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Expanding the Field of Animation
Locally grounded international community in the south of the Netherlands
1 year, Full-time interdisciplinary research pathway
Animation
Locally grounded international community in the south of the Netherlands
1 year, Full-time interdisciplinary research pathway
Introduction
This one-year high-performance professional master in Animation is directed towards helping everyone realize their individual creative potential. This is achieved through a fully integrated approach to the rapidly expanding field of Animation, combined with contextual research in Visual Culture. The curriculum focuses on a diversity of practices related to the commercial or industry context of animation: short commercial animation, short animations showing modelling or character design skills. There is also space for experimental animation, immersive storytelling, docu and non-fiction animation, as well as its relevance to changing social, political, cultural and global themes. Drawing on the expertise of teaching staff, students learn to critically and creatively integrate their studio work with the acquisition of theoretical principles relevant to innovatory studio practice, in relation to the extensive context of animation, design, interactive media and moving image form. Students gain access to the formidable expertise and resources of our strong industry partners - Playgrounds, Submarine, The Panics, Ambassadors and many more, as well as connections with studios and festivals in the Netherlands and abroad. We have a regular programme of lectures, workshops and events by leading animators, such as Leon Tukker, Dirk van Dulmen and Anna Eijsbouts. Taking account of sector needs in creative employment, students benefit from direct access to the industry network and execute assignments in collaboration with our partners, allowing them to test their abilities with confidence within a professional context. Our alumni form an invaluable international network of creatives. Each year we offer teaching opportunities to support and build this vibrant ecosystem.
Meet the master's programme
Maarten van Gageldonk
Research tutor at Animation View profile
Important Events
Curriculum
The curriculum offers students flexibility, as well as a fixed programme of classes. Fixed elements are: Independent Studio Practice, Professional Practice and Research Seminars. Flexible elements allow students to design their own curriculum through tutorials (one-to-one and group), skills-based workshops, lectures and (international) study trips. The most significant point of reference for each student is their self-directed research and independent studio project. The curriculum is designed to foster a student’s studious enquiry into the forms, meanings and knowledges and experiences that issue from the production of a body of artistic works, and to assist them in recognizing the questions, ideas or themes that motivate their practice. In a highly experimental environment, students develop their conceptual, creative and technical skill sets, and learn to build critical content through narrative strategies. The programme explores animation’s pervasively expanding field across a broad range of experimental visual media, new applications in design, games and interactive media. Students are challenged to find novel ways to enter these areas, and to establish their own unique position within them.
The research aspect of the curriculum supports students’ engagement in processes of reflective critique in order to analyze chosen working methods, and to build a framework to situate and speak about their artistic practice. Students are encouraged to understand their practice contextually and to discuss its underpinnings in relation to theoretical and historical trajectories, with a view to generating informed meanings within a range of contexts. Through exposure to a variety of methodologies and practices, students learn to iterate concepts and are able to analyze, inform and shape their projects from concept to final project.
In line with our international reach and network, we provide students an expansive awareness of the field of animation and adhering global net-work through International study trips to Animation festivals in Europe. Students may choose to attend one of two festivals offered each year. These are organized in Semester 2. Festivals such as: Pictoplasma in Berlin, OFFF in Barcelona, Annecy and ITFS/FMX in Stuttgart have been visited by our students in recent years.
Learning and Teaching Methods
The programme is distinguished by its informal, non-hierarchical atmosphere. The didactic approach is that of the flipped classroom and double loop learning: lesson time is used not for the linear transfer of information from tutor to student, but rather as a forum for student-led discussion and constructive critique of ideas and problem solving. The undertaking of contextual research and the development of a research question(s) is essential to the verbal and textual articulation of an own personal style and attitude, and through this the curriculum is shaped according to student’s needs each year.
Dedicated workshops, modules, research seminars, group critiques and tutorials, led by individual tutors or a group of tutors, support students in developing a critical toolbox of forms of creative practice, as well as the space of theoretical enquiry and reflection on topical questions relating to the wider context of animation.
Units of Study
The course is delivered in twelve months, across two semesters starting early September and ending late August. It is comprised of 5 study periods and corresponding units of study. Each period ends with an assessment (either summative or formative) correlated to adhering intended learning outcomes. Four learning tracks run throughout the programme to enable students to develop their animation practice in correlation to the intended learning outcomes: (1) Storytelling & Design; (2) Producing; (3) Positioning and Research; (4) Professional Practice.
Personal Investment
The Master of Arts in Animation is a full-time (40 hours per week), one-year programme that takes place over 12 months. Two days a week are dedicated to practice and integrated artistic and theoretical research, which include individual and group tutorials and seminars with tutors and presentations of work in progress. One day a week is dedicated to Theory and Professional Practice studies. An equal amount of time (2-3 days per week) is required for independent (self-directed) study.
Living expenses will vary depending on the city where you choose to reside. On average, you should expect to spend approximately €1,000 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, recreation and health insurance.
Educate Yourself
Meet the Community
Daniel Wesseik
Graduated in Animation View profileAdmissions
We invite applications from animators and illustrators committed to exploring the growing application of animation within art, design and interactive media. The programme is designed for those who feel they must develop a wider understanding of animation in order to fulfil their potential in the field.
Animation is open to Bachelor of Animation and Bachelor of Illustration graduates, or similar practicing professionals in the field with experience in animation. Verbal and written proficiency in English is required.
Professional Future
The programme is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a long-term, sustainable career in the creative sector. Students graduate with the skills necessary to respond to opportunities in a rapidly evolving field, as well as the ability to adapt to future changes.
Your studies will take place within a diverse community of Master’s students from many different backgrounds. Engaging with people from all over the world in a multidisciplinary environment will enrich your practice and allow you to build a unique network of peers. Furthermore, through active collaboration with makers and studios outside of the academy, you will gain experience in wide range of practices and build a valuable professional network. Our hands-on, interdisciplinary approach enables you to take bold steps in your career after graduation.
Partnerships
The programme works with designers, publishers and institutions in the Netherlands and abroad. Recent partnerships include PostPanic (Amsterdam), Eyesupply (Eindhoven), Submarine Channel (Amsterdam) and Fons Schiedon (New York). To see the projects that our students are engaged in, visit our blog. You can find information about what our alumni have gone on to do with their degrees on our community page.
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