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Animation and Visualisation

MSc

Are you interested in exploring new ways of communicating through visual storytelling? Do you want to extend your creative skills in the digital domain?

The MSc Animation & Visualisation at DJCAD is an exciting Masters course which allows a much broader interpretation of traditional animation. Digital animation techniques have allowed us to visualise the world around us from the farthest reaches of space to the darkest depths of the oceans.

Status: If you need a visa to study in the UK, this course is closed to applicants for Sept 2012 entry. Apply by 15th July for Sept 2013.

Why
Teaching & Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Fees/Funding
Your Application

Why study Animation and Visualisation at Dundee?

Digital animation techniques have allowed us to visualise the world around us from the farthest reaches of space to the darkest depths of the oceans. With the increasing appetite for fantastic stories and images there has never been a better opportunity for animators, artists and designers to develop new ways of communicating different stories. Using 2D and 3D computer animation, practitioners are shaping our knowledge and understanding in areas as diverse as digital visual effects, medical imaging, architecture, environmental design, product design and film making.

What's so good about Animation and Visualisation at Dundee?

This course represents an opportunity for animators, artists, designers and those with associated experience to extend their skills and discourse within both animation and visualisation. We offer dedicated 2D, 3D and visual effects facilities providing you with a unique opportunity to develop your own visual practice. Our new Visual FX studio is one of only two within a UK university.

Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) has been rated as the top institution in Scotland for research in art and design, and one of the best in the whole of the UK (RAE 2008).

"I was searching for a course which would help me create original work as well as developing skills required by the industry. From teaching me industry standard compositing tools such as Nuke, to providing support in the developing, filming and post-producing of my short films, the Animation & Visualisation course gave me all the support I needed.

The Going Live module of the course also provided me with practical visual effects production experience as well as industry contacts in London."

Matt Cameron, class of 2011

Related courses

All Art PG Courses

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff in the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

The start date is September each year, and last for 12 months.

How you will be taught

This course relies strongly on the idea of self-managed study, with students working autonomously. However, help and support is provided by our expert staff throughout your studies.

Throughout the programme and on completion students enter their work in national and international competitions and animation festivals in the UK and overseas. Developing the research potential and impact of our postgraduate students is integral to our vision for research. Research focused students are encouraged to participate in research conferences, presentations, colloquia and networks. Guidance is given for those who wish to continue to PhD.

What you will study

The Masters is a one-year programme, taught over three semesters. Core modules and optional modules provide a balanced curriculum. Masters students are required to attain 180 credits which comprise seven modules, as follows.

Semester 1 (20 credit modules)

Exploring Practice - enhances understanding of the process and skills associated with 2D and 3D animation production, problem solving and creative practice.
Context & Review - contextualises conceptual and theoretical skills in relation to contemporary and emerging technologies and cultures.
Research Skills & Methods - refine your personal programme of research and development, to inform the planning and execution of your personal project.

One week at the beginning of the first semester is dedicated to induction and diagnostic testing to establish where support is required, especially for international students.

DJCAD operates a Reading Week during week 6 of the first semester. Reading Week is designated as five days where there are no timetabled taught classes. However, all students are expected to carry out either assigned work or self-directed work during this period. All University facilities are open during Reading Week with students expected to attend the University as usual.

Semester 2 (20 credit modules)

Advanced Production - extend your existing skills in 2D and 3D digital computer animation. This module will help you to apply these skills to your personal project.
Reflection on Practice - guided independent learning in which you will focus on a project report.
Futures - choose from a range of electives including further research, a live industry initiated project, an industry placement, an exchange in another institution, or enrolment on a teaching module.

Semester 3 (60 credits)

A&V - Realisation, final 60 credit semester will result in you creating a substantial body of work and taking part in a public exposition.

You can choose to leave with a postgraduate diploma with 120 credits, or a postgraduate certificate with 60 credits.

How you will be assessed

Students are assessed by course work, including team project work, exploratory and finalised practical work, and written work

Careers

Prospects for graduates exist in research and within the vfx, 3D and 2D animation and visualisation industries. Specific roles include 3D Vfx Artists, Compositor, Character Designer, Technical Director, Environments Designer, Character Animator, Self-employment and entrepreneurship will also offer potential career opportunities. Academia careers including Research Assistant on funded projects and PhD study.

"I was given freedom to develop my potential. DJCAD also provided an amazing teacher team and advanced facilities that gave me a great study environment."

Huaijin Cao from China graduated in 2011 and is now employed at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe as a Motion Graphic Designer.

"The reason I choose to study the MSc Animation & Visualisation was to explore various vfx techniques in my work and gain ties with industry professionals. I had a great experience during my time at DJCAD and found the programme to be an ideal springboard into the vfx industry."

Graeme Turnbull works for The Mill London as a 3D artist, he graduated in 2009. View Graeme's playlist.

Entry Requirements

A first or second class honours degree in an appropriate discipline, although applicants with other qualifications or relevant professional experience will also be considered.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.0 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year	Home/EU	Overseas
2011-12	£3,400	£11,435
2012-13	£3,400	£12,000
2013-14	to be confirmed	to be confirmed

Sources of Funding

Information about the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design scholarships can be found on the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design scholarships webpage.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

How to Apply

Apply online via UKPASS

With the application form, candidates should upload the following:

Project Proposal
300-500 words setting out the context and focus of your area of study. The proposal should state the research question or issue that you wish to address, demonstrating knowledge of work already done in the area by other designers and detailing your relevant skills. Outline what value the project will have for your practice as a designer and what benefits it will bring to others. The proposal will be treated as open and flexible and will evolve as your study progresses.
Portfolio
An electronic portfolio (PowerPoint or PDF) of 20 images showing previous design work including a short explanation of the project and evidence of process. (Images 72dpi and no larger than 1024x768). For online portfolios, please provide the URL. All work in portfolios must be candidate's own work and a written declaration of this should be included in the 'Additional information' section. Group work may of course be included, indicating your contribution.
Interview – On submission of application candidates may be asked to attend an interview at DJCAD, University of Dundee. In case of international student applications this will be done via telephone or Skype.

Postgraduate Secretary

Lynne Morris
Duncan of Jordanstone College
of Art & Design
University of Dundee
Perth Road
Dundee
DD1 4HT
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 219 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 219 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 386 937 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 386 937 (from outside the UK)

Email: l.p.morris@dundee.ac.uk

Admissions Contact

Postgraduate Admissions
Admissions and Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK)

Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk