Master in Directing Animation

Tuition costs 26,000 GBP per year; the deadline to apply for the Jan 2028 intake is Jul 4, 2027.

The Master in Directing Animation is a 2-year program at the National Film and Television School in the United Kingdom. It's for students who want to become animation directors and have a Bachelor's degree. This program helps you develop your skills in visual storytelling and animation techniques.

The curriculum covers various forms of visual storytelling, including traditional and digital media, such as drawn 2D, CGI, stop-motion, and life-size pixelation. You'll learn how to push your creative boundaries and discover your unique voice while exploring new animation techniques and storytelling approaches. The program also includes hands-on components, where you'll work on projects to develop your skills.

After completing this program, you can pursue careers such as Animation Director, Visual Effects Supervisor, Storyboard Artist, or Film Producer. You can work in the film, television, or advertising industries, and potential employers include animation studios, production companies, or post-production houses.

The National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, United Kingdom, established in 1971, is a compact and highly specialized institution focused on film, television and games. With around 700 students and roughly 294 international students, NFTS combines a studio-style learning environment with close mentorship from working professionals. The school emphasizes craft, storytelling and technical excellence, helping students build portfolios and reels that reflect industry standards.

Students choose from 42 specialist programs and benefit from access to film stages, postproduction suites, sound facilities, camera and lighting equipment, motion capture and VFX labs. Learning is project-based: teams produce short films, series pilots and interactive projects under realistic production schedules. Regular guest lectures, masterclasses and production partnerships connect students with producers, broadcasters and post houses, while alumni placements and festival successes demonstrate clear pathways into professional roles.

International applicants find dedicated support for admissions and visas, alongside information about scholarships and funding opportunities. Beaconsfield is close to London, giving students practical exposure to the UK media industry while preserving a focused campus atmosphere. Prospective students should prepare a strong creative portfolio, show collaborative experience and clarify career goals to take full advantage of NFTS resources and industry networks.