The aim of the degree is to provide students with:

1. good theoretical and general knowledge of as well as artistic and practical expertise in their field of study as well as a general knowledge of the field of arts;
2. knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work and for multidisciplinary collaboration as well as knowledge and skills needed to apply scientific knowledge and scientific methods;
3. knowledge and skills to perform, both independently and collaboratively, demanding expert, development and management duties of the field, and to cooperate internationally;
4. knowledge and skills needed for education leading to a Doctor of Arts (Art and Design) degree and for lifelong learning;
5. good language and communication skills for work in the field of arts and for international operations and cooperation.

The education shall be based on scientific research and artistic activity and professional practices in the field.

Study objectives

MA Animation explores both the theory and practice of animation. The students will deepen their knowledge of animation and its various applications, and they become professionals who are able to work as experts and creative innovators in the animation field. They will be able to design, create and head animation productions and act as member of a team. The aim of the studies is to support the development of a student's own strengths and artistic vision, as well as critical thinking. Students will become familiar with the traditions and the current trends of animation and they are encouraged to experiment for new and fresh approaches. Ability to work in a team is central to the course, furthermore it is important to understand the different roles and disciplines in a filmmaking process (screenwriting cinematography, sound design, visual effects, production design etc.). The course supports progression to research at DA level as well as to advanced self-directed practice.

Content

The study program focuses on storytelling and visualization, character design, character animation and directing, covering almost any 2D and 3D animation techniques (from CGI to cartoon and stop frame). The students will explore a range of both technical and conceptual approaches to animation. They have the opportunity to produce short form animation across 2D & 3D to set briefs. They will also engage in theoretical seminars and analysis of animation art. The curriculum consists of lectures, exercises, workshops, masterclasses, projects and MA dissertation.

The student chooses max. 30 credits of elective studies. As elective studies, the student takes individual courses from other programmes, other Aalto schools, from other Finnish universities or from universities abroad as exchange studies. Practical training belongs also under elective studies. Elective studies are included in the studies in accordance with the Personal Study Plan and Degree Regulations. Normally any university-level course may be chosen as free elective, also Bachelor level courses.

Aims of the master's thesis

To graduate, students must meet the aims set for the thesis. The aim of the master's thesis is that:

• Students demonstrate command of the field of the master's programme and ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the programme independently;
• Students demonstrate ability for research-oriented work on an artistic, theoretical or applied research topic and demonstrate ability to use data and source material for research purposes;
• Students demonstrate good communication skills for work in the field of study.

The thesis may be a piece of theoretical, artistic or applied research, a work of art or a combination of these; it may also include a production component. The production component may be, depending on the field, for instance, a design, a work of art, an exhibition, or project. Theses always include a written component. If the thesis consists of a design or other production component and a written component, the student must specify the emphasis to be given to the different components in the evaluation. However, the thesis is always evalu-ated as a whole, with all the components of the thesis included in the evaluation.

The recommended extent of the written component of the thesis is 25–70 pages (approx. 50 000–140 000 characters) depending on the extent of the possible production component.