Course structure
Core modules
Acting for Animation
This module is an in-depth study of acting theory as applied to character animation.
The overall aim is to enable you to create convincing performances using animated characters.
You are encouraged to develop the basic acting principles through an analysis of live action and character animations in terms of the basic psychology of human emotion and acting performance. You learn to understand the differences and similarities of acting theory applied to animation and live action.
Throughout the module, you learn how to put your understanding of acting theory into practice. Using improvised and scripted acting techniques you plan and develop short character animation sequences.
Using the sound stage you have the opportunity to record both scripted and improvised performances and use these videos as reference for your animation.
At the end of the module you will have produced an integrated set of character animation exercises. This portfolio will be used for the purposes of assessment.
Body Mechanics
You explore the art and science behind body mechanics in animation. You research and analyse the movement of both humans and other elements and apply this knowledge in the production of convincing animation in 3D.
You study the physics of movement, human anatomy, internal and external forces as well as a professional animation workflow.
You develop a deep knowledge of animation workflow through a number of body mechanics exercises, and study and critically analyse a variety of animation styles from realistic to cartoon.
Assessment is a portfolio of body mechanics shots (70%) and an illustrated, reflective, blog (30%).
Creatures
Animated creatures can take many forms - from cartoon-styles with human personalities, to the recreation of realistic creatures in live action films.
You explore, use and critically analyse the techniques and tools available to today’s animators. You explore both the creative and technical skills required to produce creature (non-human) animation. This include areas such as weight, balance, anatomy and locomotion.
Assessment is a portfolio of creature animations, together with research and observations related to animal/creature behaviours and motions.
Facial Animation and Dialogue
You explore methodologies and techniques necessary to create animated facial performances to a professional quality.
You investigate advanced keyframe animation and performance capture pipelines, experimenting with each to create professional pieces of work.
You use audio and dialogue to further enhance the emotional and psychological engagement with the animated character.
You reflect on animation styles in the character performance.
Assessment is an individual portfolio, which includes an animated piece with dialogue to professional industry quality.
Visual and acoustic awareness is essential and knowledge of Autodesk Maya is desirable.
Master's Project: Animation
You undertake a major, in-depth, individual study in an aspect of your animation programme. Your project is drawn from appropriate commercial, industrial, artistic or research-based problem areas and involves research and investigation in relevant aspects of a very specific area of study followed by the production of a major deliverable portfolio of relevant practice based materials from the area of animation. You also produce a written report that contextualises and critically evaluates your final outputs.
Assessment is an ICA 100%. The major deliverable(s) are assessed through a viva. Your research, project process and evaluation is reported by an accompanying written report, which contextualises and evaluates the creative output.
Research and Development
You gain the knowledge and skills to understand the research process in computing and digital media, and the necessary skills to undertake your masters project. You learn how to use and critically evaluate previous academic research, and to generate good evidence material to justify their professional practice. This involves you learning about different research strategies and data generation methods and how they fit into the development lifecycle and the evaluation of the user experience, the use of the academic research literature, and research ethics.
Assessment involves you preparing a research proposal which can form the basis of your master's project.
Virtual Reality
You undertake a multidisciplinary group project where you apply your individual area of expertise to the platform of Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR). You focus on integrating and applying existing skills from multiple disciplines and applying them in a VR context. You research and develop a VR, AR or immersive experience. You research, analyse, and evaluate a broad range of VR and AR systems, as well as learning how to synthesise and reflect on your own contribution for immersive systems within your discipline.
Your assessment is 100% ICA, with a group project including product demonstration and actual immersive experience, an individual portfolio and individual written report.
Advanced practice (2 year full-time MA only)
Internship
The internship options are:
Vocational: spend one semester working full-time in industry or on placement in the University. We have close links with a range of national and international companies who could offer you the chance to develop your knowledge and professional skills in the workplace through an internship. Although we cannot guarantee internships, we will provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own internship position. A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge.
Research: develop your research and academic skills by undertaking a research internship within the University. Experience working as part of a research team in an academic setting. Ideal for those who are interested in a career in research or academia.
