IGNOU to offer animation degree

Updated on: Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Mumbai: In an unique initiative, India’s largest and prestigious University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Animation education leader, Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) announced an exclusive partnership to offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in 3D Animation and Visual Effects as an IGNOU offering.

As part of the tie-up, MAAC and IGNOU will jointly offer a flagship BA Degree in 3D Animation and Visual Effects (36 months), a Diploma in Computer Generated Imagery (18 months) and a Certificate in Film Making (six months). The curriculum is stewarded by a Joint Coordination Committee of IGNOU and MAAC. In addition to detailed technical and creative skills, the curriculum will impart soft skills, business and production management training, and an orientation to student on an actual project of creation of content.

Hon Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, commented, “IGNOU is pleased to enter into this collaboration with MAAC to offer animation education. MAACs strong curriculum, dedicated faculty and high-end infrastructure in their widespread centers make them the ideal partner for IGNOU in this endeavor of providing high quality education to the lengths and breadths of India in the rapidly growing animation industry which has the potential of providing large employment opportunities to Indian youth.”

The degree, diploma and certificate courses will be delivered from MAAC’s education centers nationwide and internationally using its state-of-the-art infrastructure. IGNOU will implement norms for examinations, assessments and university standards. The courses will also offer lateral entry to MAAC alumni to upgrade themselves based on various criteria.

Ronald D’mello, MD and CEO of MEL, added, “Animation is a serious career requiring specialized skills and in-depth learning. MAAC emphasises on creatively oriented education with equal opportunity of access and high quality of delivery all over India. It is a natural fit with IGNOU’s own objectives, and we can now provide an even wider platform for formal education in animation and VFX from the largest Central University.”

Senior officials of both IGNOU and Maya Entertainment Ltd (MEL), the parent company of MAAC, formalised the partnership at a ceremony on March 30th at the IGNOU headquarters in New Delhi. Amongst the dignitaries present were Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Hon Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, Ronald D’mello, MD and CEO of MEL, U S Tolia, Registrar of IGNOU, Prof Shambhu Nath Singh, Director- School of Journalism and New Media Studies of IGNOU, Dr C G Naidu, Director-School of Vocational Studies and Training, other officials of IGNOU, Jai Natarajan, Group Executive VP of MEL, Yogesh Panjanani, VP of MEL and Sanjiv Waeerkar, Chief Creative Officer of MAAC.

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IGNOU to offer animation degree

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