Academic Deadlines MA Animation 2022-24

2021-2023 deadlines

Below is a list of deadlines for the online MA in 3D animation. This is for our new cohort of student animators, those who are joining us in September 2022, and will graduate "Master of Arts" in the summer of 2024.

Note that this list of deadlines is a draft list only, and is subject to change. Students should always check the appropriate Module Guide and Assignment Brief to be certain of the correct submission date. And, of course, check with your tutor.

This list gives our MA students a broad idea of what to expect over the coming 18 months.  But always double-check these dates - if in doubt, email your tutor.

Kiwi by Oliver Canovas DA703 PR1

2021

DA701 PR1      Friday 9^th December 2022

2022

DA701 CW1     Friday 6^th Jan 2023

DA702 CW1     Friday 3rd March 2023

DA702 PR1      Thursday 30^th  March 2023

DA705 CW1     Friday 28th April 2023

DA703 PR1      Friday 2nd June 2023

"School Run" by Lee Caller: DA701 PR1

DA703 CW1     Friday 7th July 2023

DA704 CW2     Friday 15^th Sep 2023

DA704 CW1     Friday 10^th Nov 2023

DA704 PR1      Monday 4^th Dec 2023

2023

DA705 CW2     Friday 12^th Jan 2024

DA705 CW3     Thursday 19^th April 2024

Note that all submissions are due at 2pm

Missing deadlines

Shark by Adam Sale DA703 PR1

Missing deadlines is a bad idea and it's always best to submit on time, even if what you have is imperfect.  

However, sometimes missing a deadline is unavoidable. For more information on what to do if you miss - or think you might miss - a deadline, read this blog post.

Modules

Five modules make up the MA in 3D Animation: DA701, DA702, DA703, DA704 and DA705. To see what's in each module, see below. 

DA701 - Animation Mechanics 

"Circus" by Neil Whitman for DA701 PR1

DA701 - Animation Mechanics - is the first module, taught primarily in Maya, and deals with animation basics, such locomotion and mechanics. 

DA701 starts with simple actions such as the bouncing ball, and builds up to simple physical actions, such as jumps and throws. 

At the end of Module DA701 students submit a project for formal assessment based on character locomotion, such as the one below by graduate Neil Whitman.   You can read more about DA701 here.

DA702 - Character Performance

Animation by Olavo Lins

In this second module DA702, students get to grips with character performance, including complex physical actions, pantomime animation, acting, dialogue and lipsync. 

DA702 builds up to an entry in the monthly 11 Second Club competition, which is also part of the student's assessed work. Below is an excellent example by Bucks MA student Jinng Hwee Tan.  You can read more about DA702 here. 

DA703 - Animals and Creatures

Gorilla animation by Michael Davies

This third animation module DA703 - Animals and Creatures - focuses on animal and creature work, with an emphasis on the kind of photo-realistic animation in which London studios like Framestore, MPC and DNeg specialise. 

In DA703 - Animals and Creatures students learn quadruped locomotion, as well as how to animate creatures like birds, spiders and scorpions. 

You can read more about DA703 here.

DA704 - Demo Reel and Final Project

Animation by Victoria Bailey

This penultimate module DA704 focuses on the creation of a final project and also a demo reel to showcase the student's best work. 

A graduate's demo reel is their shop front, their display of talent and skill, and is the single most important factor in finding work in the industry.

You can read more about DA704 here.   



DA705 - Dissertation

Animation by Jinng Hwee Tan DA703 PR1

This final module is entirely academic in character, and involves the writing of a dissertation, under the supervision of Fil Ieropoulos. 

To see some information about how to pick a dissertation, read this post.

The first four Modules run consecutively through the year and while the last module, DA705, runs through the entire year alongside the other modules.

For more on the experience of studying at Bucks New University, come and visit us at one of our Open Days,  take a virtual tour of one of our animation studios, check out what our students think of our course, and see why we're ranked in the top 12 creative universities in the UK.