BA (Hons) Animation with Foundation Year

The aim of the module is to introduce the activity of drawing as an essential practice in Animation. Aspects of drawing are also discussed in the wider context of art practice. Different approaches ranging from basic mark making, and expressive drawing through to life drawing and a variety of analytical methods are studied. The importance of observation will also be emphasised and this aspect is supported as a foundation for the development of more personal approaches in Animation. Explorations into how drawing aids the creative thought process are also pivotal to the module as the module sessions and assignment encourages the wider benefits of keeping a sketchbook that develops over time.

This module introduces you to the language of Film and Animation.   The main topic concerns the design and planning of films through editing, the skill of directing and its history and implementation.  You will engage with the range of skills needed to plan and direct an animated film.  The module will take you through the principles of taking charge of the process from initial idea to screen.   Editing of sound and picture are the focus of practical work that is expected to engage with creative planning and strong directorial skills. 

This module is about developing ideas for animation. All work begins with an idea, which may ultimately find its expression in narrative or non-narrative form, in fiction or non-fiction. This module will equip you with a set of strategies you can use to initiate, evaluate and develop ideas for practical projects. In the course of the module you will create several ideas, some of which you will develop further. Your ideas will be developed through scripting, storyboarding, developing animatics and interrogated through group critiques.

Character animation is a specialised area of animation which involves bringing characters to life. The role of a Character Animator is to animate a performance that is believable and appealing. This Module is the opportunity to learn and practice industry techniques in the character animation process.

This research and practice module introduces design and its use within games and animation production. Students will study and practice various design principles through digital drawing and image creation, resulting in a well-researched and contextualised creative portfolio of work.

Advanced Innovative Animation aims to advance the creative practice through research and practice. Study and analysis of innovative and experimental techniques will be driven by your interest in related professional practice. You will be invited to work either collaboratively or independently and encouraged to align your work to current industry practice. Assessed work will consist of a short animated film or selection of sequences.

This module focuses on methods used to create characters for the animation industry, and how the creative development processes can be adapted for individual creative needs. Over the course of study, you will develop characters, work in teams to adapt characters, and create a final character for animation. Core concepts of ideas generation, drawing, design, writing, drama, stereotypes and caricature will underpin a character that is believable and entertaining. & nbsp;

Innovative animation aims to develop creative practice through research and practice. Study and analysis of experimental techniques (both analogue and digital) will be complemented by practical group workshops demonstrating the various methods and approaches. Assessed work will consist of a range of animated experiments presented collaboratively.

The module focusses on developing ideas and writing for screen. You will undertake an in-depth study of story and screenplay and engage in visualising ideas for proposing a moving image project. There are opportunities in the module to learn how effective plots work, the importance of dramatic structures and the various narrative strategies that can be employed in the pursuit of making a high-standard cinematic work.  The range of story-telling from different cinematic cultures is also foregrounded.  You will have the opportunity to compare these alternative approaches which will help you to develop your own voice in the moving image industry.   

Visual Effects in film can be created using a number of film footage sequences sometimes in combination with CGI by using digital manipulation.  It can be used to achieve as well as enhance the reality of the filmed specacle. The Module introduces you to the application of VFX in Film and Animation.  You will learn a range of approaches to VFX by  using pictures and live action to produce a sequence of effects.  These include the use of dynamics, appropriate shot construction and framing through editing and compositing using post-production techniques. 

This module will include a clear and cogent relationship between your practice and research.This will be expressed through pre-production work, and production work on a final major piece of practical work. This can be made individually or collaboratively, and your workload negotiated with lecturers and peers. It will be monitored via group critiques, personal tutorials, your blog and online workflow tools.& nbsp;You will also be writing a 4000 word extended essay, which will site your area of practical investigation (animation direction or an area of particular specialisation) within an historical and contemporary context.

This module is a client based project that can incorporate& nbsp;your own particular creative& nbsp;interests and ambitions, and be used to further& nbsp;develop your specialist skills. This module is an opportunity& nbsp;for you to investigate, create, and solve problems to industry standards with the ultimate goal of satisfying a client. This module enables you to create a short piece of work to a high production standard that can be used as an& nbsp;outstanding piece of work for your graduation showreel. This module is also an opportunity for you to practice your communication skills at a professional level.

Professional Development is an opportunity to investigate your creative future; this module enables you to investigate various roles within creative industries and develop a research portfolio and action plan that strengthens your knowledge and confidence when making career choices. The practical element of this module is to produce a showreel, and a professional online presence. You will investigate and practice self-promotion and branding through presentations, CV development, business cards and mock interviews.