Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BA (Hons) in Animation

Program outline

This program is specifically designed to provide students with:

Solid animation and design fundamentals, strong technical skills, critical, analytical thinking skills, and good communication skills with the aim to produce qualified graduates.

Degre level 1

Year 1 focuses on many aspects of the fundamentals in animation and design skillsets in the creative industry, especially in the animation field. You will explore thoroughly different animation techniques ranging from 2D traditional to CG animation.

Common modules

• Illustration for Concept Art
• 3D Pipeline
• Creative Project

Specialized modules

• Animation Principles
• Digital 2D Animation
• Digital 3D Animation
• Digital Illustration
• Motion Graphics

Degre level 2

Year 2 involves the development of animated content in greater depth, that emphasizes critical and analytical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. This includes character creation, character performance, motion design, rigging, effects, and simulation. You will also gain production experience through industrial training towards the end of the second year.

Common modules

• From Script to Screen
• Digital Film Production
• Effects & Simulation
• Rigging for Animation
• Visual Culture

Specialized modules

• Film Shorts & Stings: Proposal
• Film Shorts & Stings: Production
• Character Creation
• Facial Animation & Lip-synching
• Character Animation

Internship (16 weeks)

Students will undertake a short Internship/ Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Degre level 3

In Year 3, you will be specialized in your area of interest to produce a series of animation project which showcases your significant talent and ability to work in a team. Emphasis is placed on professional practice in preparation for graduation and greater employment prospect through animation.

Common modules

• Sound Design
• Animation Techniques for Games
• Research Project Report
• Design Futures
• Exhibition Design

Specialized modules

• Animation Project: Proposal
• Animation Project: Production
• Team Animation Project: Proposal
• Team Animation Project: Production

MQA compulsory subjects*

• Ethnic Relations (M’sian Students)
• Islamic & Asian Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malaysian Studies (Int’l Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Workplace Professional Communication Skills
• Employee & Employment Trends
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.)

“Animation can explain whatever the mind of man can conceive.” - Walt Disney

Animation is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. It has been a huge technological development in the last decade, from traditional 2D hand-drawn to digital 3D animation. In today’s digital world, the application of animation isn’t simply restricted to films. It facilitates exciting career opportunities in various sectors like Advertising, Print media, TV production, and Gaming.

This program aims to:

• Develop you as a creative animator. The animation route offers the opportunity to specialize in modeling, animating, and compositing-based applications in the creation of character filmmaking.
• Focus on many aspects of the fundamental animation processes and design skillsets in the creative industry, while exploring different animation techniques ranging from 2D traditional to CG animation.
• Involving you in the development of animated content, with emphasis on critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• You will also gain production experience through industrial training as the emphasis is placed on professional practice for greater employment prospects through animation.

Career options

• 2D Animator
• 3D Animator
• Concept Artist
• Storyboard Artist
• 3D Modeller
• Production Designer
• Look Development Artist
• Set Designer
• 2D Rigging Artist
• 3D Technical Artist
• Visual Effect Artist
• Motion Graphic Designer
• Compositor
• Video Editor
• Script Writer
• Production Coordinator
• Animation Director
• Producer