Postgraduate Degree in Motion Design

Animated graphics are an everyday tool for any self-respecting content provider. They navigate the waters of art and technique, setting a course for seduction and emotion while representing a powerful way to communicate, inform and entertain.

And why are they so attractive? Because of their effectiveness and capacity for meaning. The flow of moving images combined with fitting sound design creates a unique connection, a near-hypnotic atmosphere.

In addition to skilfully wielding the relevant tools, designers must have knowledge of media and a command of language and audiovisual resources in order to successfully connect with the discerning users of today, who are hungry for new proposals and content.

Through a predominantly practical approach (exercises and projects are developed with guidance from specialist tutors), this postgraduate course employs project methodologies such as design thinking, agile development, resources, and professional management and production processes.

The programme is broken down into six modules which are developed through workshops, technological classes and audiovisual culture capsules before culminating in a final project that will be presented before a panel of specialist professionals. The workshops are spaces in which practical exercises are carried out in relation to a range of specific topics, such as metaphor, narrative and audio; their purpose is to provide one by one all the skills needed to attain a pleasing final result.

This postgraduate course is aimed at graduates of Design, Audiovisual Communication, Film, Advertising and/or Fine Arts, as well as professionals who do not have specific qualifications but can demonstrate their experience in any of the aforementioned fields.

Module 1 – Technologies

In the first module of the course, knowledge and handling of composition and editing tools (After Effects and Final Cut) are developed and expanded to provide training in the use and command of said tools as a fundamental support for the construction of the audiovisual narrative.

• Operational fundamentals.
• Capturing, editing and exporting formats.
• Compositing and animating texts, images and effects.
• Integrating image and sound.
• Designing and resolving the production process.
• Strengthening the use of the tools and advanced resources.

Module 2 – Audiovisual culture

This module analyses the main references of audiovisual culture – from the general precedents in the history of contemporary art to specific references in the field of design and disciplines like film, TV and new media – by analysing the different styles and trends to anticipate their application in the execution of projects.

• From paper to the screen. From the Avant-garde to Saúl Bass.
• Credits: film, television and new formats.
• Fundamental principles of on-screen typography.
• The classic audiovisual language and the new immersive narratives XR: AR / VR / MR.
• AI as an information search engine and content generator.

Module 3 – Metaphor workshop

The main objective of this workshop is understanding and analysing various metaphorical devices, developing the use and mastery of these as a resource for narrative and representation in animated graphic exercises.

• The metaphor in the history of art and communication.
• Art and Narrative resources. Metaphors and Visual tricks.
• Creation and development of an animated graphic proposal placing emphasis on the use and command of metaphor.
• Project methodology and production process.

Module 4 – Narrative workshop

The purpose of this block is to analyse different narrative styles, training in the use and mastery of their structures and their application in animated graphic exercises.

• Fundamental principles of audiovisual narrative.
• Narrative resources and structures.
• Pace and editing..
• Creation and development of an animated graphic proposal placing emphasis on the use and command of narrative structure.
• Project methodology and production process.

Module 5 – Audio workshop

This workshop will expand students’ knowledge of sound, developing the use and command of its components – music, voice-overs and effects – as a critical part of the construction of the audiovisual narrative.

• What sound is and how it is expressed in space-time.
• Sound in narrative: relationship between signifier and signified.
• The audio track: music, voice-overs and effects.
• Technical resources: microphones, mixing desk and effects room.
• Creation and development of an animated graphic proposal with emphasis on the use and mastery of sound.
• Project methodology and production process.

Module 6 – Postgraduate Final Project

As the Postgraduate Final Project, and based on the requirements of a “guest client” (a company or collaborating entity), work will be completed that, like a real commission, forces students to tackle a professional creation and production process. This will be executed according to the iterative design model, with a view to achieving real conclusions and results that fulfil the established objectives.

Development phases

• Research.
• Definition.
• Ideation.
• Formalisation.
• Communication.