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The MA Animation at the RCA fosters critical and creative artistic investigation across analogue, digital and hybrid practices, supporting you to develop your authorial voice within contemporary discourse and the expanded field of animation. Through a director-led, studio-based approach rooted in rigorous practice and critical inquiry, you are encouraged to experiment with motion capture, XR, classical, pre-cinematic and stop-motion animation. The programme nurtures imaginative leadership and material exploration, where animation becomes thought made visible, shaped by a global cohort whose diverse voices influence the evolving future of the moving image.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In term 1, you take the unit Animation Forms, Methods and Contexts. This begins with community building activities and “serious play” practice-as-research workshops, followed by technical inductions to expand your sound and image skills. You engage in collaboration, experimentation and conceptual thinking, and attend Articulation Lectures to explore aesthetic, historical and theoretical contexts. In Critical Explorations Groups you discuss image, sound and text across different animation approaches.
Term 2 In term 2, you study Making Worlds with Others, working with students across the school to develop a project focused on convivial knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement. In parallel, you take Critical Non/Fiction and Experimental/Expanded Practices, where you generate research methods, critically explore contexts (human and non-human), and prepare a research proposal and production plan with tutorials, critique, and technical planning.
Term 3 In term 3, you complete the Independent Research Project, delivering a self directed body of work supported by tutorials and technical staff, and reflecting your conceptual, creative and technical development.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Animation at the RCA fosters critical and creative artistic investigation across analogue, digital and hybrid practices, supporting you to develop your authorial voice within contemporary discourse and the expanded field of animation. Through a director-led, studio-based approach rooted in rigorous practice and critical inquiry, you are encouraged to experiment with motion capture, XR, classical, pre-cinematic and stop-motion animation. The programme nurtures imaginative leadership and material exploration, where animation becomes thought made visible, shaped by a global cohort whose diverse voices influence the evolving future of the moving image.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In term 1, you take the unit Animation Forms, Methods and Contexts. This begins with community building activities and “serious play” practice-as-research workshops, followed by technical inductions to expand your sound and image skills. You engage in collaboration, experimentation and conceptual thinking, and attend Articulation Lectures to explore aesthetic, historical and theoretical contexts. In Critical Explorations Groups you discuss image, sound and text across different animation approaches.
Term 2 In term 2, you study Making Worlds with Others, working with students across the school to develop a project focused on convivial knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement. In parallel, you take Critical Non/Fiction and Experimental/Expanded Practices, where you generate research methods, critically explore contexts (human and non-human), and prepare a research proposal and production plan with tutorials, critique, and technical planning.
Term 3 In term 3, you complete the Independent Research Project, delivering a self directed body of work supported by tutorials and technical staff, and reflecting your conceptual, creative and technical development.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Admission Requirements
6.5+
English Language requirements:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements.
You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more through the link below.
https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/english-language-requirements/
Entry Requirement:
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
A portfolio showcasing your work and artistic vision.
A personal statement (around 300 words) describing your interests, motivations, and future goals.
An introduction video (maximum 2 minutes) to introduce yourself and explain your artistic approach and project ideas.
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
19 Jan 2026
1 Year
Sep
Tuition fees
Domestic
15,600 GBP
International
39,200 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Animation MA
White City, London, United Kingdom
12 monthsProgramme duration
39,200 GBPTuition Fee/year
19 Jan, 2026Application Deadline
Communication and Media StudiesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Animation at the RCA fosters critical and creative artistic investigation across analogue, digital and hybrid practices, supporting you to develop your authorial voice within contemporary discourse and the expanded field of animation. Through a director-led, studio-based approach rooted in rigorous practice and critical inquiry, you are encouraged to experiment with motion capture, XR, classical, pre-cinematic and stop-motion animation. The programme nurtures imaginative leadership and material exploration, where animation becomes thought made visible, shaped by a global cohort whose diverse voices influence the evolving future of the moving image.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In term 1, you take the unit Animation Forms, Methods and Contexts. This begins with community building activities and “serious play” practice-as-research workshops, followed by technical inductions to expand your sound and image skills. You engage in collaboration, experimentation and conceptual thinking, and attend Articulation Lectures to explore aesthetic, historical and theoretical contexts. In Critical Explorations Groups you discuss image, sound and text across different animation approaches.
Term 2 In term 2, you study Making Worlds with Others, working with students across the school to develop a project focused on convivial knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement. In parallel, you take Critical Non/Fiction and Experimental/Expanded Practices, where you generate research methods, critically explore contexts (human and non-human), and prepare a research proposal and production plan with tutorials, critique, and technical planning.
Term 3 In term 3, you complete the Independent Research Project, delivering a self directed body of work supported by tutorials and technical staff, and reflecting your conceptual, creative and technical development.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Communication and Media Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Description:
The MA Animation at the RCA fosters critical and creative artistic investigation across analogue, digital and hybrid practices, supporting you to develop your authorial voice within contemporary discourse and the expanded field of animation. Through a director-led, studio-based approach rooted in rigorous practice and critical inquiry, you are encouraged to experiment with motion capture, XR, classical, pre-cinematic and stop-motion animation. The programme nurtures imaginative leadership and material exploration, where animation becomes thought made visible, shaped by a global cohort whose diverse voices influence the evolving future of the moving image.
Programme structure:
Term 1 In term 1, you take the unit Animation Forms, Methods and Contexts. This begins with community building activities and “serious play” practice-as-research workshops, followed by technical inductions to expand your sound and image skills. You engage in collaboration, experimentation and conceptual thinking, and attend Articulation Lectures to explore aesthetic, historical and theoretical contexts. In Critical Explorations Groups you discuss image, sound and text across different animation approaches.
Term 2 In term 2, you study Making Worlds with Others, working with students across the school to develop a project focused on convivial knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement. In parallel, you take Critical Non/Fiction and Experimental/Expanded Practices, where you generate research methods, critically explore contexts (human and non-human), and prepare a research proposal and production plan with tutorials, critique, and technical planning.
Term 3 In term 3, you complete the Independent Research Project, delivering a self directed body of work supported by tutorials and technical staff, and reflecting your conceptual, creative and technical development.
AcrossRCA (Terms 1 & 2) During the first two terms, you participate in the AcrossRCA college-wide unit, collaborating with students from other programmes on a self-initiated themed project that addresses cultural, social, environmental or economic issues.
Referring to the website:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information about the programme, its structure, modules and any updates or changes.
About RCA:
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading postgraduate art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to develop their practice, build their networks, enhance their career and to deliver art and design projects that transform the world.
For 11 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2025) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.
Admission Requirements
English Language requirements:
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up-to-date information on English language requirements. You can also find further details on English language requirements, approved English language tests, equivalent IELTS scores, exempt criteria, and more through the link below. https://www.rca.ac.uk/study/apply-to-study/english-language-requirements/
Entry Requirement:
We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and from all over the world.
RCA alumni come from a wide range of backgrounds and industries, bringing diverse experiences including those unrelated to art, which enrich the creative community and drive fresh perspectives.
As part of your application, you may need to submit:
To help you prepare your application, we host regular portfolio and video Q&A sessions. Please visit the RCA website to learn more about these events and to register.
Please refer to the programme webpage for the most accurate and up to date information on entry requirements for this programme.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
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