Animation and Visual Effects with Integrated Foundation Year

Ever dreamt of working on the next blockbuster movie, award‑winning TV series, or immersive game production? Our Animation and Visual Effects with Integrated Foundation Year course is your gateway to mastering the art of bringing stories to life through inspiring animation and cutting‑edge visual effects.
Your journey begins with an introductory foundation year, designed to develop your skills, confidence, and core knowledge in a supportive and creative environment. This year helps you build strong artistic and academic foundations, ensuring you’re fully prepared to progress smoothly into the undergraduate degree.
From there, you’ll dive into a learning experience that blends creativity with practical skills. Our course doesn't just teach you–it transforms you into a versatile artist ready for the dynamic world of animation and visual effects. With a curriculum grounded in inclusivity, innovative storytelling and studio practice, you'll emerge as a professional who understands the pulse of the industry.
From day one, you'll be immersed in real-world techniques and workflows. Our course is structured to evolve your skills progressively – starting with foundational know-how, advancing to specialised techniques, and culminating in a final project that showcases your unique artistic voice.
Our experienced academics, alongside industry professionals, will guide you through your educational journey. Engage in workshops and guest speaker lectures that not only enrich your learning but also help establish connections within the industry.

Module Examples

• Animation and VFX Pipelines

• Action, Character and Performance

• Virtual Stagecraft

• Script, Storyboard and Previs

• Experimental Narrative and Concept

• Animation and VFX Cinematography

• Research Brief

• Production Review

• Professional Studio Project

https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/animation-and-visual-effects/animation-and-visual-effects-ify/

A wide range of authentic assessment types are used to develop a full range of work‑related skills, e.g. industry‑led ‘live briefs’ and project development, both individually and as part of a team. This variety of methods ensures the practice and assessment of key and graduate skills, building a comprehensive awareness of the industry and your potential employability post‑graduation.
Specific examples of this:

• Module Work Book: bespoke eBooks (electronic handbooks and project record/document) containing information, formative tasks, self-grading exercises, embedded video clips, etc. to assist in specific module ILOs but also to enhance a culture of independent learning.

• Presentations/Pitching: where you can show work to tutors and peers in advance of assignment submission.

• Seminars & Project Surgeries: a series of developmental seminars where you review and comment on each other’s work, guided by tutors.

• Review of portfolio/blog/screenings of ‘dailies’: regular feedback tutorial opportunities recorded in process of identifying your understanding of practice, materials, and creative processes.
  All of these activities promote learning partnerships between you, your peers, and the staff. This combination allows you to rapidly upskill and prepare for the exciting prospect of working in the Animation and VFX industry.