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We are no longer accepting applications for 2020/21 entry to this course.
All our courses starting in 2020/21 will be running as a mix of on-campus and online activities and will follow UK government safety advice. It may be necessary to make some adjustments to course delivery as a result of this. We will notify applicants and students of any changes directly.
For more information, read our guidance for prospective students during the Coronavirus outbreak.
MA Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation across a broad range of experimental visual media.
The next Open Evening for this course will be announced soon.
Animation collaborating with The Cuming Museum by student Jiaqi Wang
Animation for The Cuming Museum by David Zamorano.
MA Animation student Alejandra talks us through her work in the London College of Communication Postgraduate Shows 2016.
MA Animation student Rafael talks us through his work in the London College of Communication Postgraduate Shows 2016.
Explore projects from graduating students from London College of Communication's MA Animation course, exhibiting as part of LCC Postgraduate Shows 2019.
MA Animation graduate Leszek Mozga’s short film ‘Roadkill’ will be shown at the 72nd Festival de Cannes as part of the Cinéfondation Selection, and has also been shortlisted for BAFTA's Student Film Award.
This workshop offers a wide-range of expertise in everything from etching to lithography.
The Digital Space is an open-plan, creative hub with computers set up with specialist software.
Discover the range of resources on offer to students studying Animation and Games Design.
Animation at LCC is taught as a broad and experimental visual practice in the context of communication design.
With new technologies changing how we make, understand and experience animation, students are encouraged to test boundaries and look at animation in many forms and in many ways.
MA Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation aiming to give you the tools to be able to express creative ideas using a broad range of experimental visual media.
You will investigate the production of animation in an era with unparalleled opportunities for skilled visual communicators.
The central ethos of the course is to give you enough freedom and guidance to test and discover creative ideas within a critical framework in balance with developing the accomplished production skills across 2D, 2.5D, 3D, stop-motion and drawn animation, to realise your creative goals.
You will develop skills in narrative storytelling and interpreting ideas for the flat screen and you'll also be encouraged to work across multiple formats.
You'll explore how animation can be used in different contexts, such as in the fine arts installation as well as in digital media – exploring the online, mobile and interactive opportunities for animation practice.
The course supports progression to research at MPhil/PhD level as well as to advanced self-directed experimental practice.
Building on LCC's resources, in digital, time-based and interactive media alongside printmaking, graphic design and visual communication, the course encourages an experimental and reflective practice that echoes the cross media nature of the design, communication and media industries.
MA Animation is in Full Time mode which runs for 45 weeks over 15 months. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.
The course is delivered across four terms, starting in September and finishing in December the year after. Incorporating a summer break, this is a one year full-time course (45 taught weeks), delivered over 15 months. You will respond to briefs that are set to test the learning in the units described below.
Each course is divided into units, which are credit-rated. The minimum unit size is 20 credits. The MA course structure involves five units, totalling 180 credits.
In Term 1 you will explore a range of both technical and conceptual approaches to animation and work with a range of technologies and processes by producing short-form animation to set briefs.
You'll also engage in a programme of theoretical seminars that explore the cinematic underpinning of this practice. This phase is the technical and conceptual basis for the subsequent units of the course.
You'll engage in experimental 2D/3D animation process and practice, developing your distinct visual voice. This is underpinned by critical study that significantly expands your understanding of the themes animation can address in a critical context, and by a technical programme that ensures you are able to experiment widely with various animation techniques. Term Two specifically contains the cross College collaborative unit.
You will take the knowledge, skills and experience gained on the course and bring these together in the production of a self-directed longer form project and associated thesis.
If you are unable to continue or decide to exit the course, there are two possible exit awards. A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the first 60 credits and a Postgraduate Diploma will be awarded on successful completion of the first 120 credits.
Course Leader, MA Animation
Course Tutor, BA (Hons) Animation
Course Leader, BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts
Lecturer, BA (Hons) Animation
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
An applicant will normally be considered for admission if they have achieved an educational level equivalent to an honours degree in either animation, illustration, visual communication, graphic design or closely related subject, and present a portfolio of moving-image work. However, we do not exclude candidates who have graduated from other less strongly aligned disciplines.
This educational level may be demonstrated by:
Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend you let us know your English language test score in your application. If you have booked a test or are awaiting your results, please indicate this in your application. When asked to upload a CV as part of your application, please include any information about your English test score.
Offers will be made based on the following selection criteria, which applicants are expected to demonstrate:
We are no longer accepting applications for 2020/21 entry to this course. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:
Extra information required for applications to this course:
The online application can be saved as you fill it out, so you don’t need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you press submit.
Applications are accepted and offers are made, throughout the year. Early application is advised.
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
If you are an EU offer holder, it is important to consider that, from 2021-22, you may be charged International fees, which are higher. Read our Coronavirus guidance for prospective students for details.
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Animation. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you're interested in animation and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It's your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.
This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
The proposal should be a short idea of maximum 250 words which should explore the idea and technique for an animation project you wish to create. This can be a film, installation, or another format. The Proposal should include at least one image or sketch.
We are no longer accepting applications for 2020/21 entry to this course. Applications for 2021/22 entry will open in Autumn 2020.
All applications will be considered by the course team who will consider key elements when making a decision on your suitability to join the course:
Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:
Please note: we will ask you for copies of certain documents (for example, English language qualification/certificate and copies of any previous UK study visas).
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page. International applicants can alternatively apply through one of our official representatives in your country.
If you are currently studying at another institution and have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units/modules on your current PG course and wish to continue your studies at London College of Communication, you can apply to transfer.
The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.
Further information about the external student transfer policy can be found on the Office for Students Information page.
Whether you are applying through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History check. If you do not complete the Immigration History Check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.
You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MA Animation. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.
The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you're interested in animation and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.
Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It's your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.
This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.
The proposal should be a short idea of maximum 250 words which should explore the idea and technique for an animation project you wish to create. This can be a film, installation, or another format. The Proposal should include at least one image or sketch.
This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.
After you have successfully submitted your application online, you will receive an email confirming your application and providing your login details for the UAL Applicant Portal. Please log into the portal, as this is where we will send you important updates and requests, and you can contact us with any questions you may have about your application.
All applicants will be expected to submit an electronic portfolio of a maximum of 20 images as part of their application. Your portfolio should have some examples of image-led and visual work from either education or professional practice. It should contain a minimum of five projects, and self-initiated projects are also encouraged.
Of the 20 images, you should include an animation movie of minimum 60 seconds in length. In the 'image title' field, please state your role (animator, editor, sound, story, background) and techniques you have used. Preferably it should a personal work and animated entirely by yourself.
At application stage, we are as excited to see a portfolio of strong image making that has a sense of sequential play, as we are to see an accomplished portfolio of animation work.
As a student on the course you will have been selected for something specific you portray through your portfolio. This could be a strong illustration or design portfolio that indicates a desire to take work into the 3D space and work with sound in a time-based format, or an accomplished portfolio of animation work that indicates a commitment to focus on personal development through a further course of study.
Applicants are usually interviewed by the course team before a place can be offered. Interviews will take place at LCC, or via Skype/telephone.
You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.
£11,220 (2020/21).
Course fees may be paid in instalments
£22,920 (2020/21).
Course fees may be paid in instalments
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. We strongly suggest you read the information on our Additional Costs page.
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
UAL alumni can receive a 20% tuition fee discount on a taught Masters course at UAL. Visit the progression discount page to find out more.
A range of scholarships, bursaries and awards are available to postgraduate students at UAL.
Postgraduate loans of up to £10,000 are now available for eligible UK and EU students. A full list of eligibility criteria and information on applying can be found on the postgraduate loans webpage.
Any questions? Please email funding@arts.ac.uk or visit Postgraduate Funding.
Graduates of MA Animation will be equipped to work in an increasingly technologically informed and interdisciplinary design world, with in-depth skills in the following areas: animation and animation production both 3D and 2D visual communication, narrative and sequential image making, typography, and time-based design as well as having a portfolio of personal work to enable you to seek work as a commercial animation director.
A significant proportion of graduates from this course will want to practice as commercial animators.
