AAS College Thessaloniki
School of Art & Design
COURSES | MASTER
MA Animation
Vibrant animation industry and community make it a highly desirable destination for study, networking and career advancement. This programme focuses on the three core components of animated production: Narrative, Character and Performance. Students will develop their skills in narrative construction, character development, animation and advanced production techniques, allowing them to explore the unique opportunities and challenges computer animation brings to storytelling.
The MA Animation course will provide multiple opportunities for graduates from degree programmes linked to the creative visual arts both with and without prior animation experience. Graduates with a background in animation will be able to hone their animation skills through an extra top-up year focussed on industry practice and principles. Graduates from other disciplines will be able to develop a skills base that will facilitate their cross over into animation. The intended outcome for all graduates will be a demo-reel of work that displays high quality professional and technical animation skills that will facilitate access into work or further research. In light of the fact that the central rationale for the creation of the programme is hinged on the industry need for professional, skilled graduates, there will be a heavy emphasis on technical skills acquisition and professional practice throughout the programme. For example, students will be invited to research contemporary animated production practices through engagement with external organisations, both companies and individuals. They will work with their peers on team projects and have opportunities to work to briefs set by external parties from the animation industry.
Duration:
13 months
Educational form:
Taught
Education Variants:
Fulltime
Language:
English
October’s 2025 Intake:
Induction Start Date:
29th September 2025
Class Start Date:
6th October 2025
British Degree:
Master of Arts
STUDENT WORK
MA Animation COURSE STRUCTURE
Core modules:
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 1
Timing for Animation (40 credits)
Since the MA Animation course will be accepting students both with and without prior animation experience, this first module will be flexible enough either to provide an initial framework from which an understanding of animation fundamentals will be developed, or to provide the space to revise, build and develop specialization. The content is therefore designed to contain a basic introduction to the essential elements of animated movement and studio production practices, which can be attempted either at a basic, intermediate or advanced level.
Experimental Design (20 credits)
This module considers the importance of the pre-visualisation stage of the pipeline and provide the students the opportunities and space to experiment, test, and develop the required skills and knowledge to build the foundations of their projects. Students will be encouraged to explore different possible pathways and design strategies to problem solve and translate abstract concepts into a visual medium that defines the feasibility of a project, its timeline, as well as its art style.
Semester 2
Design Research and Development (20 credits)
Students complete this module having obtained a clear understanding of how to conduct a post-graduate level research. By introducing them different research methods relevant to their topic and research inquire, students will expand their knowledge in specialised areas through their self-directed research project.
Animation Production (40 credits)
This module will enable students to consolidate their animation skills in a semi-professional context. The presence of external agents creates a situation where students act as creative content providers for a client’s brief. The students will experience and develop the ability to work in a team towards a creative goal. The students will also complete an individual development project demonstrating their understanding of animation practice, production and pipelines. This module gives students a targeted insight to the needs of the animation industry.
Semester 3
Portfolio Project (60 credits)
The purpose of this module is to enable the student to consolidate and demonstrate the knowledge and skills that have been acquired through the master’s programme. It is therefore an open brief which will allow each student to prepare for the world of work. There will be significant time dedicated to seminars and tutorials to allow the student to get targeted feedback and develop their practice. Students will present their work throughout the module and should demonstrate a professional understanding of the animation industry and employment requirements.
MA Design - Animation ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
The course is continually assessed through module requirements, allowing students to achieve target awards. Final modules are graded Pass, Merit, Distinction.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The MA will help further career opportunities within commercial design practice – giving recognition to each student’s individual practical and intellectual abilities. Graduates will improve their chance of employment in the advertising industry with their demonstrated enhanced specialism and understanding developed on the course.
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply direct to the AAS College. We accept applications throughout the year, but advise you to apply early. We would like to receive application forms before 30th of August.
All candidates are required to submit the following documents:
1. A Fully Completed Application
AAS Application Form completed
A scanned copy of your passport
2. Diploma of previous education
University Degree (Bachelor’s or/and MA) from a recognised University and the relevant transcripts.
3. English language certificate
Certified Photocopy of English Language qualification(s).
Undergraduate applicants must have a fluent command of the English language which can be proven via the following examinations:
TOEFL: paper based 575 / computer based 232 / Internet based 89-90 or
IELTS: 6,5 or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates who have not acquired an English language qualification at the time of the submission of their application form are required to submit it at least one month before the commencement of the course.
4. Portfolio
You can send us approximately 20 examples of your work with a short written commentary. Most of this work
can be in the form of photographs on a CD or a PDF file. It is helpful for us to see examples of your original
drawings too.
Submit your documents via email to: admissions@aas.gr
For large files use wetransfer.com
Our response:
A member of our staff will contact you in 48 hours.
AAS offer to you
Deciding to start study is an exciting time but the process to actually get there can seem daunting. That’s where we can help. Here’s what you need to be finding out about now. Over the next few weeks we’ll be sending you lots of important information, so if any of your contact details change, we need to know as soon as possible. Please let us know if you change your:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Passport number
At AAS we pride ourselves on the tailored support we offer to all our students and we want your application and enrolment to go as smoothly as possible. If you have any problems at all, we are here to help.
You will receive an unconditional offer: An Admission Letter by college’s Admissions Office, or a conditional offer: that means that before the commencing of your course you have to submit some documents, or a rejection letter: that means that you don’t cover the requirements of the interested course.
Visa Process
The following documents to be submitted by all non-EU students to the Greek Embassy or Consulate Office closer to you:
- Application form for a visa for a long stay in Greece, fully filled in and signed by the applicant
- One recent passport-size photograph in colour
- Passport that should be of a validity exceeding by three months the ending date of the visa length, include at least two blank pages and have been issued within the previous ten years
- Police Clearance Certificate (Criminal record)
- Medical Certificate
- Travel insurance
- Admission letter by AAS
- A confirmation document by AAS that you are a college’s student
- Document by the Ministry of Education that the AAS College holds a valid license and is registered in the relevant records
- English language Certificate
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and AAS tuition fees in Greece
- Visa fee
You should also have in mind the following:
- Original documents and passports submitted must be accompanied along with a copy.
- All documents submitted must be in English or Greek
- You may be asked for additional documents and will be called to a personal interview at the Embassy or Consulate Office (the requirements of Greek Embassies or Consulate Offices aren’t the same from country to country)
- The visa fee is not refunded if the visa is refused