Animation - Master Degree

This Master's program in animation prepares students for careers as Concept Artist – Director. More broadly, this program prepares students for the wide range of careers that make up the animation production pipeline.

Keys informations

  • Total number of teaching hours:

    • Year 1 (4th year): 1,220 hours of coursework
    • Year 2 (5th year): 870 hours of coursework and 840 hours of internship

  • qualification certification:

    Titre de Concepteur artistique – Réalisateur en cinéma d’animation – Niveau 7 (RNCP37770)
    Professional qualification title (RNCP – Level 7)

  • Program highlights

    An artistic and technical training program that enables students to fully produce an animated short film, supported by experienced professional artists, including a final graduation project and a six-month internship.

Program overview

Animation studios today face major creative and technological challenges, including team specialization and the internationalization of projects.

The Concept Artist – Animation Director training program is designed not only to help students develop a strong artistic identity, but also to enable them to master every step of an animated film’s production process: from the visual design in service of a narrative, to project development, through to full production and festival distribution.

Over two years, students benefit from individual and group support, allowing them to develop original works. Their projects may be selected for cinema screenings or TV broadcasts—which is why they are also evaluated based on the relevance of their message and production quality.

This animation specialization develops the following key skills:

  • Scriptwriting for animation

  • Proficiency with industry-standard tools, including TVPaint, Toon Boom Harmony, and After Effects

  • Workflow organization to manage and deliver a short animated film from start to finish

The program also prepares students for their future careers through:

  • Hands-on experience: workshops, project supervision, and English classes focused on creative development

  • Professional insights: industry conferences, and training sessions on administrative processes

  • Creative development: practice in traditional art techniques, including compositional painting, sculpture, and sketching

 

 

This program was presented during the Open Day live session on April 28, 2021:

 

 

Discover the work of our recent graduates (Class of 2024 – Satoshi Kon):

  • 4th year (CA)
  • 5th year (CA)
année

En savoir + sur chaque année

  • This year marks the beginning of the student’s Animation – Master Degree, through the development of both individual and group projects.

    The student explores and deepens their understanding of the codes and practices of the professional environment they aim to enter.

    • Tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year

      €9,270 (+ €900 annual administrative fees)
      This includes 1,220 hours of face-to-face instruction with a teacher — equivalent to 37 hours per week.

    • Courses

      • Methodology and Documentation

      • Matte painting

      • Compositing

      • 3D

      • Sketching / Painting

      • Software

  • First Semester
    The first semester is dedicated to the development of the personal project that students submitted to the academic team at the end of the previous year. They receive enhanced individual guidance, take part in workshops designed to prepare them for professional life—such as creating effective demo reels—and attend lectures led by external industry professionals. English classes focus on preparing the artistic portfolio and searching for internships.

    Second Semester
    The second semester is devoted to the production of the final-year project. Technical and artistic supervision is intensified and leads to a midterm evaluation known as the “mock diploma.” During this period, the internship takes place from June to December, preferably abroad. Upon return, students finalize their diploma project, write their internship report, and present their final defense before a professional jury.

    Job dating
    The last day at school is dedicated to professional integration. It features a job dating event with nearly 60 companies. Each student is offered around ten recruitment interviews.

    • Tuition fees for the 2025–2026 academic year

      €9,270 (+ €900 annual administrative fees)
      This includes 870 hours of face-to-face instruction with a teacher — equivalent to 38 hours per week, including a 840-hour internship.

    • Courses

      • Art direction

      • Administrative and Legal Seminars

      • Talks et Workshops

      • Suivi de projet individualisé (projets tutorés et soutenance)

      • Technical Supervision

      • Workshop

Application

  • Admission requirements

    Eligibility Criteria for External Applications

    Any external candidate may apply directly for admission into the 4th year, provided that:

    • They hold a bachelor’s degree (Level 6) in an art-related field.

    • They submit an artistic portfolio composed of two parts:

     

    Part 1: A selection of 20 original observational drawings from life (e.g., documentary studies, life drawing, object rendering — any technique), demonstrating solid drawing skills.

    Part 2 : A more specialized portfolio in Animation, including storyboards, 2D and/or 3D animation, 3D still renders, character design, background design, etc.

    This portfolio must be submitted along with the eligibility application form, provided by the admissions office, completed and accompanied by the required supporting documents.

  • Procédure d’admission

    Scheduling an Interview / January to May

    Candidates must contact the school by phone or email to schedule an admission interview.

    • The interview will take place in person for candidates residing in mainland France or neighbouring countries.

    • For all other candidates, the interview will be conducted online.

    Note: This process allows candidates who are not admitted through parallel admission to apply for the first year of the Dessinateur Praticien program via Parcoursup.

     

    Eligibility Interview

    At least five days before the interview, candidates must submit their complete application digitally. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their application.

    During the individual interview with an academic advisor, the candidate will present their artistic portfolio. This meeting assesses the applicant’s motivation, artistic goals, and for international applicants, their French language proficiency, unless they can provide proof of a C1 level.

    Practical Test

    Depending on the interview, the candidate may be asked to complete a practical assignment remotely if a particular skill was not sufficiently demonstrated in the portfolio.

  • Admission

    The admissions jury meets in a plenary session at the end of June to make final decisions on candidate admissions.

    Applicants who are not accepted may reapply directly to the 4th year program within the following two years.

Admission

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