Animation, Master of Arts (Art and Design)

Description

Would you like to be part of the magical world of animation, create visually engaging stories and breathe life into characters? Master's Programme in Animation explores both the theory and practice of this most imaginative and joyous form of art. The programme is the first of its kind in Finland, and students will become part of a wide network in the Finnish and international animation community. You will be thoroughly supported by our dedicated professors in finding your own voice and maximising your artistic potential to launch a successful career in animation.

The demand for animated content has expanded rapidly and is not limited to the entertainment industry anymore. The moving image being a powerful and striking way to deliver a message, animation is increasingly used in a variety of fields and contexts – from crisis communications to educational materials. The students learn different storytelling techniques, and get to experiment with them and apply them to bring their ideas to life. Courses are led by visiting teachers offering the latest knowledge in their fields of expertise. Students have the most up-to-the-minute technology at their fingertips, meaning access to motion-capture studios, 360-degree cinema, 3D printers, and LiDAR scanning.

Upon graduating from the Master's Programme in Animation graduates will have:

• Advanced skills and knowledge to work as experts and fully fledged creators in their field. Graduates are able to design, create and head animation productions. They have gained a solid understanding of different types of animation, and/or a more specialised perception of a particular technique.
• Ability to work both as part of a multidisciplinary team and as an independent artist. 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. Graduates also possess the knowledge and skills needed for independent and demanding artistic work.
• Analytical and critical approach to their work and industry. Graduates are able to examine their work and the work of others with a critical eye and an attention to detail. They are critical thinkers and able to discern which information is credible and useful to them.
• Extensive research skills. Graduates are able to conduct their own qualitative and artistic research, contribute to animation-related academic discussions and pursue doctoral studies, should they wish to do so.

Please see the intended learning outcomesof the study option at the Programme Page.

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

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English. Students can write their Master’s Thesis in English, Finnish or Swedish.

Tuition fees and scholarships

The tuition fee for this programme is 20 000 euros per academic year. Citizens of European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not pay tuition fees. Citizens of other countries must pay tuition fees.

Aalto University offers a small number of scholarships in the form of tuition fee waivers to fee-paying students. Scholarships can be awarded to the highest-achieving applicants based on the programme's evaluation criteria. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria outlined on the programme's webpage.

More information on tuition fees and scholarships at Aalto University is available at the Scholarships and Tuition Fees webpage.

Structure of studies

Overall, the Master’s Programme in Animation comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. The two-year programme consists of advanced major studies (60 ECTS), elective studies (30 ECTS) as well as a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).

During the first year, you’ll learn skills in storytelling and visualisation, pre-production, directing, character design, character animation and directing, covering almost any 2D and 3D animation techniques (from CGI to cartoon and stop frame).

In the second year you start working towards a specialist area and your master’s thesis. You will familiarise yourself with entrepreneurial opportunities and further develop your artistic identity.

More information on the programme content and curriculum can be found in the Student guide.

Specialisations

The opportunities in animation are many, and students can choose to focus on specific areas such as directing, screenwriting, pre-production or design. The faculty often takes the initiative of inviting visiting lecturers – all experts in their fields, ensuring that the study environment remains dynamic and ever-evolving.

Internationalisation

With an on-going flow of visiting lecturers and strong connections to the global animation industry, the Master’s Programme in Animation is highly international by definition. Students are encouraged to submit their work to different festivals and competitions nationally and abroad. In addition, all the usual options to develop one’s global competencies are available, such as:

• spending a semester at one of Aalto University’s partner universities around the globe
• taking a summer course abroad
• carrying out practical training abroad
• carrying out master’s thesis research abroad
• acting as a tutor for first-year students

Aalto University is international by nature, welcoming thousands of degree and exchange students from abroad every year. These students join the diverse Aalto community not only through their studies, but also through multiple free time events, celebrations and extracurricular activities around the campus. Active tutoring programs and support services work hard to help international students integrate to the Nordic culture and feel at home in Finland.

Further study opportunities

The Master's programme in Animation at Aalto is considered a great foundation for doctoral studies and post-doc positions.

Career opportunities

As the moving image becomes ever more dominant in today's visual world, the career opportunities in animation are vast. The media and entertainment industry remains important, but there is an ever-increasing number of surprising applications where animation is needed as well, from visualisations, simulations and installations to creative arts. Examples of possible professions include:

• Animation director
• Art Director
• Animation Supervisor
• Layout artist
• Storyboard artist
• Concept artist

Aalto University has well-established career services to support students’ employment in Finland and abroad. Thanks to the flexible curriculum, many Aalto students start work during their studies and guarantee themselves entry positions before graduation. There is also a very active entrepreneurship community at Aalto, working as a springboard for founding a company.

Research focus

There are a number of research groups at Aalto University focusing on animation from different perspectives. Topics include but are not limited to autoethnography, experimental and documentary animation, craftsmanship, VR and new forms of animation and costume design for animated characters.

Co-operation with other parties

The programme has close ties with Finnish animation studios, production companies, festivals and other institutions. Greater Helsinki is a hub for many exciting startup companies and studios, and students have the opportunity to build an extensive network throughout their studies. A lot of the studying takes place in a master class style format, allowing for personalised learning and individual attention. Collaboration across disciplines takes place regularly throughout the programme, with talents such as composers and voice actors contributing to the student projects.

Aalto University is well-known for bridging disciplines of business, arts, technology and science. The lively campus and freedom of choosing elective courses across the university bring students from different fields under one roof. This spontaneous multidisciplinary environment sparks new ideas, gathers enthusiasts around them and gives birth to friendships, networks, and every so often, startups.

Contact information

Learning services of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture

For enquiries regarding programme-specific application documents or studies in the programme, please contact Aalto ARTS Learning Services.

arts-admissions@aalto.fi

Admissions Services

For enquiries regarding the application process, obligatory application documents or English language proficiency, please contact Admissions Services.

admissions@aalto.fi