The course is project-based; each module equips students with a robust portfolio with which to enter the creative industries.
You will learn clean modelling techniques, principles of animation, lighting, shading, texturing, rigging, rendering and compositing.
You will collaborate in a studio environment as part of a team with students from other digital media courses.
Industry-standard production techniques and tools will simulate a professional environment. Work placements, internships and mentoring will prepare you for your future career.
Mode | Duration | Start date |
---|---|---|
Full time | 1 year |
September 2023 January 2024 |
Full time | 2 years including professional placement |
September 2023 January 2024 |
Part time | 2 years |
September 2023 January 2024 |
Location | Penrhyn Road |
View some of our student's work from Computer Animation MA at Kingston University.
3D animation: you will learn the principles of animation, body mechanics, and character performance, scene setup, and performance. You will study the fundamental ideas of creating believable and appealing animation. You will participate in motion capture sessions with our new Rokoko Mocap kit and progress with formative animation exercises to connect concept and practical application via Autodesk Maya software.
Digital sculpting and 3D modelling: You will explore a range of concepts, techniques, and tools for creating organic, hard-surface models and sculpts. These disciplines will be informed by underlying design concepts, as well as by reference collection, and an appreciation of anatomy and visual narrative.
UV mapping, shading and texturing: You will learn the inner workings of producing complex shading networks and creating photo-real surfaces with multi-layered, PBR practices.
Character rigging: You will bring your character model to life with the technical skill sets and tools of 3D rigging.
Lighting and rendering: You will capture your 3D creations in the best light by applying cinematic lighting approaches to your CGI scenes to help to convey story and mood. You will learn the tricks of the trade to balancing render speed and quality for producing eye-catching renders.
Compositing: You will be able to seamlessly integrate your CGI assets into live action footage, and maximise post-production flexibility, by learning 2D and 3D match-moving, colour grading, advanced rendering techniques and other post-production methods.
You will also work as part of a team, comprising students from different media disciplines, undertaking simulated project briefs that have previously included augmented reality children's books, driverless car interfaces, virtual fashion shows, and interactive transparent displays for museum exhibitions. You will learn how to present yourself to potential employers through your professional presence and portfolio.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
30 credits
You will work with a multidisciplinary group of students as appropriate for your course (User Experience Design MSc, Game Development (Design) MA, Game Development (Programming) MSc and Computer Animation MA); involved with the digital media production process in response to a project brief developed in consultation with the industry panel and/or research staff. Projects concern contemporary platforms, such as iPhone, Android, Windows, Playstation, Xbox and Next Generation controllers and innovative input devices. You also develop a professional profile (online CV/portfolio) fitting for your role and intended destination which you maintain throughout the course.
30 credits
This module is core to the MA Computer Animation programme. Students will have prior competency in animation concepts, or have relevant experience, and so this module will allow them to develop their 3D animation skills further in creating dynamic and appealing animation for application in both film/TV and games production. Fundamentals and theory, such as the 12 Principles of Animation and study of reference, will underpin the development of a portfolio featuring body mechanics and character performance animation. Students will also learn basic techniques in rigging, such as parenting, constraints, IK solvers, utility nodes, set-driven keys, etc. in order to animate models.
On completion of the module students will have the ability to animate assets for different applications (film, television, computer games).
This is a practical module where the majority of a students' time is spent working with 3D software. Similarly, the assessment is practically based.
60 credits
The Digital Media Final Project, as a capstone project, consolidates the knowledge gained in earlier modules and is informed and supported by prior learning.
You will interpret the coursework into a practical solution and demonstrate skills in defining, analysing and developing a substantial solution to an individually defined design related problem. You will utilise an advanced understanding of contemporary digital media practice. The research and documentation of the project is an integral part of the submission; reflecting on the process, as well as the critical analysis and methodology of the research itself. The research will be conceptually integrated within the practical work. Individual project topics are expected to be wide ranging and provide the opportunity to fully investigate a practical situation, underpinned by a critical report on the work produced. Topics must allow the opportunity to position work with respect to business, social and cultural goals and identify and apply appropriate technology as a means of delivery.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
30 credits
This module is core to the MA Computer Animation programme. Students will have prior competency in 3D modelling and texturing practices, or have relevant experience, and so this module will allow them to develop their 3D skills further in creating production pipeline friendly assets, e.g. hard-surface vs. organic modelling, UV mapping, digital sculpting, and producing both stylized and photo-realistic materials and textures. Students will also learn lighting tools and methods, as well as advanced rendering techniques, to showcase their assets to industry expectations.
On completion of the module students will have the ability to model and texture assets for different applications (film, television, computer games).
This is a practical module where the majority of a students' time is spent working with 3D software. Similarly, the assessment is practically based.
30 credits
This module builds on prior competency in using 3D modelling and animation software. It develops your 3D skills further and enables you, by guided self-study, to develop specialisms in areas that affect the look of a scene. That could be a photo realistic look, or a stylised look that aims to promote an emotional response from the viewer. Content will include rendering techniques, illumination techniques and the combination of individual elements by means of compositing.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity. This should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
This course is delivered by Digital Media Kingston.
Digital Media Kingston (DMK) is an interdisciplinary, collaborative project between the School of Computer Science and Mathematics, and School of Design at Kingston University. Its mission is to bring together creative expression, theoretical analysis, scientific rigour and technological innovation to underpin innovation and excellence in the computational arts.
The teaching element of the DMK project delivers a suite of four related courses: Computer Animation MA, Games Development (Design) MA, User Experience Design MSc, and Games Development (Programming) MSc. You will share some taught modules with students taking these digital media courses.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
If you have any questions regarding the course, please contact the Course Leader, Mr Richard Cunningham, at r.cunningham@kingston.ac.uk.
The technical resources that are available to students on this suite of courses include:
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Applicants to Computer Animation MA can apply for the BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme, which is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance. Each successful BAFTA Scholar receives up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees, as well as mentoring support from a BAFTA member, and free access to BAFTA events around the UK.
In addition, three successful applicants will be awarded a Prince William Scholarship in Film, Games and Television, supported by BAFTA and Warner Bros., including a funded work placement within the Warner Bros. group of companies and other benefits.
Computer Animation MA is part of the Digital Media Kingston suite of courses, providing you with a unique mixture of creative and technical skills.
Software includes:
Staff will be drawn from across the University, including from Kingston School of Art and the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
The technical and creative skills provided by this Computer Animation course are applicable in areas related mainly to the movie and games industry. Furthermore, advertisement, 3D printing, architectural design and web-based modelling are areas that require skills and knowledge on modelling, texturing, rigging, animation, and compositing. Graduates have gone on to work at Industrial Light and Magic, Kuato Studios, AccuCities.
Read about why our students chose Kingston, what they gained from studying here, and how it has helped them in their careers.
Digital Media Kingston courses have been developed in consultation with an industry advisory board, which so far includes members of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, DreamWorks, the BFi, Alloy, The Other Media, Sunrise Software, Abelton Live, Tonic, Active Ingredient.
Some work placements, live projects and other opportunities will be available at the discretion of the industry panel for students on this course.
Up until 31 July 2022, this course was taught in the Faculty of Science Engineering and Computing. For students enrolling from September 2022, the course will be delivered by the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. There will be no impact on the teaching or the award of the degree.
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.