Animation is one of the fastest growing industries in the world which will increasingly feature in our every day lives. With technological development at the stage they are today it proves impossible to tell truth from fiction.
Animators can be responsible for any or all aspects of feature film production through to the manufacture of models, photo sets, computer generated images, art direction, commercial material and advertisements. The design of CD Roms, Web Pages and short animated title sequences provide other opportunities for the animators to apply their skill.
This unique course is designed to help you create animated characters and narrative that not only capture the imagination of an audience but have an awareness of the social and cultural place within that art form. From day one, projects focus on the specialist skills needed to create animated films. 3D stop-motion, model-making and puppet production, 2D cell, illustrative and computer-generated animation are covered. Opportunity for individuality and personal expression is provided throughout the course. At the end of the final year, work will be exhibited in a degree show screening.
The course introduces you to the discipline, it encourages you to explore and specialise in the specific area of Animation that particularly interests you.
Programme of Study
This unique course is designed to help you create animated characters that capture the imagination of an audience through contemporary narrative film and video processes. From day one the projects focus on the specialist skills of animation. 3D stop-motion, model making and puppet production, 2D cell, illustrative and computer-generated animation, are covered. High calibre technical and creative tuition is central to the student learning experience. Opportunity for individuality and personal expression is provided throughout the course.
Animation is primarily concerned with the making of moving images in order to communicate something – ideas, sensations, facts, feelings, emotions and stories, the range is limitless! Our definition of animation is very wide indeed and work can be drawing based – though collage, mixed media, photography, or 3D based-modeling in a range of materials – clay, glass, metal, plastics, textile and wood, or any other appropriate material. We want each individual to discover their own particular visual language and for this reason the pursuit of personal work is an important requirement of the course.
Course Content
This distinctive course is run by professionals from the animation industry and is rooted in creative thinking and self expression accompanied by a good technical knowledge of current industry practices including script-writing, character design, storyboarding, animating, editing and sound design. This unique course has fantastic facilities and studios catering for CGI, stop frame, 2D, illustrative, set building, model making and sound recording, editing, and sound design. The students are given opportunities to work on individual projects as well as 'live' projects in groups for real companies.
Year one introduces “creative thinking” as a means of idea generation, drawing as a basic skill, photography, image manipulation, modeling (in the broadest sense) and technologies – both modern and ancient. The modules you are taught are:
Introduction to Animation
Creative Thinking
Historical Contextual Studies
Plus one elective module
In the second year the course themes and skills are developed further and it is anticipated that you will begin to identify the areas that are of particular interest to you. Animation as art form, animation as illustration and animation as a story telling device are all explored. The modules you are taught are:
Animation Exploration
Animation Production
Contemporary Contextual Studies
Plus one elective module
Year three provides space for individuality, creativity and development. Both set and personal project work is undertaken. At the end of the year the work that you produce will be exhibited in a “degree” show. The modules you are taught are:
Honours Project
Animation Research and Development
Animation Production
Contextual Studies - Design Futures