Animation

BA (Hons) Animation is structured to provide a vast range of artistic skills and techniques that the modern 2D and 3D animation industry is calling out for. The course covers all aspects of the production process from traditional animating, to background design, to visual communication, to the use of colour.

Students will work with up to date industry skills such as compositing, 2D digital puppet animation, motion graphic design and 3D digital animation. Students will also cover traditional art and design skills through drawing classes and art fundamentals sessions.

Through the use of project management tools such as ftrack and ftrack review our feedback is quick, effective and industry standard (and with our Discord server, Microsoft Teams and Canvas site you should find the ease of contact and sharing of information to be to the very best standard).

Year one (Level 4) units.
Your first year provides an interdisciplinary approach to animation, with a broad, practical and theoretical grounding in digital media production techniques. The focus of the first year is to develop foundation skills in 2D and 3D animation. You will develop a number of short experimental animations which will develop your understanding of industry standard software packages, animation techniques and storytelling. You will also work on a complete animation production, applying the skills learnt and refining your technique. These modules will help you to develop an awareness of animation and its uses in the context of contemporary society as you acquire skills in communication, presentation, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership and project management. Production 1 and other material will be displayed in an end of year show.
AN101 Theory as Practice 1
AN102 Animation & Art Fundamentals
AN103 Storytelling
AN104 Pre-Production 1
AN105 Production 1

Year two (Level 5) units.
The second year focuses in on specialist modules to build upon the broad practical and theoretical knowledge gained in year one. The focus is on skills-based and professional practices, alongside working with external clients on live projects. Your skills will be expanded in a variety of contexts, for differing media and audiences in all genres of animation practice. Additionally, you will be able to explore career development opportunities in animation and the creative industries. Production 2 and other material will be displayed in an end of year show.
AN201 Theory as Practice 2
AN202 Creative Industry Practices
AN203 Performance & VFX
AN204 Pre-Production 2 AN205 Production 2

Year three (Level 6) units.
The third year of the programme will allow you to apply the skills and ideas you have developed in the previous two years to your own practice. The focus is on developing independent ventures, supporting a degree project (AN303 Pre-Production 3 and AN304 Production 3) and dissertation (AN301 Theory as Practice 3) as the culmination of your practical and theoretical learning. You will complete a substantial piece of animation work that will be displayed in an exhibition to help you gain employment or further academic study opportunities. You will produce a professional animation portfolio that is to be supported by advanced research into critical theory and the work of contemporary practitioners. The professional practice module supports your transfer into employment or higher study.
AN301 Theory as Practice 3
AN302 Creative Industry Brief
AN303 Pre-Production 3
AN304 Production 3

Coursework is assessed in the following ways a range of different ways in order to accommodate a variety of learning styles and aptitudes including:
• Practical Portfolio and/or sketchbook
• Solo/Group Presentations (These will be recorded)
• Written Essays
• Research Portfolios
Canvas is integrated into the deadline structure of the course with all assignments submitted to the platform. Any optional physical extras can be handed in via the designated hand in areas. This is in order to provide the most amount of choice for our students and prepare them for this ever changing and expanding technological landscape.

There are no examinations on this course.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework:

Year 1
100% coursework: 88% Studio based with a written element 12%

Year 2
100% coursework: 88% Studio based with a written element 12%

Year 3
100% coursework: 75% Studio based with a written element 25%