Course overview
Designed by staff with extensive industry experience in film, TV and games, the course supports the development of key professional skills in body mechanics, acting, and facial and performance capture. Gain insight into wider pre-production and production pipelines, and collaborate with students across other animation disciplines on industry-led briefs and short films, emulating real-world studio workflows. Access dedicated animation studios equipped with industry-standard software, performance capture facilities, a fully equipped sound stage, green screen and an LED wall.
Our graduates work at leading studios worldwide, including Sony Pictures, Industrial Light & Magic, Animal Logic, Blue Zoo, Imaginarium and Rockstar North.
You also get to spend a week at our Animex International Festival as part of your studies.
Ranked 20th in the world in the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2025. (Top 50 International Animation Colleges – formal degree. 207 colleges considered.) Find out more at tees.ac.uk/source.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary production team, working across MA Animation and MA Visual Effects. Contribute specialist skills to create a short film or VFX sequence, following a professional studio pipeline. The result is a high-quality showpiece for your portfolio.
You explore the art and science behind body mechanics in animation. You research and analyse the movement of both humans and other elements and apply this knowledge in the production of convincing animation in 3D.
You study the physics of movement, human anatomy, internal and external forces as well as a professional animation workflow.
You develop a deep knowledge of animation workflow through a number of body mechanics exercises, and study and critically analyse a variety of animation styles from realistic to cartoon.
Assessment is a portfolio of body mechanics shots (70%) and an illustrated, reflective, blog (30%).
You build a strong foundation in animated character performance using tools and workflows standard across the film, TV and games industries. Focus on lip sync, facial animation, acting theory and the use of reference, while developing your animation practice through continuous exploration of characters in varied scenarios. The continued practice of animating characters in different situations means you develop and improve your skills throughout the module.
Animated creatures can take many forms - from cartoon-styles with human personalities, to the recreation of realistic creatures in live action films.
You explore, use and critically analyse the techniques and tools available to today’s animators. You explore both the creative and technical skills required to produce creature (non-human) animation. This include areas such as weight, balance, anatomy and locomotion.
Assessment is a portfolio of creature animations, together with research and observations related to animal/creature behaviours and motions.
Industry Research and Development
Research and development are essential across animation, visual effects and games. Solving technical and creative problems through research and investigation to create stunning animation, effects and assets. Explore an area of specialist interest through a research-informed workflow, iterating through design, development and evaluation to produce a working prototype or proof of concept. Address technical and creative production challenges using advanced methods relevant to industry practice. This module tests your ability to solve industry-relevant production problems through research-informed design.
The Art of Performance Capture
Explore the performance-capture pipeline, plan and execute a capture shoot with actors, working with audio, facial and full-body capture systems. Edit, clean and transfer data onto fully rigged characters for use in a game engine or animation software, building a complete workflow from performance to output.
Advanced practice
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Animation is an intensive discipline, you are focused on creating an animated short from the beginning. You are supported by a teaching team who have backgrounds in 2D and stop motion animation as well as fine art installation. In addition, the course is supported by dedicated stop motion and 2D animation spaces as well as well-equipped workshops with specialist technician support to help you in your model, puppet and set making.
How you are assessed
You are assessed on your subject-specific knowledge, cognitive and intellectual skills and transferable skills applicable to the workplace. You are given formative assessment throughout the programme, typically given during lectures and tutorials.
Entry requirements
At least a UK 2.2 honours degree in animation or equivalent.
Other first degree subjects may be accepted when combined with a portfolio of creative work at an acceptable standard.
Get some hints and tips on how to prepare a portfolio
Students with a degree awarded outside the UK must also meet the University's minimum English language requirements.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country
Employability
Career opportunities
You have access to the School Students Future programme to develop your graduate employability skills. This involves a series of activities delivered to all students, year groups, subject cohorts or subject groups and includes industry speaker talks, extra-curricular industry challenges and company visits. The programme is co-ordinated by a team of academic staff, representing each subject area, who are actively working with our industry partners and other external organisations to ensure you are equipped with the skills required for the changing needs from industry.
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
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Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.