Animation 

The Department of Animation was established at the Estonian Academy of Arts in 2006 and has offered a two-year MA in Animation, taught in English, since 2007. The main goal of the programme is to educate creators of animated films by providing theoretical knowledge and practical skills, while also contributing to the global development of animation as an art form.

Animation is a thriving medium that is developing at a rapid pace and has become part of mass culture and one of its principal forms. It can be found in digital screen graphics, computer games, music videos, films and other media. The programme places particular emphasis on storytelling and teaches Professor Pärn’s methodology for creating film scripts, addressing the importance of good stories in animated filmmaking.

Upon completion of the MA in Animation programme, students acquire in-depth theoretical and practical animation skills. They can specialise in specific animation techniques and create individual projects using the appropriate technique. Graduates are qualified to work as animated film creators, professionals in creative industries or teachers in their field. They are also qualified to continue their studies and pursue a doctoral degree.

The two-year programme combines lectures, seminars, intensive modules and projects. Essay writing, script writing, animating, directing, editing, sound engineering and research are core activities practiced throughout the programme, leading to a final diploma-film project.

The programme is full-time and carries 120 ECTS. Applicants must hold an undergraduate diploma or higher and submit their educational documents, including a bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent and transcript of records. Documents must be submitted in English or Estonian, with certified translations required where applicable. All required documents, including the English language proficiency certificate, must be submitted with the application by 2 March.

EKA accepts several international English-language qualifications, including TOEFL ITP with a minimum score of 543, TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 72, IELTS Academic or Indicator with a minimum score of 5.5 and at least 5.5 in each component, FCE with a minimum B2 result of 160, CAE at C1 level, CPE at C2 level, and PTE Academic with a minimum score of 59. Other accepted qualifications include specified International Baccalaureate, European Baccalaureate, Estonian, Finnish and Latvian English examinations. English proficiency requirements may be waived under specified conditions when previous education was fully conducted in English in eligible countries.

A motivation letter and relevant portfolio are required. The portfolio must be submitted as a PDF and may include previously animated films or clips as separate files or through an online link. Applicants should select up to five best films or clips for pre-selection. Required documents also include a copy of the bachelor’s degree certificate or equivalent, transcript of records, English language proficiency certificate, passport or ID-card data page, CV, motivational letter, master’s thesis project or vision, and portfolio. Applicants are evaluated based on their CV, motivational letter, master thesis project or vision, and portfolio. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.

The tuition fee is €3,300 per year for citizens of the EU, UK, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and Switzerland, and €3,800 per year for non-EU citizens. An €80 non-refundable application fee also applies. Studies commence on 31 August