Master of Arts - Computer Animation (Professional Placement)

The course is project-based; each module aiming to equip students with a robust portfolio with which to enter the creative industries. Students will learn clean modelling techniques, principles of animation, lighting, shading, texturing, rigging, rendering and compositing.

Students will collaborate in a studio environment as part of a team with students from other digital media courses. Industry-standard production techniques and tools will simulate a professional environment. Students will use facilities with high-spec workstations, including brand-new Wacom Cintiq Pro 24" HD tablets. Students also have access to a digital media studio, motion capture suite and kits including Rokoko MoCap suits.

Kingston University is an active member of The Independent Game Developers' Association (TIGA) and the British Interactive Media Association (BIMA). The technical and creative skills provided by this Computer Animation course are applicable in areas related mainly to the movie and games industry. Furthermore, advertisement, 3D printing, architectural design and web-based modelling are areas that require skills and knowledge on modelling, texturing, rigging, animation, and compositing. Graduates have go on to work at Industrial Light and Magic, Kuato Studios, AccuCities.

Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; the University cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. Students may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important for students to prepare and apply themselves if this is the route they wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.