Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

You are introduced to the creative possibilities of image-making using digital tools. Study the fundamental principles of design and composition, and explore a range of image creation techniques. Use appropriate graphics software to improve your technical skills incorporating layers, composition, colour, linework and lighting.

This is a 30-credit module.

Focusing on computer games, animation and film, you gain an introductory level of understanding in the context of your chosen field of study. As well as looking at the historical and context of these, you observe how we interpret these types of media historically and materially. Choose a text within your area of interest, undertaking an analytical review in the form of a case study.

This is a 30-credit module.

Learn to create imagery using traditional and digital drawing tools. Develop your drawing techniques and creative interpretations of themes including figure drawing, still life, perspective and character, creature and environment design. You are supported to produce images that effectively communicate visual ideas.

This is a 30-credit module.

You produce an individual project with guidance from your tutor. Gain independent working and project management skills, developing original ideas and concepts in your chosen field. This could be in the form of a piece of concept art, animation or another appropriate form related to creative industries.

This is a 30-credit module.

The principles of animation are the foundation stone for any animator. Originally created by Disney animators, they have been used by generations of 2D and 3D animators to create movies, TV series, games, and commercials. You are introduced to the principles in both 2D and 3D, before applying them to your chosen area of specialism.

This is a 30-credit module.

You are introduced to computer generated asset production and look at development pipelines. You learn how to model, unwrap, texture, light and render 3D assets that are production-ready. Hone your observational skills by analysing real-world objects and materials, then apply them to create digital models using a variety of tools and techniques.

This is a 30-credit module.

You are introduced to the technical areas of animation and VFX production. Gain an understanding of the practical skills you need to create animation-ready rigs. As an animation student, you explore the motion capture pipeline and working in a real-time environment. As a VFX and motion graphics student, you learn how to augment character-based animations by adding cloth, hair and fur.

This is a 30-credit module.

When planning and visualising sequences for animation and live action, you need to understand the pre-production process, and the tools and techniques you can use. You are introduced to the art of cinematography, focusing on film language, shot composition, camera moves and lighting. You develop your own visual interpretation of a script or narrative, then produce a moving storyboard, known as an animatic.

This is a 30-credit module.

If you are studying animation you learn how to plan, rehearse and direct actors on a motion capture stage, using both full body and facial capture performances, and a combination of hardware and software.

If you’re studying visual effects and motion graphics, you explore VFX and digital compositing pipeline in a range of contexts, from initial planning and acquisition to the final output of a finished shot.

You cover the fundamental techniques you need to produce exciting visual imagery using industry-standard software. And you develop skills in creating seamlessly composited motion sequences, integrating live action, computer generated content and photographed elements.

This is a 30-credit module.

Develop your animation skills in line with your chosen field of study across two parts. In part one, animation students explore creature and character animation techniques, while visual effects and motion graphics students explore effects animation.

The second part introduces you to motion graphics and motion design tools and techniques, enabling you to apply them to an industry brief.

This is a 30-credit module.

You work in a team to produce an animation or visual effects sequence based on an industry style brief. Experience working in a production environment with industry input and feedback, and target specific production skills in your chosen field of study.

This is a 30-credit module.

You get the opportunity to experiment in a specialist area of your choice in animation, games and visual effects. Develop your independent learning skills and take ownership of your chosen direction through the assessment. You also research professional roles related to your specialism, identifying the graduate skills you need and developing an online presence.

This is a 30-credit module.

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.

Work alongside your project supervisor to develop a large-scale piece of individual work relating to your chosen specialism and career aims.

This is a 60-credit module.

Experience working as a member of a games development team, in a setup that is as close to industrial practice as possible. You work in groups to construct a working game demo in a current game engine. You consider standard industry practices that consider multiplayer gaming threats, user safety, cheating and data security.

This is a 30-credit module.

You choose from a selection of briefs which reflect specialist industry roles, such as realistic creature animation, effects simulation or puppet making. Explore your specialism and develop your professional skills such as pitching ideas, costing and scheduling, working to a tight brief and responding to client changes.

This is a 30-credit module.

You work in a team to produce a short film or visual effects sequence in a style of your choice. It could be a high-end visual effects sequence, a motion graphics title sequence or a short film. Each member takes on a production role to mimic the industry pipeline. You gain experience of teamwork, and a showpiece for your portfolio.

This is a 30-credit module.