Animation – (B.A.)

Contents

Syllabus (11/12*)

Year 1

Establishes a firm base of fundamental animation skills and an understanding of how to apply these skills.

* Animation principles - teaches you the fundamental principles and techniques of animation and the exploration of drawing in the expression of ideas. Specifically, it will deal with the relationship of drawing to movement.
* Digital skills one - provides you with an opportunity to gain a practical understanding of the fundamentals of computer animation.
* Framing animation - introduces key concepts in media and cultural theory central to reading and thinking about moving image in general and animation in particular.
* Movement, story and structure - further development of the established craft skills of animation.
* Digital skills two - teaches you the basics of 3D computer animation and 3D software.
* Mediation and meaning - extends and develops the key concepts and critical debates

Year 2

During this stage of the course you have the chance to deepen your study and develop specialist areas of interest using knowledge and skills gained in year 1. There is also the opportunity to work with digital media which reflects the growing developments in this area.

* The short film - you undertake a significant project, which will be both suitable and appropriate for submission to a festival or a response to an outside commission or competition.
* Advanced digital techniques - familiarises you with the concepts and advanced digital techniques in relation to computer animation. Two specialist pathways offered for this unit in 2D or 3D computer animation.
* Historical perspectives - explores the historical progression of the medium through its systems, institutions and practices through the study of key artists, practitioners, studios, and the works they have produced.
* Research and concept - research may include expanding your existing technical skills or experimenting with new techniques and to this end, a wide range of approaches to animation production will be examined.
* Sound and vision - explores the relationship between sound and image. Your soundtracks are a vital component of your films and this is where you will be required to develop a high quality soundtrack from a variety of sources (both found and self generated) to accompany and enhance a sequence of images.
* Contemporary contexts / dissertation proposal - workshops and lectures in preparation for your dissertation.

Year 3

You undertake a dissertation as well as major projects and a final destination project focused on employment.

* Proposal, pitch & pre-production - first step towards making your final animated film, your opportunity to propose, develop and refine your ideas.
* Dissertation - a substantial period of self-directed research on a subject that is related to the historical, theoretical or critical concerns of your discipline or professional area.
* Final film - you are expected to produce a graduation film. This major piece of work is the summation of your learning during your course and should draw upon all of the creative, technical and theoretical knowledge that you have gained.
* Destinations - equips you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to present yourself to potential employers in the best possible way.

* Please note the syllabus content is for the academic year indicated and is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.