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2019 Master of Arts Screen: Animation

A still from 'Chocolate Cake' | Dir. Benjamin Wright

Applications open:
02 Jul 2018

Applications close:
15 Oct 2018

Duration:
2 years full-time

icon Sydney

icon $50,976 ($25,488 p.a.)

FEE-HELP and scholarships available

Apply Now Register Interest

icon 1300 131 461

Become a creative leader in the global screen industry

The Master of Arts Screen: Animation is a unique industry-based training program where you will focus on high-end digital storytelling skills whilst working in partnership with producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, production designers, editors, sound designers and musicians to create world-class graduate films.

Is the 2019 Master of Arts Screen: Animation right for you?

Why do this course

In this course, you will develop cinematic storytelling skills through animation and hybrid live-action and animation productions.

Through intensive collaborative workshops, you will develop networking and team-building skills, as well as opportunities to experiment with the broad spectrum of disciplinary specialisations across the cinematic arts.  This leads to the realisation of a funded major project in your second year.

You should have experience and/or training in a related discipline (such as design, visual arts or media arts) or already be working in the field and wish to transition into larger-scale interdisciplinary team-based productions.

What you can expect

Through an intensive program of practical exercises and reflective seminars, you will be challenged to work across a variety of forms, briefs and projects to hone the skill-set that will allow you to master this art: problem solving in real-world situations; storytelling; respectful and constructive collaboration to achieve a shared creative brief; knowledge of the other departments and the iterative workflow that defines the animation development process.

Throughout your first year, you will drill deep into storytelling through animation and the inverted production process typical of animation and visual effects productions. You will collaborate with cinematography, directing and production design departments. Industry practitioners will provide workshops throughout each collaboration, providing up-to-date professional training.

In your second year, you make a funded creative project using AFTRS’ extensive production facilities to realise your vision.

Across the course, you will be supported to consider who you are as a creative practitioner and develop an adaptable, creative skill-set.  Learning to document and analyse your process through the development of a practice-based research project, you will understand how you have been informed by innovations and processes of the past, and how your practice engages with contemporary screen culture and its emerging trends and technologies.

The course concludes with a professional placement.

Career opportunities

The Master or Arts Screen: Animation will fast-track you to gaining mastery in animation storytelling and production. The course will equip you with the deep specialist knowledge and collaborative, professional practice to propel you towards creative leadership roles in animation and visual effects.

AFTRS has a strong tradition in animation and is highly regarded both locally and globally. Our internationally-acclaimed animation graduates include: Patrick Clair, the Emmy award-winning titles designer for The Crown (2016), The Man in The High Castle (2016) and True Detective (2014); Sandy Widyanata, feature film director, Monument 14 (in development); Ben Wright, layout artist, Animal Logic Happy Feet 2 (2001), Flying Bark Animation Maya the Bee (2014); and Sejong Park, Oscar nominee for short animation Birthday Boy (2005).

You Will Learn To

Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of theory and practice as a professional and creative leader in their discipline.

Critically evaluate and apply a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling to create audience-engaged work for the screen.

Justify and implement a reflective creative practice that synthesises specialist knowledge, research and an understanding of personal process.

Apply an adaptable skill set.

Demonstrate an ability to lead, inspire and collaborate across diverse projects with a confidence in their creative voice and core value.

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact the Student Centre (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, contact the Student Centre.

2. Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to discipline.
2. A distinct creative perspective.
3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

3. Resume and educational qualifications

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1. Reflective Task

Ed Catmull is President and co-founder of Pixar, which is arguably one of the most successful creative companies in the world. In his book, Creativity Inc., Catmull reflects upon the approach to management and creativity at Pixar, saying that:

“We believe that ideas only become great when they are challenged and tested.” Ed Catmull, Creativity Inc.

Respond to this quote by describing your own creative process using one of your projects as a case-study (maximum 1000 words). Images can be used to support your written response (submit as PDF file).

2. Storyboard/comic strip task

Animators begin their training by animating a ‘bouncing ball’ using 12 principles of animation:

1. Squash and stretch
2. Anticipation
3. Staging
4. Straight ahead action and pose to pose
5. Follow through and overlapping action
6. Slow in and slow out
7. Arc
8. Secondary action
9. Timing
10. Exaggeration
11. Solid drawing
12. Appeal

These principles enable us to empathise with animated characters. Create a 9-12 panel storyboard or comic strip to tell a visual story that anthropomorphises a bouncing ball character to tell a short story. You can use a range of techniques including collage, drawings and digital media (submit as PDF file or media file).

3. Audio-visual creative statement

Make a 2 minute audio-visual work that presents who you are, as a creator; why you want to complete the MA Screen: Animation; and what you hope to get out of your time at AFTRS (submit as media file).

4. Creative work

Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work. Be selective with your choices. We would like to see examples of previous creative work that showcases your understanding storytelling and design. Credits must be fully attributed including details about your specific role within the project (submit as PDF file).

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

Domestic Fee: $50,976 ($25,488 p.a.)
International Fee: $101,952 ($50,976 p.a.)

The fees shown are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. AFTRS tuition fees are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

AFTRS Storytelling, Equity, Virgin Australia and Indigenous Scholarships available.

FEE-HELP and Scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

Admission requirements

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

How to apply

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. Admission requirements

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. Obtain the application form

Contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to discuss your intention to apply and ask for an international student application form to be sent to you. DO NOT use the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page to apply online – this is for domestic students only.

3. Gather required documents

You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

4. Apply for the course

Send both your completed application form and the required documents back to the Student Centre prior to the closing date.

5. Wait for your offer

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required.
All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

6. Receive an offer

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

7. Accept your offer

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

8. Pay your fees and obtain health cover

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre.
You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

9. Apply for a student visa

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

10. Receive student visa

Advise the Student Centre once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au

DISCLAIMER ** Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.

Get Answers

How to apply

To apply you will need to:

1. Answer all mandatory questions marked with an asterisk (*).
2. Upload supporting documentation, which includes certified copies of your:

a) Proof of citizenship/residency
b) Highest educational qualification
3. Upload specific application tasks relevant to the course for which you are applying.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions at the end of the application.

You do not have to complete your application in one sitting. Save your application and log back in at any time prior to the closing date to pick up where you left off.

When uploading application tasks that are media/video files, please be patient as this can take some time.

If you require assistance, please contact the Student Centre (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au

Admission requirements

Places in this course are competitive and are based on merit selection.

1. Prerequisites

Applicants to postgraduate programs are required to hold a relevant undergraduate degree at bachelor level, or to have completed equivalent work experience and/or training.

The typical duration of a bachelor degree is 3-4 years, and candidates applying by degree equivalence are required to demonstrate they have achieved corresponding learning outcomes by completing a similar volume of relevant work experience and/or training. If you wish to apply for admission to a postgraduate program by degree equivalence, contact the Student Centre.

2. Selection criteria

1. Demonstrated experience or related skills relevant to discipline.
2. A distinct creative perspective.
3. A proven capacity for leadership and collaboration.
4. A willingness and capacity to engage in critical thinking, reflection and research.

3. Resume and educational qualifications

Provide a one-page list of your achievements, educational qualifications and work experience. You must also provide a certified copy of your highest education level.

4. Proof of citizenship/residency

Ensure you submit a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport.

Application tasks

1. Reflective Task

Ed Catmull is President and co-founder of Pixar, which is arguably one of the most successful creative companies in the world. In his book, Creativity Inc., Catmull reflects upon the approach to management and creativity at Pixar, saying that:

“We believe that ideas only become great when they are challenged and tested.” Ed Catmull, Creativity Inc.

Respond to this quote by describing your own creative process using one of your projects as a case-study (maximum 1000 words). Images can be used to support your written response (submit as PDF file).

2. Storyboard/comic strip task

Animators begin their training by animating a ‘bouncing ball’ using 12 principles of animation:

1. Squash and stretch
2. Anticipation
3. Staging
4. Straight ahead action and pose to pose
5. Follow through and overlapping action
6. Slow in and slow out
7. Arc
8. Secondary action
9. Timing
10. Exaggeration
11. Solid drawing
12. Appeal

These principles enable us to empathise with animated characters. Create a 9-12 panel storyboard or comic strip to tell a visual story that anthropomorphises a bouncing ball character to tell a short story. You can use a range of techniques including collage, drawings and digital media (submit as PDF file or media file).

3. Audio-visual creative statement

Make a 2 minute audio-visual work that presents who you are, as a creator; why you want to complete the MA Screen: Animation; and what you hope to get out of your time at AFTRS (submit as media file).

4. Creative work

Your creative submission should demonstrate your best work. Be selective with your choices. We would like to see examples of previous creative work that showcases your understanding storytelling and design. Credits must be fully attributed including details about your specific role within the project (submit as PDF file).

Fees and scholarships

Tuition Fees

Domestic Fee: $50,976 ($25,488 p.a.)
International Fee: $101,952 ($50,976 p.a.)

The fees shown are the indicative course tuition fees, expressed as both a total course cost and per annum cost. AFTRS tuition fees are reviewed each year and you are liable for the additional tuition costs if the tuition fees rise during the course of your enrolment.

FEE-HELP

This course is FEE-HELP approved. Refer to the Study Assist website for details.

Scholarships

AFTRS Storytelling, Equity, Virgin Australia and Indigenous Scholarships available.

FEE-HELP and Scholarships are available for eligible domestic students only.

International students

AFTRS welcomes international student applications into this course. You must be aware of your English language proficiency, visa conditions, health insurance and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.

Please refer to the International Students section for further information.

Admission requirements

International applicants must meet:

(a) the same academic admission requirements as domestic applicants, and
(b) a minimum English proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 IELTS (exemption categories apply).

How to apply

To apply as an international student, there are several steps you will need to go through:

1. Admission requirements

Ensure that you meet the admission requirements above.

2. Obtain the application form

Contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au to discuss your intention to apply and ask for an international student application form to be sent to you. DO NOT use the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page to apply online – this is for domestic students only.

3. Gather required documents

You must provide the required application documents when you submit your application. These documents include:

(a) all application tasks,
(b) resume,
as well as certified copies of your:
(c) highest educational qualification,
(d) passport, and
(e) English language proficiency test results.

Documents submitted in a language other than English must be accompanied by a complete English translation made by an accredited translator.

4. Apply for the course

Send both your completed application form and the required documents back to the Student Centre prior to the closing date.

5. Wait for your offer

Assessment of your application will take place once the closing date has passed. You will be notified if further documents or additional information is required.
All international applicants who are considered for a place in the course will be required to attend an interview either in person (if already in Australia) or via online conference call (e.g. Skype).

6. Receive an offer

If your application is successful, you will receive an email with an Offer and Enrolment Guide comprising of:

1. Letter of Offer
2. How to accept your offer
3. How to pay your fees
4. How to obtain health cover
5. Enrolment information
6. Other related material

AFTRS also emails unsuccessful applicants.

7. Accept your offer

When you receive your Offer and Enrolment Guide, review your Letter of Offer and make sure all details are correct (including the exact spelling of your name). Accept your offer as per the instructions supplied.

8. Pay your fees and obtain health cover

Make arrangements to pay your fees and apply for Overseas Health Insurance Cover (OSHC). Provide a copy of your OSHC to the Student Centre.
You will then receive an email that confirms your enrolment, called a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

9. Apply for a student visa

Apply for a student visa with the Department of Home Affairs. You will need to provide your OSHC & CoE as part of this application.

10. Receive student visa

Advise the Student Centre once you have been successful in obtaining a student visa. We will then send you additional information regarding commencing your enrolment in your course.

If you require assistance with any of the above steps, please contact the Student Centre on (02) 9805 6444 or studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au

DISCLAIMER ** Changes in circumstances may impact upon the accuracy or currency of information. While AFTRS takes all due care to ensure that the information is accurate, it reserves the right to vary any information described here without notice.