Structure
Course Structure
Professional studio practice forms the basis of the course and practical workshop-based learning is an important aspect, providing a hands-on approach to understanding animation. Learners will be encouraged to think creatively and apply an innovative approach to problem solving throughout.
All students take part in a common first year that includes an extensive drawing module and practical workshops. During the second year, their newly acquired animation skills will be applied to a range of contemporary industry-relevant projects. Eventually students will be expected to develop individual projects that are designed to test their own expertise in a chosen area of specialisation.
The course is delivered by experienced staff who have years of industry experience. These include practising animators, CGI specialists and visual communication experts. The programme also benefits from dedicated technical support staff.
The programme seeks to deliver a learning experience that places equal emphasis on the ‘Visual’ as it does on the ‘Communication’. Considering in-depth, visual communication factors, such as audience, context and form (medium), performance, intention and the construction and presentation of meaning through Animation, (including Animation for Games Design).
Students will have access to a conducive learning environment which includes dedicated animation studios, digital imaging suites, computer labs, printmaking, photographic studios, sound studio, green screen room, motion control camera, motion capture, 3D printing and laser cutting facilities.
Modules
The courses have a distinct emphasis at each level of study which, when combined, will provide a comprehensive range of skills designed to secure professional positions as commercial animators and/or practitioners in closely related professions. In broad terms, the emphasis is:
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Animation principles and skills
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Visual communication and skills
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Professional practice (employability) including vocational awareness
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Year 1 (Level 4)
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Year 2 (Level 5)
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Year 3 (Level 6)
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Modules are aligned in order to create an, ‘integrated learning model’ where theory and practice are mutually supportive and beneficial. The course is content driven and formal content is made explicit at all stages of the programme.
Level 4 (Year 1) introduces students to the fundamental animation principles and skills plus knowledge of the history and development of animation. Students would have opportunities to explore various approaches to animation from 2D Animation to StopMotion and CGI.
Collaborative, Interactive Paper Laptop, Level 4 2010/11
Keanu Jones, Dinozilla, Level 4 2010/11
Level 5 (Year 2) emphasises on visual communication and application of animation in
this context through individual, collaborative projects and live briefs.
Collaborations involves cross faculties and externally through engagement with
festivals, competitions and practitioners.
Jennifer Padgett, Feel Good Drinks, Level 5 2009/2010
Kieran Merkman, Cartoon Network ident, Level 5 2009/2010
Level 6 (Year 3) prepares students in areas of Professional practice
(Employability), self-promotion and specialisation.
Ben Smallman, Tales of Beardyman, Level 6 2009/11
Jennifer Padgett,
Lightning in a Bottle, Level 6 2010/11)
Assessments
A range of flexible assessment methods will be used, including the use of online learning tools and resources.
Placements
Students will have the opportunity to study abroad in exchange programmes, participate in regular field trips to festivals and other off-site events and attend specialist guest lectures, all of which will enrich and enhance the learning experience.