Course summary

Are you interested in pursuing a career in 3D Animation? Whether you want to create animation for TV, film, the web, or games, this part-time, flexible course can help you develop the vital skills you need to succeed in this sector, while fitting around your current commitments. Aimed at animation professionals and those looking to advance their skills and develop their critical capacity, this degree is one of the world’s longest running online 3D Animation master’s degrees. You’ll have the chance to engage with the latest trends and technological advances in 3D Animation, using cutting-edge software to enhance your portfolio. We partner with the online animation school Animation Apprentice and previous students and graduates have won many festival awards for their films, while others have gone on to work for leading animation and VFX houses such as MPC, DNEG, Framestore and Escape Studios. Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? At BNU we focus on preparing you for work in the industry, helping you to stand out to employers when you graduate. Led by our enthusiastic and dedicated team of industry-savvy practitioners and experienced academics, you will have the freedom to explore all areas of animation. During your time with us you may also get access to guest lectures and could benefit from live project briefs and master classes. Our contacts include many post-production/animation houses in Soho, London, such as FrameStore and Cinesite. We also have an education/industry partnership with leading motion capture company Centroid, based at Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, England, along with good contacts in California studios with Walt Disney and Pixar. We're proud to partner with the online animation school Animation Apprentice, founded by award-winning animator Alex Williams, whose film credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, The Lion King, The Iron Giant, and the last three Harry Potter films. At BNU we offer small classes across the board, meaning you gain a close-knit community and plenty of one-on-one contact and support with your tutor. Despite this course being delivered online, we offer various study and chat channels so you will be supported and feel a part of the wider BNU community. We'll support you throughout your MA and supply engaging material to enhance your learning. You'll also have access to textbooks, journal papers, electronic databases and other self-study and e-learning materials. What facilities can I use? Whilst studying with us you will also use our AppsAnywhere web service, which provides access to a range of software applications, including Maya, Zbrush, Nuke, Marvellous Designer, Adobe suite, Cinema 4D, Dragon Frame and more. What will I study? We place a strong emphasis on character and creature animation in a digital environment. With a focus on cutting edge technical and creative skills, you'll learn how to develop original creative content. You will be taught some of the fundamental skills of 3D animation and animation studios, considering recent social trends in the industry, technological developments and professional contexts. Carefully designed workshops will help you develop your skills and you’ll be given valuable practical insights into problem solving, and we’ll help guide you in putting together a strong showreel. Throughout the programme, we’ll help you to obtain a practical understanding of the skills required to produce industry-level animation scenes and to create a unique portfolio of varied work. You’ll study the importance of cultivating unique and personal entrepreneurial skills in order to stand out in the industry, as well as communicate effectively in a professional international environment, such as with other departments within the film and gaming industries. You'll also gain an awareness of current challenges facing the animation industry, with an opportunity to conduct your own research in this exciting and rapidly developing field.