The Art of Computer Animation (3D) (Integrated Masters)

Advancements in technology and the boom of the VFX industry have made computer animation one of the fastest growing industries, with an estimated value of £1.6bn in the UK (source: Creative UK). With animation featuring in CGI movies, live-action films, commercials, TV or video games, there are an abundance of ways to use this in-demand skill.

This degree has been developed with professional Animators and experts from the likes of DNEG and Framestore to give you the skills you need to make your mark in a studio. Along with technical and creative skills, you’ll develop your experience and soft skills and build your network of industry contacts. All of this will lead you to produce a killer portfolio and turn your passion into a successful career.

You’ll explore a range of animation techniques. Intensive hands-on tutorials will be taught in our London industry-standard facilities, by experienced tutors who’ve worked on the likes of The Lion King, Doctor Strange and Avatar: The Way of Water.

Why choose this course

• Ranked 5th in the UK in the Animation Career Review’s school ranking.

• Based in London - home to some of the best animation studios in the world

• Work on industry-standard briefs and experience real-life scenarios, just like in a professional studio

• Successful alumni - you’ll join our community of thousands of Escapees, many of whom have gone on to work at some of the world’s top studios including Rare, Rockstar, Ubisoft, DNEG and Framestore. 47 Escapees worked on Avengers: Endgame, 26 on The Mandalorian 23 on Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 and 20 on Stranger Things

• Study in a studio environment that mirrors current industry practice, using professional software such as Maya

• Professional input - our advisory board of experts, from the likes of DNEG and Cinesite, help develop and keep this degree up to date. You will also receive feedback on some of your work from industry professionals.

• 3D specialism - follow 3D specialist modules in your second and third years, including character animation, storyboarding, motion capture or games animation.

Course Modules

First year (Level 4 - 120 credits)

An introduction to the disciplines, pipelines and creative industries, giving you the all-round skills you’ll need on your journey.

• Creative Foundations - Craft (30 credits)

• Creative Foundations - Project (30 credits)

• Computer Animation - Core (15 credits)

• Video Game Art - Core (15 credits)

• Compositing for VFX - Core (15 credits)

• 3D for VFX - Core (15 credits)

Second year (Level 5 - 120 credits)

You’ll start to focus on 2D computer animation, developing your specialist skills and working in teams on industry-style projects.

• Computer Animation (3D) - Pro (30 credits)

• Computer Animation (3D) - Advanced (30 credits)

• Specialism (15 credits)

• Industry Studio Project (45 credits)

Third year (Level 6 - 120 credits)

You’ll hone your skills and begin to demonstrate the level of knowledge to be a professional artist.

• Advanced Specialism (30 credits)

• Professional Practice (30 credits)

• Professional Studio Project (60 credits)

Fourth year - Integrated Masters students only (Level 7 - 120 credits)

Keen to further refine your skillset, considering working freelance, or one day dream of starting your own studio? You’ll learn about business, entrepreneurship and the know-how for an impressive portfolio career.

• Creative Research & Development (30 credits)

• Commercial Studio Project (60 credits)

• Business of Innovation (30 credits)

Formative assessment

The majority of modules contain at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback. Formative assessments are developmental and do not count towards your overall module mark.

Summative assessment breakdown

Level 4 and 5:
For Level 4 and 5 modules, your assessment will be split into two parts:
• 75% product - you will be required to create a product (short computer animation, rendered image of a 3D object composited shot, etc) to a specified brief, then present it in front of a panel and demonstrate how you have met the learning outcomes in your work
• 25% retrospective - you will be required to write a reflective analysis and present it for moderation and assessment.

Level 6:
The professional studio project module will be assessed just like level 4 and 5 modules; for the two other modules (advanced specialism, professional practice), 100% of your mark will be based on a self-evaluative portfolio.

Level 7:
If you’re doing the four-year MArt programme, you will be required to complete level 7 modules. The assessment of these modules will be split into four parts corresponding to four stages of the project - explore, ideate, accelerate, and incubate. Each stage will be equal to 25% of your final mark.

Progression:
In order to progress to the next stage (from first to second year, and from second to third year), you will have to achieve 120 credits at the end of the academic year.

For further information, please see Escape Studios' website escapestudios.ac.uk.