In 2015 Animation Apprentice announced the launch of an animation world-first – the first online MA in animation. Building on our partnership with the Animation and Visual Effects Course at Buckinghamshire New University, we launched a new online post graduate degree which can be undertaken by students anywhere in the world. Above is a short video that explains what the course looks like.
World’s First Online MA in Animation
The degree of Master of Arts is awarded by Buckinghamshire New University. But the practical content of the course is delivered by Animation Apprentice. The degree was from the beginning designed to be completed entirely online, from anywhere in the world. You don’t even need to show up for graduation – though you will definitely be invited.
The Online MA is a blend of practical and academic content. That means you will learn how to animate, stop by step, and be properly trained as a skilled professional 3D animator. At the same time, you will engage with the theory behind the craft, and take a close look at the industry, critically engaging with the underpinnings and possibilities of the medium.
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| Bologna – the first university. |
Animation Apprentice
At Animation apprentice we deliver the practical content for the Online MA, training students to become great animators. Buckinghamshire New University supplies the academic content. It is the combination of practical and academic content in a distance learning environment that makes this course so unique.
Master of Arts
The degree of Master of Arts is a globally recognised qualification. Having an MA shows that you can engage in critical thinking at an advanced level, and make a thorough analysis of the subject being studied. If, for example, you would like to develop a career in teaching animation, an MA is very important.
Practical skills
Studios hire animators with great demo reels. That is why our course has a strong emphasis on learning the techniques of 3D animation, as well as academic content. By the end of the course you will have a strong demo reel, to help you find work in this fast-growing industry.
Learn to Animate
Our course will be of special interest to anyone who wants to learn the craft of 3D animation, and also in particular for anyone who would like a career in teaching animation. Universities and Colleges of Higher Education want their instructors to have a formal qualification in the field. There isn’t another course that we know of which offers this blend of practical and critical content.
BA (or similar undergraduate degree) Preferred
Ideally applicants will have a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in animation or a related arts subject. If you don’t have a degree, but have considerable industry experience, you may well be able to satisty the University’s APEL Requirements.
Next Class
The next MA class starts in September.
Cost
The Online MA course currently costs around £8,000 – but check with the university admissions dept as this is subject to change. Don’t forget that the UK government now offers student loans to graduate students. For more on UK Government funding for MA study, read this post.
Jobs
The animation industry is expanding rapidly worldwide. 3D animation is everywhere now, on TV, in the movie theatres, on your smart phone, on the web, and in games. The skills you will learn are transferable to any kind of animation.
Official Course Page
To visit the official page and register for more information, follow this link.