visual Media, MA Visual Effects and MA Animation.

The course curriculum covers to two main areas:

Animation for Film and Motion Graphics:

In this area, you'll learn the skills to be a specialist in the latest technologies within animation, lighting and compositing. Building on the principles of animation, cinematography and film language, you'll explore filmic storytelling and characterisation within short animated sequences, motion graphics and/or short films.

Animation for Games and Immersive Storytelling:

You'll learn specialist 3D animation techniques such as real-time animation, environment design, interactive design and 360deg; storytelling.

What can you expect?

As well as developing skills in 3D space narrative and interpreting ideas for the flat screen, you'll also explore the differences between producing linear storytelling and viewer-led interactive experiences. You'll be encouraged to work across multiple formats, exploring how animation can be used in different contexts such as in the digital media, online, mobile and interactive games and installations, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Live industry projects, workshops and professionals masterclasses, will introduce you to a field that's constantly growing and developing, giving you skills for work in a collaborative and/or independent practice. Through engagement with a range of industry professionals and permanent teaching staff, you'll have access to workshops that build in complexity from intermediate to advanced levels across 3D computer animation skills. Academic contextualisation, criticality and curiosity underpin studio practice, while collaboration across courses and programmes within the Screen School are encouraged. The course supports progression to research at MPhil/PhD level as well as to advanced self-directed practice.

Fees & Funding:

Home / EU fee

University of the Arts London (UAL) is Europe’s largest specialist art and design university. Its unique creative community is made up of six renowned Colleges, each with its own world-class reputation: Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts.

UAL is the world’s sixth best University for Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings 2018. Offering an extensive range of courses in art, design, fashion, communication and performing arts, UAL is the main talent pipeline to the UK’s creative industries.

Home to a diverse community of over 18,000 students from 129 countries, UAL has a track record for launching and furthering careers. Our graduates can be found in every part and at every level of the creative and cultural sectors, from heads of global business to self-employed practitioners, and on shortlists for awards ranging from the Turner Prize to the Oscars.

Building on UAL’s association with some of the most original thinkers in the arts, students and staff are inspired to challenge convention, generate new ideas and nurture talent. Home to award-winning staff and students for more than a century, UAL’s Colleges are at the forefront of learning, creativity and practice in their specialist subjects. This close-knit College structure offers opportunities for learning and enquiry for people at all stages of their creative development.