Basic Information
The Location of the school: Madrid, Spain
The URL or address of the official website: https://www.u-tad.com/en/
Course titles (duration):
Bachelor Degree
– Official Bachelor Degree in Animation (4 years) – (Language: Spanish, English or bilingual)
Postgraduate master courses
– Master’s in 3D Character Animation (600 hours. From October to June) – On-site course
– Master’s Degree in Storyboarding for Animation (600 hours. From October to June) – On-site course
– Master’s Degree in Rigging and Character FX (600 hours. From October to June) – Course available on-site or online
– Master’s Degree in Digital Compositing for VFX (600 hours. From October to June) – On-site course
– Master’s Degree in Production Management for Animation, VFX and Video Games (600 hours. From October to June) – Course available on-site or online
– Expert in Character Design (300h. From October to May) – On-site course
The number of students admitted to each course:
Bachelor Degree
– Animation 2D itinerary: 60 students per year (30 in Spanish and 30 in English)
– Animation 3D/VFX itinerary: 60 students per year (30 in Spanish and 30 in English)
Postgraduate master courses
– Maximum between 20 to 25 students per course and year
Where we may check out the works of students and graduates:
– https://vimeo.com/299066095
– https://www.instagram.com/u_tad/
Interview with Gerardo Álvarez, The Academic Director of the Animation Area
1. Could you please give us an overview of the curriculum of the animation course?
Gerardo Álvarez: U-tad´s Official Bachelor Degree in Animation (4 years) offers a global vision of animation through almost 50 subjects, in Spanish or English. Starting with basic fundamentals like creative thinking, history of art or animation, theory of color and light, anatomy, non-digital drawing and sculpture, and then, following the process of an animated project, moving into more specific techniques from narrative (script, storyboard) going through development (design, previz), preproduction (modelling, texturing, rigging), production (animation, lighting, rendering), all the way to postproduction (compositing, sound, music). And, as part of the last two years of the degree, students will complement their pivotal training in 3D animation with either a Mention in 2D Animation (development, layout, animation) or in 3D Visual FX (programming, rigging, FX). Additionally, we also offer Postgraduate courses in specific areas: Animation, Rigging and Character FX, and Character Design.
Additionally we also offer Postgraduate courses in specific areas: Animation, Rigging and Character FX, and Character Design.
2. What do you think are your unique characteristics or strengths?
Gerardo Álvarez: There are very few places where can you study an Official Degree in Animation next door to one of the biggest high quality animation studios in the world. Our close relationship with Ilion Animation Studios allows their top level professionals to share their expertise as part time teachers, and in turn our students can do their internships in high-end animated feature films.
3. What do you look for in prospective students? What characteristics or skills do you want your prospective students to have when they apply?
Gerardo Álvarez: A passion for animation is important to motivate the students to work hard and develop their natural talent, regardless of their artistic or technical bias.
4. Could you please let us know what is your vision of the career that prospective students can expect by learning from you?
Gerardo Álvarez: We strive to be in line with the industry needs in all terms, adapting our curriculum as it evolves. An example of our correct methodology is having our students working in world renowned companies such as MPC, ILM, Disney, Double Negative, Weta Digital, On Animation, Mac Guff, Cartoon Saloon, Cartoon Network, and so on.
