MA Motion Graphics

Course Details

Location

London campus or live online

Start date

24th February 2025

Duration

1 year 

Contact time

2.5 days per week

Entry requirements

An undergraduate honours degree in a related subject or equivalent industry experience, plus a portfolio of creative work.

Fees

London campus (UK students): £12,450

London campus (international students): £19,995

Live online: £12,450

Apply now

Degree awarded by

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Course overview

Motion Graphics (or Motion Design) is a versatile discipline in today's creative industries, where demand for digital design has never been higher.  

This masters degree has been developed with industry experts, as part of our Degree Concept Team, to meet the needs of industry. The course is highly focused, giving you advanced skills in Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D 

Our MA Motion Graphics degree encompasses not only theory but technical and artistic approaches. Motion Graphics is multifaceted, and the course will allow you to explore different areas and skillsets so you can find your niche. You'll get a firm grounding in graphic design before immersing yourself in animation. There are projects in the core modules so you start to build a showreel of work that can help you get hired.   

You’ll also get away from your screen, shooting footage and finding textures. This is about taking a break from your computer and learning to add a personal touch to motion design. Removing the “perfect look” that comes by default with computer created animation. Ideas and talent are limited without the ability to communicate and engage with peers and clients. As part of the MA Motion Graphics, you’ll be taught how to create a pitch deck, present and realise an idea from a client brief.   

We’ve been teaching Motion Graphics at Escape Studios for over 10 years; our Escapees work across the industry at giants like Sky to independent studios. Taught by industry professionals, this new postgraduate degree has been designed to give you the practical skillset, academic credentials and showreel to become a Motion Graphics Designer.

Why choose this course

  • Designed with industry - this course has been created with industry professionals.

  • Learn from expert Tutor, Daniel Amor, with 16 years industry experience across Motion Graphics and Animation, working on the likes of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, She-Hulk and The Marvels.

  • Get to grips with the software used in industry, including After Effects, Cinema 4D, Photoshop and Illustrator.

  • Industry briefs - work on industry-standard briefs and experience real-life scenarios, just like in a professional studio 

  • Receive feedback from industry professionals - an opportunity to level-up your work and build connections, ready to embark on your creative career.

  • Recognised degree - graduate with a postgraduate qualification awarded by Coventry University which will boost your employability around the world.

  • Benefit from our AfterCare package - we'll help you polish your showreel and find the right job, with access to our studios and showreel clinics for 12 months.

Meet your tutor, Daniel Amor

Daniel’s career in the VFX industry started in 2008, first as 2D Generalist working with After Effects and later as 3D Generalist in Cinema 4D. Following his move to London and working as a Motion Designer, Daniel focused on improving his skills in animation by studying 3D Animation at Escape Studios. Since 2018, he has worked on projects like Marvel’s She-Hulk, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and The Marvels. His Motion Graphics credits include projects at NBC Universal.

In his spare time, you will find Daniel working on his personal projects, improving his skills in VFX or at film festivals.

Please note tutors are subject to change.

UPCOMING EVENT: Meet the Masters with Daniel Amor, Motion Graphics Tutor - Thursday 28th November, 6-7pm GMT.

During this webinar, Daniel will share an overview of his career (which includes working on The Marvels, She-Hulk, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and more!), top tips for aspiring Motion Graphics Artists/Designers, an overview of our Motion Graphics courses, followed by a Q&A.

Book Meet the Masters

Course modules

You’ll learn the fundamental concepts of creating dynamic motion graphics using Adobe After Effects covering everything from fonts, layers, textures, camera tracking, compositing, rotoscoping and expressions. We end the module with a set project where you’ll explore mid-century graphic design and create your own animation.  

Introduction to After Effects / The Basics

  • Introduction to After Effects 

  • Create Your First Animation 

  • Exporting with After Effects and Media Encoder 

  • Font Basics 

  • Shape Layers 

  • Using the Graph Editor 

  • Looping Elements in After Effects 

  • Keyframe Types and Interpolation 

  • Folder Structure 

  • 3D Layers and Cameras 

  • Depth of Field and Lights in After Effects 

  • Critical Thinking in Motion Design - Title Sequence Case Study 

Typography and Critical Thinking

  • Animating Typefaces 

  • Alpha and Luma Mattes 

  • Layer Styles 

  • Converting Text to Shapes or Masks 

  • Textures 

  • Interpreting Client Briefs 

  • 12 Principles of Animation 

  • Creating Moodboards and Pitch Decks 

  • Generating Ideas in Motion Design 

  • Text Animators 

  • Save your own Animation Presets 

  • Using Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition for Audio 

  • Adobe Live Link Workflow 

Mixed Media 

  • Camera Tracking 

  • Compositing 

  • Rotoscoping with Roto Brush and Masks 

  • Cel Animation in Photoshop 

  • Mixed Media Techniques & Collage Style in After Effects 

  • Expressions 

  • Using Master Controls for Better Workflow 

  • Improve your Speed and Confidence with Timed Animations 

Project

  • Mid-century graphic design animation. Each student is given artwork from a well-known designer and tasked with creating an animation. 

In the second module you’ll start to really master After Effects, building on the first module and digging deeper. This module is focused on giving students a firm grounding in graphic design before they immerse themselves in animation. 

Design and Typography 

  • Design principles 

  • Typography 

  • Logo design 

  • Branding 

  • Typography in motion - Animating Typefaces, Kinetic Type, Film Titles 

Timing is Everything 

  • Isometric animation 

  • 3D in After Effects 

  • Looping GIFS 

Removing the Perfect 

  • Ideas and Storytelling 

  • Copywriting 

  • Editing 

  • Mixed Media 

  • Camera Tracking 

  • Cel Animation in Photoshop 

Industry and Pitching 

  • Communicating with Clients / Colleagues 

  • Industry Practices 

  • Pitching 

  • Audio Using Premiere / Audition 

Project 

  • Working to an industry brief, you’ll work on a mini project from the pitch deck through to the final animation. The aim is to have a finished, polished animation you can use in your portfolio. 

In the third module we master 3D graphics, working with Cinema 4D to create animations and bring your designs to life.

Animation / Cloners + Generators 

  • Cinema 4D  

  • Animation: learn to animate a simple scene using keyframing, looping and dynamics 

  • Mograph system: learn what cloners and generators are and how we use them in motion design 

Fields / Modelling 

  • Fields: Learn how to control effectors and other objects using fields. 

  • Modelling - Using primitives, generators and deformers to model basic shapes 

  • Modelling - Edit Mode: learn how to manipulate points, edges and polys to edit and sculpt polygonal geometry 

Materials / Lighting 

  • Materials 101: PBR, material types, reflectance channel. Megascans, bricks material, displacement 

  • Materials 102: Apply materials to prims/meshes with UV wrapping, render tests and adjust render settings 

  • Lighting: Learn the main light types, HDRI, 3-point studio lighting, plus common tricks like flags and gobos 

  • Rendering: add camera animation and render a pre-supplied scene and/or text piece 

Grading 

  • Learn how to composite rendered animation in AE, track mattes, plus cineware extraction 

  • Continue After Effects for 3D - grading, FX and colour correction - AOVs and finalisation of image 

Project 

  • Working to an industry brief, you’ll work on a mini project from the pitch deck through to the final animation. The aim is to have a finished, polished animation you can use in your portfolio. 

For this module, you will work on a project as a group, to demonstrate your ability to choose correct techniques and approaches, and to apply them to a specified professional brief.

For this module, you will work on a final major project with feedback and guidance from your tutors and industry professionals. It will allow you to showcase your in-depth knowledge of your specialist area, ready for use in a portfolio/showreel. 

More information

Minimum requirements

An undergraduate honours degree in a related subject or equivalent industry experience, plus a portfolio of creative work. 

If you're not sure about your qualifications, get in touch.

International students 

We welcome applications from qualified candidates all over the world. 

Postgraduate applicants will need a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (or significant professional experience) and a postgraduate portfolio.

Head to our international hub for more information. For any questions, reach out to our Admissions Team: admissions@escapestudios.ac.uk

English language requirements

All our courses are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you may need to complete an English language test, such as a Pearson English language test (PTE Academic) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, to demonstrate you have the language skills needed to complete your degree.

QualificationScore required
IELTS for UKVI (Academic)6.0 IELTS (with a minimum of 6.0 in Reading and Writing and 5.5 in Speaking and Listening)
PTE Academic UKVI 62 including 60 in each subtest

International students will be required to hold a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at B2 in order to be able to apply for a visa to study at Escape Studios on a student visa. Visit the government website for guidance

You may be exempt from proving your English level if you are from an English-speaking country listed as recognised for visa purposes or have a degree level qualification obtained in one of these countries. The latest list is available on the UK Government website.

For students who have a SELT at B2 but who do not meet our requirements, we can also consider alternative qualifications. Please contact admissions@escapestudios.ac.uk for more information.

If you’d like to discuss your circumstances before applying, contact us at admissions@escapestudios.ac.uk or +44 (0) 20 4570 5091.

To apply, complete an online application form which includes a link to submit your portfolio. Our Admissions Team will get in touch to take you through the next steps.

Apply for 24th February 2024

To apply for one of our postgraduate masters programmes, you can complete an online application form, found on the relevant course page on our website. If your application is accepted, we'll ask you to submit a creative portfolio of work. Check out our creative portfolio guide for guidance on what we expect to see.

There isn't a formal application deadline for most of our postgraduate courses, but you may need to apply by a certain date to be eligible for our postgraduate scholarships or discounts.

If we make you an offer for a place on one of our programmes, you will need to agree to our terms and conditions for your place on the course to be secured.

Fees

London campus:

  • UK students: £12,450

  • International students: £19,995

Live online: £12,450

Our postgraduate fees are payable within the first 18 weeks of the course, with a deposit to be paid one month before the start of the course. Please note, we review our fees every year.

Funding for UK students

For UK students living in England, you have the option to apply for a Government Masters Loan and borrow up to £12,471 in 2024/25, to help fund your course.

To be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, you must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). Escape Studios is registered with the Office for Students and our masters programmes are eligible for funding.

Visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.

Payment plans

We offer payment plan options for all courses. Following an initial deposit at registration stage, your chosen payment plan will break down your remaining fees into up to three instalments.

Contact our Admissions Team on admissions@escapestudios.ac.uk or +44 (0)204 570 5091 or visit our admissions page for any questions about fees, funding and payment plans.

The assessment methods employed in this programme have been developed to mirror industry practice as far as possible. We balance feedback from tutors and industry experts. It is crucial that, as a student, you learn how to accept and work with feedback from your superiors and peers, as this will be the norm when you work in industry. You also need to develop a keen self-critical eye, to be able to step back from your work and see what you could improve, and to have the ability to look at yourself and your working practices and make changes where necessary.  

Formative assessment

This is one of the most important aspects of your work. You will receive regular feedback from your tutor, studio assistants and peers during your modules. This will often be oral feedback on your work, sometimes on a one-to-one basis, sometimes in a group feedback session or daily. All of this should help you build on your strengths and develop your skills as you progress through the course. 

Summative assessment

This will be specifically designed to measure how well you meet the learning outcomes of the module. They will usually involve a task to meet a brief set by your tutor and will allow you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills that you have learned during the module. You’ll need to decide exactly how to complete the task, choosing particular techniques and approaches, and making decisions on the aesthetics and style to meet the given requirements. 

Each module will have a practical element (usually a practical project, where you make something) and a written element (usually a journal or blog, where you reflect on what you’ve made). Sometimes you will also have to give a presentation to demonstrate your work. All these elements are essential to your development, by showing that you can deliver to a required level and that you understand why you can and how you could improve.

Summative assessment breakdown

Craft module:

  • Individual project - 75%

  • Presentation - 25%

Specialism project module:

  • Specialism project - 75%

  • Specialism presentation - 25%

Production module

  • Production project - 60%

  • Production logbook - 40%

Your overall workload will be divided between teaching sessions (2.5 days per week) and independent learning. 

During your course, you’ll be able to develop your knowledge and skills in a number of ways. Some learning time will be closely directed and supervised by your tutors, at other times you’ll be free to organise your own study with guidance. All your scheduled studio time, except for some information sessions and presentations, will be in smaller groups based on specialism. 

For your team project, you’ll be working with a smaller team, collaborating to meet a shared brief. This will give you ample opportunity to get the support and assistance that you need. 

The first three modules have a high contact time (120 hours for each module), as this is where you will learn the knowledge and skills associated with your chosen subject, directed and informed by your tutors’ expertise and experience. These will normally involve a large part of each day with your tutor and studio assistant, following demonstrations and working on set exercises to help you develop your craft. 

The Industry Specialism and Production Project modules will have a lower contact time (30 hours and 60 hours respectively), with your tutors taking on the roles of supervisors or studio leads. You’ll meet with them regularly to get feedback and help you stay on the right path, but these modules are much more about you managing the learning experience to meet your objectives. You’ll be free to organise your work either as a team or an individual to best suit your project requirements. 

Each module has its own area on our Online Learning Environment (OLE) where you will find information about the module and the resources that are provided to support your learning. Some of this information will be dedicated to the module, other elements may be shared across different modules and some may be external assets that can help with your further study. There may be links to videos, online journals and e-books, and you should take advantage of these to enhance your development and take it beyond the studio experience. Tutors may highlight some of these during their sessions. 

Students with additional needs or disabilities are supported by our Student Services team

Overall workload 

This programme has two entry points each year. It is divided into two stages. Stage 1 comprises modules to a total of 120 credits and stage 2 comprises a 60-credit Production Project module. You must successfully complete each module in order to be awarded the specified number of credits for that module. One credit corresponds to approximately ten hours of 'learning time' (including all classes and all private study and research). Obtaining 180 credits in an academic year requires 1,800 hours of overall learning time. 

The first three modules are taught in intensive blocks of seven weeks each, giving a total of 21 weeks. During each of these modules, you will spend around 30 hours per week studying in tutor-led sessions or practice supported by studio assistants. The final two modules are more self-directed. The Studio Project will take around 8 weeks, during which you will have around 15 hours of feedback sessions with your tutor. Finally, you will spend around 16 weeks on the Production Project, including around 30 hours of feedback sessions with your tutor. 

Each 30-credit module on the course requires you to commit 300 hours of study, with one 60-credit module which requires 600 hours of study. Some of these hours will be formally supervised in the learning environment and others will involve private study.  

For more details about modules, credits and workload, see full programme specifications.

  • Adobe After Effects

  • Cinema 4D

  • Photoshop

  • Illustrator

This degree was created in response to industry demand for new creative talent as is focused on developing and nurturing your skills and creativity in preparation for a career within the world of Motion Graphics, including as a Motion Graphics Artist / Motion Designer.

Why Escape Studios?

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