Undergraduate study
     

Animation, Games & Computer Graphics

BA (Hons) Computer Character Animation

  • Length: 3/4 years
  • UCAS code: G455 BA/CCA
  • Typical offer: 260-320 tariff points
 

Character animation is different from other areas of animation creation as it involves the creation of apparent thought and emotion in addition to the physical action of the character. Without this the humour, eccentricity, energy, sadness or fear in a character would not be communicated.

At Teesside we place great importance on drawing skills, observation and the principles of animation such as squash and stretch, anticipation, timing and staging, and the principles of animation.

At Pixar one of the skills at the top of their wish list is acting; here at Teesside, every character animation student is taught acting theory and body language as applied to animated characters.

As well as learning to animate characters convincingly we also develop your creative talent by enabling you to design, model and rig your own characters.

If you want to combine your artistic talents with an interest in creating computer characters and create physically and emotionally compelling computer -generated characters, then this course gives you the skills.

You learn traditional character animation skills as well as using the latest state-of-the-art techniques. Particular emphasis is placed on:

  • 2D and 3D character animation
  • character design and modelling
  • acting
  • scriptwriting/storytelling
  • professional studio practice.


*This course has a Foundation Year for applicants who don’t meet the requirements for Year 1 entry. Limited places are available.

Foundation Year Games and Animation

How you learn

For each module you are studying you will be expected to attend a lecture and a tutorial session each week. Early tutorials will focus on developing skills. In the later tutorials you will be working on assessments and using this time to get feedback and advice from tutors.

You will be expected to manage your time to complete work outside the tutorial sessions. In your final year, the Practical Project allows you the freedom to set your own project based on your skills and interests.

How you are assessed

Assessment for all modules will be in the form of practical projects, which you work on throughout the year.

Professional placement

You may apply to take a year-long supervised work placement between your second and final years. Placements provide an opportunity for you to improve your employment prospects by developing new skills and deepening your understanding of the subject.

The placement year is assessed and contributes to your final degree award. Students are selected by employers through interview and are normally paid by the host organisation during the placement.

Career opportunities

You will learn the skills you will need for a career in film and TV, the multimedia and games industries, advertising or visualisation. Graduates from our computer animation degrees have gone on to enjoy careers with a wide range of companies including Double Negative, Moving Picture Company and Framestore.

Entry requirements

A typical offer will be 260-320 tariff points which must include at least two A levels or equivalent.

Normally you will be expected to attend an interview.

You must also be able to show evidence of artistic ability with either an art-based qualification or a portfolio of work.

If you apply for a course for which your educational background is inappropriate, you may receive an offer in a related but more suitable area.

For additional information please see the standard University entry requirements.

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Part-time study not available

Modules

Computer Character Animation

Year 1 core modules

Year 2 core modules

and two optional modules

Final-year core modules

and one optional module

or one selected from the final year catalogue.

Modules offered may vary.