In the Master of Arts in Animation programme, you will learn how to develop your artistic voice and animation skills through your own project. We create the space for you to find your artistic animation language and realise your vision as an animator in a short film, series concept, animation-based installation or other format. We emphasise the development of personal stories or themes, topics with social and current relevance, and their creative implementation.
The courses and seminars cover topics such as
- Idea & Story Development
- World Building
- Concept & Design
- Producing: production planning, budgeting, financing, dossier / concept
- Experimentation and techniques: Hands-on workshops
- Applied research: theories, methods, realisation in a written thesis
- Animation: Theory - Craft - Practice, with case studies and lectures by renowned filmmakers from the animation industry
- Distribution
- Excursion to a festival or a specialised conference
- Interdisciplinary modules +NETWORK / +RESEARCH
You apply with a specific idea for a practical Master's project. This can be a pre-developed concept for an animated short film, an explorative project, or another animation-based format that you will produce during your studies. It is also possible to apply with an idea for a larger format, such as an animated series or a feature-length film, which will be developed during the degree programme until the concept is ready for presentation, including a trailer or teaser. The application project can also follow a personal animation-based interest, such as a technological research question or the development of an innovative or installation format.
• Project modules - production and producing
Your degree programme is project-based and practice-oriented, geared towards the practical implementation of animation-based projects. In addition to theory-led reflection, you will develop and produce your project, on your own or together with fellow students in a team. You will work independently, mentored and supported by our experienced lecturers and industry professionals. All projects can be pitched in front of a plenum of representatives from production companies and broadcasters to receive professional feedback and, in the best case, produce the master's project in co-production with an animation studio.
• Specialisation in Animation
Animation Theory - Craft - Practice combines theoretical courses with practical work. An important part of the framework is animation-related production knowledge in the areas of budgeting, financing and distribution in Switzerland and Europe and the basics of international co-productions.
• Research and exploration
Methods and forms of academic work are practised in the research module. The written Master's thesis can serve as in-depth research for the practical project. Students prepare their written Master's thesis, from finding a topic, research question, and choice of method to the exposé.
The experiment module encourages students to open up their project to innovative narrative, design, and technological approaches. The focus is on forward-looking technologies such as Expanded Realities (VR, AR, MR), real-time technologies and virtual production, and the use of AI-based processes in animation production.
• Transfer and elective courses
In the transfer modules, students take courses of their choice in close consultation with their study coach and study coordinator. Look beyond the boundaries of your own discipline and discover new ways of dealing with creative-artistic topics, learn a foreign language or deepen your knowledge in an area relevant to your project. It is also possible to realise an additional project on a smaller scale or to learn additional skills and techniques.
• Interdisciplinary modules
In order to promote exchange between the MA degree programmes and with practitioners, all MA degree programmes in the Department Design, Film & Art are introducing the following new courses from HS2024:
+RESEARCH: The module provides an insight into current research projects, imparts knowledge about research statuses and methods as well as their application in various disciplines.
+NETWORK: In this module, students work together on an interdisciplinary basis and establish contacts with practice partners. In addition, students deepen their theoretical knowledge and develop their practical skills in lectures, workshops, and excursions. Projects, discussions, and guest lectures promote the exchange of ideas and experiences. Students present their work, receive feedback and make valuable contacts for their professional future. The module offers a dynamic learning environment that challenges and supports students in a variety of ways.
• Programme structure and module overview
Full-time study programme
Part-time study programme
For detailed information on the programme, please contact the MA Animation study coordination: Dr. Tina Ohnmacht, tina.ohnmacht@hslu.ch
We understand animation as a comprehensive and broad concept that includes not only the classic short film, but also serial concepts and installation-based animation formats.
Together with your coaches, you will design an individual study agreement. Experienced mentors from the animation field accompany your project work. Seminars and exercises teach you the technical and theoretical basics. The production management supports you in planning your production in a professional and feasible way. Regular exchange with lecturers and fellow students takes place in the Animation Forum.
Through cooperation with international guest lecturers, you will already come into contact with professionals from the industry during your studies. The HSLU maintains numerous partnerships with schools in Europe and enables students to gain experience abroad in the form of exchange semesters. An integral part of the Master Animation programme is a visit to an international festival and an exchange with animation professionals from Europe.
Our aim is to link teaching and research in the field of film and animation. The Master Film cooperates with the Visual Narrative research group. Animation research is also represented in Lucerne. In November 2022, the annual conference of the AG Animationsfilm, Dimensions of Animation took place at the HSLU. Graduates of the Master Animation have the opportunity to pursue an artistic-scientific or scientific doctorate.
