Course structure
Year 1 core modules
2D Animation
Through a series of animation exercises, you are provided with an opportunity to learn animation principles in a traditional animation studio setting. This takes place in the first six weeks. The application of animation principles to a short character sequence features in the remainder of the module.
Character and Set Design and Layout
You focus on production design for 2D and stop motion animation. The module will introduce the challenges associated with designing for 2D animation and the real-world context of stop motion production, and then follow a developmental process. A brief will be provided to form the basis of research that will lead to a creative solution for stop motion characters and set designs.
Compositing for Stop Motion
Compositing is an essential part of the current stop motion animation production process, and brings together elements such as dynamic action shots, camera moves, characters, crowds and extended sets to make compelling coherent imagery.
This module aims to introduce you to the tools and techniques required to successfully integrate on set stop motion animation, 3D computer generated sets and props, CG backgrounds, lighting and digital 2D matte painted backgrounds.
Drawing for Animation
You focus on 2D visualisation skills that will provide you with an appreciation of traditional and digital drawing. Making the transition from paper sketches to producing digital art is a key skill required in the modern creative industries. Whether designing characters, sketching thumbnails, environments or storyboards this module will equip you with a range of digital drawing skills to help you visualise and design original concepts using traditional drawing techniques for animation. Drawing from observation, anatomy, colour appreciation, composition, adding texture and digital image manipulation will feature using Photoshop and state-of-the-art digital drawing interfaces. Studying this module will also help you communicate visually with your peers and introduce visualisation conventions used in the animation industry.
Introduction to Stop Motion
You are introduced to some of the animation methods, materials and techniques used in stop-motion animation. You are guided through a series of exercises which explore an introductory range of stop-frame techniques for creating stop-motion animation and applying the principles of animation to the animation exercises.
You develop and animate short sequences such as 3D claymation, object animation, basic puppet animation, as well as using substitution or replacement shapes and cut-out shapes for stop-motion filming. In creating the animation sequences, you will also be introduced to using lighting and camera setups for stop-motion and capturing software.
Pre-vis and Cinematography
Pre-vis (short for pre-visualisation) including storyboarding and cinematography is essential when planning and visualising sequences for animation, live action or a combination of both.
In recent years pre-vis has become increasingly used for both animated and live action films. Some larger post-production companies now have dedicated pre-vis departments and a number of companies now exclusively specialise in pre-visualisation.
You are introduced to the context and art of cinematography and learn about basic film language. You learn the techniques for creating a static and moving storyboard (animatic) with sound, developing your drawing and visualisation skills and applying your knowledge of cinematography to your own work. You are also given an introduction to the 3D pre-vis process.
Year 2 core modules
2D Character Animation
You develop further the drawing and animation skills developed in year one with particular reference to character animation in a 2D environment.
You further develop your 2D character animation skills and learn how to animate creatures and non-character based objects. You also create special effects animation such as fire and water. All of this work reference real world observation, but you are also encouraged to develop your own visual style.
The assessment requires you to complete a portfolio of polished 2D animated exercises plus a final short animated piece.
Moviola
You work in teams to produce an animated short film to a given brief using either 2D animation or stop motion techniques. You gain experience of working within a production environment and provides you with an opportunity to target specific production skills within your chosen field of study.
Within the team you take on a specific role relevant to your subject speciality and in keeping with the production process usually found within industry .Each team will be allocated a member of staff as a project manager and will be scheduled to have regular compulsory team meetings.
Stop Motion
This module develops the animation methods, materials, techniques and principles used in stop-motion animation productions. Working to a creative brief and using suitable materials, objects, animate-able puppets or models and sets, you create a short animation sequence using a stop-motion technique of your choice.
You develop a stop-motion method such as 3D claymation, object animation, puppet animation, model animation, substitution or replacement shapes, cut-outs, pixilation and so on. In creating the animation sequence, the objects or characters used for the sequence may be animated within a physical set or green screen for combining with a 2D or 3D virtual set.
Storytelling, Acting and Performance
You gain a deep understanding of the role of acting, storytelling and performance in the creation of believable characters in animation. You also research storytelling, acting theory and principles; and develop confidence in performance through team based acting and improvisation sessions.
Toward Experimentation
You experiment in a chosen specialist area within the context of animation. These could include; lighting effects for stop-motion, VFX compositing for 2D and/or stop motion, animation theory, technical aspects of prop/puppet making or any other area of animation as agreed with the module tutors.
Optional work placement year
Work placement
You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking.
You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, and commercial awareness.
Many employers view a placement as a year-long interview, therefore placements are increasingly becoming an essential part of an organisation's pre-selection strategy in their graduate recruitment process. Benefits include:
· improved job prospects
· enhanced employment skills and improved career progression opportunities
· a higher starting salary than your full-time counterparts
· a better degree classification
· a richer CV
· a year's salary before completing your degree
· experience of workplace culture
· the opportunity to design and base your final-year project within a working environment.
If you are unable to secure a work placement with an employer, then you simply continue on a course without the work placement.
Final-year core modules
Final Year Project
The Final Year Project is a large-scale piece of work, undertaken under the supervision of a member of academic staff. The project involves the production of a substantial artefact related to your subject area.
You develop an appropriate sense of work-discipline coupled with a professional outlook and are expected to take responsibility for the planning and execution of an extended piece of work including the consideration of associated legal, social, ethical and professional issues. You explore a chosen subject area in depth and are required to demonstrate the ability to analyse, synthesise, and creatively apply what has already been studied on the programme whilst demonstrating critical and evaluative skills and professional awareness.
Professional Industry Practice
You work with students from a range of courses and build on your learning from years one and two and develop your chosen specialist skills through individual work as part of the production of the short film team project.
You engage with a range of advanced topics specific to areas covered on the course.
Short Film Production
You build on your learning and team work to produce a short film as group work and expand your professional development through individual research.
You produce a short film in the media of your choice, such as 3D animation, live action and visual effects, or 2D animation and stop motion. You work in individual production roles within small teams to create an original short film.
