Animation MA

Extend your creative vision and shape the future of animated storytelling through innovative animation practices and critical engagement.

Our innovative MA in Animation is designed to develop your visual style to convey complex ideas clearly using a range of media. The course encourages you to explore fresh perspectives on storytelling and narrative, focusing on future-oriented outcomes. The course emphasises the integration of new technologies with established practices, supporting your growth through a variety of projects that enhance both conceptual and practical skills. Supported by a team of professional animators and academics, you will explore new techniques, develop your interests, and exchange and discuss ideas.

You’ll explore media processes with students from other media disciplines, gaining access to state-of-the-art resources and workshops. By the end of the course, you’ll have an extended portfolio and a deep understanding of both independent and collaborative practices, effectively positioning you within the contemporary animation field. You’ll be encouraged to push boundaries and experiment to find your unique creative voice. You’ll explore meaningful themes and learn how to engage audiences through multidisciplinary approaches, addressing contemporary, social, cultural, and environmental issues. Join us at Norwich and be part of an animation community that drives creative boundaries, embraces innovation, and impacts the world.

Why study with us


• Advanced technical skills: Master a wide range of media and techniques, creating impactful animations that reflect your artistic vision.



• Interdisciplinary approach: Collaborate with postgraduate courses in media and visual communication, enriching your educational experience through multidisciplinary engagement.



• Professional-level resources: Access cutting-edge facilities, including animation labs, design studios, and licensed software to bring your creative ideas to life.



• Ethical and inclusive research: Commit to ethical practices that prioritise accessibility, diversity, equality, and sustainability in animation.



• Professional portfolio development: Create a strong portfolio that showcases your interests and prepares you for a successful career in animation.



• Innovative problem-solving: Tackle complex visual and narrative challenges through project-based learning, encouraging original and inventive approaches to animation.



Course structure

This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Visual Communication, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MA Animation, MA Advertising, and MA Illustration. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

This programme is a one-year course including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.