Application and Contact Details

Martin Capey
Phone: 01792 481117
Fax: 01792 481158
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Programme Length

This Masters degree, validated by the University of Wales, is being offered on both a full-time and a part-time basis. The full-time mode will be of one calendar year's duration, whilst the part-time mode has a minimum duration of two academic years.

Programme Description

The programme focuses on the generation of digital 3D animation through practical projects using the latest releases of industry standard software.
Guidance is given with regard to advanced 3D modelling and texturing, character rigging, acting for animation, motion studies - design for animation and post production techniques. Research methods, and innovation in business are also covered in the first part of the course.
There is flexibility in the programme, the Major Project (the last third of the programme) enables students to either specialise in a particular field of animation or, if they are more interested in utilising a wide range of animation techniques follow a more generalist approach.
At the end of the programme the graduate will have a high quality showreel which reflects their skills and creativity within this rapidly expanding medium.

Programme Content and Structure

The programme consists of two parts: a taught part consisting of six modules. Followed by a second part (the project) requiring in-depth research into a problem, the equivalent of 5 modules.

Part I

Part I consists of six taught modules, at the end of which a student may be eligible for the award of a Post-graduate Diploma.
The list below identifies the credit value for each module. Ten credits is the equivalent of 100 hours of student time, 70 hours of which will be self-study.

• Research Methods (10 credits)
• Innovation and Business Development (10 credits)
• 3D Character Animation (40 credits)
• Design for Animation (30 credits)
• Compositing (20 credits)
• Project Specification (10 credits)

Part II

Part II, the Major Project, is an in-depth investigation into a particular area. This element of the programme is worth 60 credits and represents 600 hours of student study with tutorial supervision.

The outcome of this project may take a variety of forms. Some examples are given below:

• A short animated sequence examining classical ballet/ body gestures/ facial expression.
• A study of the techniques and implications of non photo realistic rendering.
• The interplay between two characters drawn from mainstream cinema and reinterpreted using 3D computer animation.
• An investigation into the combination of live action and digital animation for documentaries.

Assessment

The taught modules in Part I are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. The project in Part II is normally assessed through the submission of a dissertation and an oral examination.

Full-time mode

The full-time scheme runs over a calendar year. The 10 taught modules in Part I will be studied over two 15 week semesters. Each semester includes an allowance for revision and assessment of a module. Part II (the project) will involve regular tutorials with members of the project supervisory team.

Part-time mode

A student enrolled on the part-time MSc programme would require a minimum of two years to achieve the award.

Entry Requirements

The normal entry requirements for admission to the MSc programme are:

1. an Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline
2. for graduates of non-UK universities, sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of the programme (e.g. TOEFL 550 or equivalent)

The nature of the programme is such that candidates from a wide variety of backgrounds will be considered. 

To be read in conjunction with this page

Equivalent Qualifications 

Equivalent qualifications will be considered for entry onto the programme. For example, a candidate with a good HND, together with at least five years relevant experience would be considered. The candidate would be expected to provide evidence to support his/her application.

Other Skills Considered 

Our offers are not solely based on academic results. We take your skills, achievements and life experience into consideration.