How to prepare for your Games, Film and Animation Master's Degree

Studying your postgraduate degree with us soon? If you’re eager to get a head start with your studies, have a look below at the different tips and resources of things you can start using right now to prepare for the course that awaits you.

Research

First and foremost, we highly recommend you begin to have a career plan if you haven’t started one already. Like all plans, things may change over time, but it is important to have an idea at this stage of what your ultimate goal is.

Did you start your studies to become an animator for Pixar films? Maybe you are more interested in being a game coder? Or being involved in film cinematography? Whatever you intend to do, like most creative jobs, there is more than one way of making it in this industry – research what pathways or options you have and consider what feels best for you. Be sure to pay attention to appropriate accreditations needed to progress in your chosen area.

We also recommend you have a look at our Games, Film and Animation blog to view the latest news regarding our faculty, staff, students and more.

Watch and play

You wont often hear us tell you to watch films and play games, but at BCU we do believe that these are great ways of keeping your passion and inspiration alive whilst you relax.

A series like ‘Love, Death and Robots’ is great for those wanting to go into filmmaking, as it covers a wide range of visual styles and types of film. Or perhaps you’re into classic cinema? ‘Double Indemnity’ is a film noir classic that will keep your cinematography techniques and knowledge up to scratch.

If you’re a games student, by now, you will more than likely know which types of games you enjoy. If not, we recommend you try different genres. ‘League of Legends’, ‘APEX Legends’ and ‘Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ are just a few we recommend.

Our BCU YouTube Channel features several games, film and animation related videos which give information on the course and an idea of what the course will be like from a student perspective.

Explore

As a student at our Institute of Creative Arts, you’re going to want to be surrounded by different forms of inspiration as much as possible. Luckily for you, Birmingham City University is at the heart of the city centre, meaning there is plenty of things you can see and explore that are right on our doorstep.

Digbeth is only a hop, skip and a jump away, putting you at a great place to access an art scene bursting with life. The Custard Factory is known within the gaming industry, with Leamington Spa also being a hot spot for game development - only being a short train journey away. 

Visit

You can gain a lot from visiting our postgraduate open days. Upon arrival, you will be able to look around the facilities we have on offer, as well as speak to our expert members of staff, giving you the opportunity to get to know who will be teaching you, and to have answers to any burning questions you have regarding your course.

Network and follow

Setting up a professional social media account will be extremely beneficial. Not only will it allow you to showcase your work, it also means you can network with people alike and keep up to date with industry professionals.

Our university Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts are a great way to keep up to date with all things BCU and any relevant news on a regular basis.