Overview

This five term (20 month) programme is a collaborative programme between the RCA and Aardman designed to develop your authorial voice across any animation technique, medium or genre. Students create their own animated project while benefiting from studio space, technical facilities, mentorship and support from both institutions.

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.

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 12 consecutive years, the RCA has been ranked as the world’s number 1 art & design university in the QS World University subject rankings (2015-2026) - attracting artists, designers and communicators from across the globe.

Key facts:

Aardman RCA Animation (Professional Residency) at Royal College of Art combines a year of practice-based, academically rigorous study at the RCA in London with two terms professional residency at Aardman’s world-renowned studios in Bristol, preparing graduates to become confident and innovative leaders within the animation industry.

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Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Term 1

In Term 1, you will study Serious Play, exploring a wide range of creative practices and their cultural, historical and critical contexts.Through rapid prototyping and experimentation, you will develop ideas and receive feedback from tutors and peers. You will also present a poster at the Animation Autumn Symposium, with a focus on inventive approaches to form and concept.

Term 2

In Term 2, you will study Development and Exploration, refining the ideas and skills developed in Term 1 into a plan for a sustained animation project.

Term 3

In Term 3, you will study Independent Research Planning, focusing on the development of your main animation project.

Term 4 & 5

In the second year, terms 4 & 5, you will undertake a residency at Aardman Academy in Bristol through two units: Animation Professional Residency One and Two.

Check out the full curriculum

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 20 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-23 00:00:00

More details

Round 1 deadline: Friday 8 January 2027 (12:00)
Round 2 deadline: Tuesday 23 March 2027 (12:00)

Language

English

PTE Academic

59

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

300 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Animation View 43 other Masters in Animation in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

PTE Academic

59

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

E2 Language Test Prep

Trusted by 7M+ Students

Start Studying Today

Admission to your dream university starts with a high IELTS or PTE score. Earn your target score with E2's guided test preparation.

Study on your own schedule
Live classes with current and ex-examiners
Accurate score assesment, always
E2 Score Guarantee - Get your score or your money back!

Other requirements

General requirements

RCA welcomes 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

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

24450 GBP / year

≈ 24450 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

9630 GBP / year

≈ 9630 GBP / year

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

RCA offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support postgraduate study, including a variety of tuition fee and living cost scholarships.

Beyond financial support, many of these scholarships also provide networking opportunities with peers, partnership organisations and professional bodies to enhance your experience.

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Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Aardman RCA Animation (Professional Residency).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts:

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

IELTS & PTE Test Preparation

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

London

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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