The World's First Online MA in Animation

I teach animation at a university in the UK, and my superiors are forever nagging me about the need to get an MA in my subject area. Trouble is, I need something I can do online, so I don't have to give up my day job.  But try looking around for something suitable, and there isn't anything out there. Which got me thinking - why not create one? Why not create the world's first MA in animation, completely online?  And, best of all, we could use the content from my online school - Animation Apprentice - and make it a course that would actually teach students how to animate. Properly.

Anim & VFX at Bucks

So I am now able to announce the launch of a animation world-first - the first online MA in animation.  Building on the Animation and Visual Effects BA, we're launching 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 new course will look like.

You too could wear this silly hat. Photo: Wikipedia

What is it?
The world's first online MA in animation.

What's so special about that?
Plenty. Until now, if you wanted to do an MA in animation, you had to go to a university and study there, at a place and time that is convenient for the university.  Never mind that you have a day job and a family - you have to study when it suits them, not when it suits you. Now, you will be able to complete the degree online, from anywhere in the world. You don't even need to show up for graduation - though you will definitely be invited!

Partnering with AnimationApprentice.org

What will you learn?
The course is a unique 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 have to 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.

Bologna - the first university. We still wear the silly hats.

Why does anyone need an MA?
Because it's a proper, 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. In practical terms, without an MA you can't realistically hope to get a job teaching at a university.

But don't studios want practical skills?
Yes they do. 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 it you will have a strong demo reel, good enough to help you find work in this fast-growing industry.

Who is this course for?
We think our course will be of special interest to anyone who wants to learn the craft of 3D animation, and also for anyone who would like a career in teaching animation. There isn't another course that we know of which offers this blend of practical and critical content.

When Does It Start?
September 2015
 

Just £6,075 if you apply before June

How Much Does It Cost?
The course costs £6,750, but if you apply before 1 June, you get a 10% discount. So that would be £6,075. That's $9,416 in US Dollars. And don't forget that the UK government will soon be extending loans to graduate students. For more on funding for MA study, read this post.

What kind of jobs are available to graduates?
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.

How Can I Sign Up?
To visit the official page and register for more information, follow this link.

----Alex