Are you interested in pursuing a career in 3D Animation? Whether you want to create animation for TV, film, the web, or games, this part-time, flexible course can help you develop the vital skills you need to succeed in this sector, while fitting around your current commitments. Aimed at animation professionals and those looking to advance their skills and develop their critical capacity, our MA 3D Animation degree is one of the world’s longest running online 3D Animation master’s degrees.

You’ll have the chance to engage with the latest trends and technological advances in 3D Animation, using cutting-edge software to enhance your portfolio. We partner with the online animation school Animation Apprentice and previous students and graduates have won many festival awards for their films, while others have gone on to work for leading animation and vfx houses such as MPC, DNEG, Framestore and Escape Studios. The showreel above consists of films created on the course in the last five years.

Why study this subject?

The animation industry is growing from strength to strength, with more brands, organisations and mediums using animation in everyday life. This course includes both academic and practical elements, giving you the edge, you need to impress employers.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

Our 3D animation MA is a one-of-a-kind course. It is delivered exclusively online, allowing you to fit in your studies around your personal and professional commitments.

At Buckinghamshire New University we focus on preparing you for work in the industry, helping you to stand out to employers when you graduate. With the right teaching and learning opportunities, it’s possible to turn your passion for animation into a rewarding and successful career.

Led by our enthusiastic and dedicated team of industry-savvy practitioners and experienced academics, you will have the freedom to explore all areas of animation. During your time with us you may also get access to guest lectures and could benefit from live project briefs and master classes.

Our contacts include many of the relevant post-production/animation houses in Soho, London, such as FrameStore and Cinesite. We also have an education/industry partnership with leading motion capture company Centroid, based at Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, England, along with good contacts in California studios with Walt Disney and Pixar.

We're proud to partner with the online animation school Animation Apprentice, founded by award-winning animator Alex Williams, whose film credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, The Lion King, The Iron Giant, and the last three Harry Potter films.

At BNU we offer small classes across the board, meaning you gain a close-knit community and plenty of one-on-one contact and support with your tutor. Despite this course being delivered online, we offer various study channels and chat channels so you will be supported and feel a part of the wider BNU community when studying with us.

What are my career prospects?

Employers are looking for animators and digital artists to fill their ever-growing art teams. Your MA shows that you are not just an excellent practitioner, but also that you can engage in critical thinking at an advanced level and understand the theory behind the craft. The skills you learn on this programme are transferable to any kind of animation.

Our graduates have gone on to work in production houses, visual effects companies and some have even started their own companies. Students and graduates have won many festival awards for their films, while others have gone on to work for leading animation and vfx houses including MPC, DNEG, Framestore and Escape Studios.