The growth of computer graphics over the last three decades has been incredible. Not only is computer graphics a multi-billion dollar industry, it is a field of study which is rapidly growing in popularity and academic stature. The world of computer animation has become a sophisticated discipline supported by exotic software and real-time workstations. Consumer's demand for highly advanced computer graphics and continual developments in technology present today's computer animators with new and exciting challenges. Studying a graduate course in computer animation will put you at the forefront of the computer graphics industry and fast-track your career.

This is an exciting time to study a graduate program in computer animation, the industry is still exploding in all directions creating new opportunities and opening up amazing career prospects.

It is therefore, no surprise, that more and more students are considering studying graduate programs in computer animation. The very thought of being involved in Oscar-winning special effects films, 3D computer games and computer-generated films is very tempting. Add to this the prospect of earning a healthy salary and it is no wonder that computer animation graduate courses are in great demand. Fortunately, this enthusiasm to seek a career in digital media is more than matched by industry's need for educated and knowledgeable people.

Companies such as Industrial Light & Magic, Pixar, Dreamworks and Disney are amongst those companies leading the way by creating an incredible market for computer-generated images. However, the film industry is only part of the story: apart from film special effects, there are other important sectors such as computer games, entertainment simulators, advertising, TV, multimedia and the Internet. Collectively, they form a mass global industry that is worth billions of dollars.

Applicants come from a mixture of academic backgrounds and are able to demonstrate excellent creative skills, normally in the form of a portfolio of painting, drawing and photographic work. Complementing these creative skills they must be reasonably numerate and, hopefully, have some exposure to computers. The bias of this profile changes from student to student; some possess excellent drawing and painting skills and could easily pursue a career in fine art; others come with amazing technical illustrative skills displayed in the form of comic strips, cartoons and potential computer games. Some have more technical experience than others and are able to program existing software and design new software to create animated images. Regardless of background, all students must be able to articulate why they wish to study a graduate course in computer animation.

A graduate program in computer animation will, generally speaking, cover the study of computer languages, computer graphics, the nature of the moving image, storyboarding, technology and appropriate mathematics. You will undertake individual projects where you will have to produce personal computer animations and work in groups to collectively solve a problem. This is how you will have to work in industry. By the end of your graduate course in computer animation, you will possess a solid understanding of computer animation and can confidently seek employment virtually anywhere in the world.

With thanks to:
Professor John Vince
Digital Media
Head of the National Centre for Computer Animation,
Bournemouth University