AAS College

BA (Hons) Animation

Year 1

The World of Animation

This module introduces students to a range of concepts and theories required to gain a comprehensive understanding of animation history in a broader context, as well as its impact and effects. This enables students to develop their independent thinking skills, communication skills via informed debate and writing and presentation skills.

Animation Studio

This module introduces the core themes of animation giving students a strong knowledge base upon which to build the skills necessary to succeed, both in the animation industry and on the course. On completion students will have grown as artists and personally through collaboration with both their peers and staff.

3D Digital Literacy

This module is about introducing students to the theory and practice of how 3D art is created, introducing them to the terminology used in the 3d graphics industries and then exploring the key techniques needed to create 3D graphics themselves. This helps in preparing students for creating their own 3D characters and worlds in the second semester DES133 Animated Narratives module and beyond throughout the rest of the course.

Animated Narratives

This module provides an important foundation in the methods of exploring the impact linear and non-linear narrative has had in the development of animation and how it will affect future design evolutions within the discipline. There is a strong emphasis on the development of storyboards and previsualisations for pre-production towards animation-based outcomes as a vehicle for exploration and discovery. This module helps inform animation practice as students proceed into year two of the animation course.

Year 2

Animation Discourse

Students complete this module having obtained a clear understanding of how the various practices and processes of animation are discussed both critically and academically. Students also gain a wider perspective on the numerous and often overlooked concerns facing practitioners in this field. In addition to this, students build on previous Level 4 “critical skills” development while concurrently preparing for Level 6 “Animation Dissertation/Report.”

Animation Strategies

This module looks to build on skills and learning outcomes obtained from the first year. Individual skills-based projects and workshops will enable students to develop their ability in character animation techniques & theory. The depth, range and quality of their practice and reflection will be evidenced through the documentation of their working processes. The module offers essential study skills in 2D and 3D Character Animation performance that will help them throughout the 2nd year and progression to the final year.

Animation for the Creative Industries

This studio-based module expands and focuses on prototyping, evaluation and refinement of design for animation, games, VFX, and Virtual Production. Students will inform their practice through directly witnessing and experiencing aspects of behaviour in the real world as a way of inspiring and informing design decisions. Further to this, students who have completed all modules will be able to look at Industry Placement, International Academic Studies or progression to the final year.

Character Creation

This practice-based module expands on the student’s design, modelling, sculpting, and texturing skills and focuses on developing believable characters and creatures geared towards Animation, VFX, and games. Students will inform their practice through research, critical analysis of visual references, anatomical consideration, and character design visual literacy to refine their understanding of the creative and technical requirements of character/creature design and development.

Year 3

Animation Dissertation/Report

The student-led nature of this module, through researching and writing a dissertation or industry report, will develop intellectual confidence and self-expression.

Dissertation is text-based and facilitates a broader understanding of the context of animation practice and the broader themes using theoretical debates and analytical methodologies.

Industry Report requires students to make an analysis of industry standards or procedures, and to identify and justify how their own studio practice fits into an emerging or established field.

Creative Futures

Graduates seeking careers within the highly competitive animation industry require the ability to promote themselves professionally through many diverse channels. This module prepares the students' self-branding appropriate to the animation industry using both traditional and digital methods.

Major Project

This module is project-based. It consists of a major piece of design work whose topic is chosen by the student under the supervision of the module coordinator. The major project will form a major part of the student’s portfolio of work and is the culmination of the course. This 80 credit module spans two semesters and allows for ambition, risk-taking and continuity, which is reflective of practice in the professional field. This will prepare you for the rigours of postgraduate study and industry practice.

On the BA(Hons) Animation course we are aiming to produce animators capable of entering the industry in the creative department of it or working as artist animators, directors and games designers – amongst other things.

Many of our graduates have careers with major design consultancies and animation companies. Successful students may also wish to continue their studies on MA Degree to further enhance their knowledge and skills base, exploring new and innovative areas of design.

With this degree, you could become:

• Character Animator
• Concept Artist
• Modeller
• Storyboard Artist
• Technical Director
• Visual FX Artist
• 3D generalist