Course description
MA 3D Animation
Take your animations to the next level by unlocking your creative potential.
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 only (source Creative UK).
This postgraduate qualification is designed for students who want to take their computer animation skills to the highest level.
During the first 18 weeks, common with our popular Advanced Animation course, you’ll learn your craft and master advanced practices, such as creature interaction, dialogue and lipsync. We'll then take you to the next level and put your skills to test with two major industry-standard projects, including a collaborative group project just like in a studio. You’ll create high-quality animations to use in your showreel.
At the end of the degree, you’ll have earned a postgraduate qualification, have a showreel of cool animation work and a deep understanding of the animation and visual effects industries.
Our industry connections, experienced tutors, who boast credits including The Lion King, Godzilla and Doctor Strange, Talent Development Team and Aftercare programme will help you build your network to kick-start your creative career.
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Suitability - Who should attend?
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements
An undergraduate honours degree with a significant component in the field of animation or related discipline.
Applicants without a degree who have significant industry experience in animation or related creative subjects will be considered.
Suitable applicants will be asked to submit a postgraduate portfolio.
English language requirements
All our courses are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you may need to complete an English language test, such as a Pearson English language test (PTE Academic) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, to demonstrate you have the language skills needed to complete your degree.
Qualification and score required
IELTS: 6.0 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)
PTE: 62 including 60 in each subtest
Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency: 176 (with a minimum of 169 in Reading and Writing and 162 in Speaking and Listening)
Internet-based TOEFL: 90 Overall including at least 22 in Reading, 21 in Writing, 17 in Listening and 20 in Speaking.
International students will be required to hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 in order to be able to apply for a visa to study at Escape Studios on a student visa. Visit the Escape Studios website for qualifications that are accepted by UKVI.
You may be exempt from proving your English level if you are from an English-speaking country listed as recognised for visa purposes or have a degree level qualification obtained in one of these countries. The latest list is available on the UK Government website.
For students who have a SELT at B2 but who do not meet our requirements, we can also consider alternative qualifications. Please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you’d like to discuss your circumstances before applying, please contact us.
Training Course Content
Module 1 - Locomotion and Mechanics
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General introduction to Maya
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Basic modelling
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Texturing
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Lighting
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Rigging
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General principles of animation
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Locomotion
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Introduction
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Runs
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Hops
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Jumps
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Skips
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Character animation
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Introduction
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Building and blocking a shot
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Parenting
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Constraints
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Module 2 - Character Performance
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Weight and flexibility, physics and adding characterisation
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Animal locomotion: trots, walks and runs
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Animal locomotion continued
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Acting, dialogue and lip sync
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Final exercise
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Project
Module 3 - Animals and Creatures
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Advanced character animation: dialogue and lip sync
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Advanced character animation: acting and performance
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Advanced motion capture and facial performance
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Advanced creature animation: creature performance and acting
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Advanced character and creature interactions
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Project and polish
Module 4 - Collaborative Studio Project
Module 5 - Production Project
Why choose Escape Studios
Top 6% of Institutions for Graduate Employability -- by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
First Unreal Authorised Training Center in the UK
Expenses
Fees and funding
Fees for 2024 entry
London campus:
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UK students: £18,995
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International students: £19,995
Live online: £15,995
Our postgraduate fees are payable within the first 18 weeks of the course, with a deposit to be paid before the start of the course. Please note, we review our fees every year.
Fees include:
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Escapee Aftercare and career support, including help and advice on your CV, showreel and job applications for 12 months after the end of your course.
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Free Autodesk student registration allowing access to educational versions of software such as Maya and Arnold.
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18 weeks of classroom study followed by 12 weeks of remotely directed learning and a 12 to 15-week remotely directed final project. All with feedback from your lead tutor and from an industry professional.
Funding for UK students
To be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, you must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). Escape Studios is registered with the Office for Students and our Master’s programmes are eligible for funding.
Payment plans
We offer a range of payment plan options for all courses. Following an initial deposit at registration stage, your chosen payment plan will break down your remaining fees into up to six equal instalments, to be paid over the course length.
For more information, visit the Escape Studios website.
Continuing Studies
You’ll graduate with a postgraduate qualification, strong creative, technical and soft skills, including collaboration and communication, and a killer portfolio put together with advice from tutors and industry professionals. Ready to apply to start your career in the industry!
Animators often start out in junior roles to then rise to mid-level and senior roles such as Lead Animators and Technical Directors, opening the path to becoming an Animation Supervisor.
Our students have gone to work in many areas of the industry, including 3D animation for films, TV, games and visual effects, at companies including Pixar, Blue Zoo and Framestore.
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Top 10 Awards
Escape Studios are ranked:
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3rd in the UK - and 8th in Europe in the Animation Career Review’s school ranking
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3rd in the UK - and 27th in the world for 3D Animation by The Rookies