BA (Hons) Animation

Summary 2012/13

• Experiment with a range of techniques and understand how traditional practices relate to contemporary digital animation;
• Learn how animation acts as a form of communication, and discuss new theories resulting from changes in technology;
• Produce a book of animation project work which will prepare you for working within the industry.

The evolution of digital technologies has led to a revival in animation techniques. Focusing on the practical and theoretical aspects of 2D and 3D digital animation, this degree investigates how new digital technologies have re-invented animation as a visual art-form, as a method of communication and as a commercial tool. You'll develop technical skills, a critical appreciation of animation and organisational and team working skills whilst enhancing your creativity.

2012 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, preferably to include creative arts subjects. The production of a creative arts portfolio can be credited with contributing 80 UCAS tariff points towards the total. The selection process normally includes an interview.

Details

Who is this course for?

Those wanting a structured, yet creative approach to animation study, combining academic excellence with practical experience in preparation for a career in the animation industry, or any creative or commercial area involving animation.

What will I gain from this programme?

The focus of this BA in Animation is on equipping you with the latest methods, processes and essential skills in animation production. The programme has a strong emphasis on design and creative production using both digital and traditional techniques. This degree also adopts a highly vocational approach to the subject and offers you the opportunity to network with key figures within the animation industry.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you'll explore the relationship between animation production and design, gaining a range of creative and practical animation skills. You'll cover scriptwriting, dramatic creation and film structure, learning how to develop ideas from conception to final production. You'll also consider visual culture as an important element within animation.

Year 2 develops your practical skills working on 3D and interactive and character animation. You'll also develop essential animation studio skills such as sound, lighting, post-production and SFX. You'll gain an understanding of media theory and its relevance to animation forms through the study of, and the relationship between, producers and audiences. Year 2 also offers a series of elective modules for developing specialist animation skills and techniques. These include CGI, stop motion and 2D and convergent animation.

Year 3 includes studio practice where you'll appreciate the real-life aspects of running and working in a professional animation studio. Guest speakers will engage you in evaluating the industry and encourage you to think about your future. You will create a substantial animation project demonstrating your ability and undertake an in-depth research project or dissertation in an area that interests you.

How will I study?

This degree adopts a vocational approach and coursework includes practical projects, essays, case studies and individual and group presentations. Tutors provide individual supervision and support and the course is supported by state of the art facilities including Apple Mac studios, television and animation studios and video editing suites.

Who will be teaching me?

You'll be taught by an experienced team with a wide range of interests and industry experience. Lecturers are research-active in animation and the media and have experience in using the variety of resources available to you.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be via written and practical assignments, research projects and individual and group presentations.

What are my career prospects?

The BA (Hons) in Animation prepares you for work across the industry, from animation houses and film studios to television and web companies. You will develop technical skills, a critical appreciation of animation, organisational ability and teamwork skills whilst also enhancing your creativity.

Related Programmes

• BA (Hons) Digital SFX Animation
• BA (Hons) Stop-Motion Animation

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

A range of exciting extra curricular activities have been developed by the Department of Media to underpin the knowledge and learning on our programmes; these include international study trips, festivals and visits to art galleries, such as the Tate and FACT.

The delivery of our animation course is supported by state of the art facilities, housing specialist Apple Mac Studios, in addition to the television studio and video editing.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

Students returning to education may present their previous experience in work (paid or unpaid) to support their application.

Students with relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about the course, please contact:

• Alex Jukes, Department of Media, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel. 01695 584847
• Email: jukesa@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

MED1204 Understanding Visual Cultures (20 credits) introduces you to ways in which you can think about, and thus critically examine the visual and visualisation. Engaging with a variety of theoretical approaches, you will be offered opportunities to actively engage with visual technologies and experiences and to apply and problematise critical approaches through reflection upon your experiences.

MED1213 Animation Production (20 credits) introduces you to a variety of associated animation production techniques including 2D animation, analysing 2D and 3D animation, digital and non-digital animation, transferring analogue to digital, rostrum camera production, using light boxes, scanning images, 2D CG animation techniques, stop motion animation techniques and timing for animation. The module specifically encourages the development of practical skills from traditional to digital.

MED1214 Drawing & Design for Animation (20 credits) offers the opportunity to develop a range of creative animation skills and production methods, both from a digital and traditional perspective. The module may include the following areas of study: life-drawing sessions, storyboard production, creative processes via drawing and rudimentary perspective skills.

MED1200 Script Writing (20 credits) examines particular demands of scriptwriting for the moving image and, in particular, scriptwriting for animation. During the module you will undertake a variety of exercises and practical writing projects designed to help encourage an appreciation of the processes of dramatic creation. Ideas will be developed from initial concept through to a final animation production and translation of a finished product.

MED 1215 Experimental & Convergent Animation (30 credits) provides an introduction to contemporary and traditional practises and establishes contexts for independent and commercial production. The module provides an opportunity to develop skills and concepts in relation to experimental animation production and research. You will explore the notion of an alternative vocabulary within animation production including innovative approaches to the aesthetics of motion, pacing, structure, visual design, colour, form and the interaction of image and sound. You will also investigate how digital animation environments can reinvent ‘classic’ approaches to production forming synergies between contemporary and traditional practices. This module introduces issues surrounding ‘new’ and ‘old’ within the context of artistic achievement, develops an insight into the historical lineage of experimentation into established processes and concepts and identifies contemporary examples, through production research.

MED 1216 What Is Animation? History & Context (10 credits) places animation within its historic and contemporary context and explores the concept of animation as a form of communication within today’s multifarious visual environment. Via both written and practical-based work you will investigate a broad range of animation styles and approaches including European and International animation texts. Developing your understanding and knowledge of animation production, you will be able to place your own production design work within an appropriate contemporary context.

Year 2

MED2224 Scriptwriting & Character Development (20 credits). Building on the knowledge gained in year 1 this module focuses on the discipline of both scriptwriting and character animation production. You will develop a variety of characteranimation production techniques and processes including 2D and 3D CG animation and develop your skills as a scriptwriter. The module may include the following subjects; life-drawing, facial animation, body language, concepts of movement and gesture, weight, balance and dynamics, caricature and expression (including facial expression and body language) and acting.

MED2211 SFX & Post-Production (20 credits) builds upon the skills-base accumulated throughout the programme and is designed to provide you with a high level of practical post-production techniques and skills as well as the ability to critically analyse screened SFX. The module may include the following subjects: advanced 3D effects, compositing and SFX techniques, and post production processes including blue-screen.

MED2226 Lighting, Sound & Art Direction (20 credits) gives you the opportunity to engage with the complex nature of lighting in both physical and virtual environments. Within the theoretical framework of the module you will explore the practical and dynamic effects of lighting and colour. The module provides the opportunity to further develop sound production skills acquired in year 1 and you will also consider the use of sound within the animation arena at a higher level of detail. During the module you will generate lighting and sound effects using a variety of techniques as a complement to animated sequences.

MED2227 Spectacles, Bodies and Other Pleasures: Concepts in Television, Animation and Film (20 credits). Animation, television and film are in a constant process of change, partially determined by new technologies, which is reflected in contemporary media theory. The module aims to bring these theories together by analysing the experience of the visual in contemporary media. It will thus draw attention to the increased emphasis on aesthetics in film and television theory, ideas of spectacle and the centrality of the body to the experience of different media. It will also reflect on issues of convergence, the global and divergence in relation to the visuality of media. You will gain a deeper insight into key concepts of animation, television and film by focusing on contemporary discourses in their historical context, further enhancing your understanding of film, animation and television whilst also developing your critical and analytical skills.

MED2228 Animation Studio Practice (20 credits). The notion of animation is now synonymous with a diverse range of industries, including television, cinema, advertising, computer games, design and the Internet. There is a high demand for animators to transfer multiple skills and strategies for this diverse practice. Animators are required to understand a broad range of technical applications, understand a diverse range of production roles and demonstrate knowledge of the needs in a variety of contemporary industrial animation practise. You will have the opportunity to experience multiple methods and processes and be encouraged to adopt multimedia approaches, integrating that learning into practical animation products. Within this experience you can recognise preferred working practices and relate your practice to vocational aspirations. Skills and knowledge of animation disciplines will be appraised through a combination of research projects and practical animation production.

You will also choose one of the following three modules:

MED2230 3D CGI: Principles, Process and Technology (20 credits) recognises the differing requirements demanded by a variety of digital animation formats such as computer games, online animation and mobile technologies with specific reference to 3D CGI animation and modeling. Subjects may include character animation for games, pre-rendered and real-time animation, creating 3D environments. This module enables you to begin to define an individual signature and design style in this arena of animation and place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for your studio practice work.

MED 2229 2D & Mixed media: Principles, Process and Technologies (20 credits) recognises the vast opportunities offered by contemporary 2D and related mixed media practises open to the modern animation designer. You will have the opportunity to explore the broad range of current, emergent and avant-garde animation practice and process in this field, alongside the expanding array of audience delivery options and their implications on the design process. This module empowers you to begin to define an individual signature and design style in this area of animation and to place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for studio practice work.

MED 2231 3D Stop-motion: Principles, Process and Technologies (20 credits) offers the opportunity of specialist study in the key aspects of contemporary stop-motion animation, from character animation and SFX processes to mixed and multi-media design practises for this field. This module aims to enable the student to begin to define an individual signature and design style in this arena of animation and to place their work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for their studio practice work.

Year 3

MED3125 Personal Specialism (60 credits) offers you the opportunity, under supervision, to develop a substantial animation project as well as undertake in-depth personal research relevant to that project. The work will allow you to explore areas of interest, investigate topics and explore a range of presentational forms explicitly linked to a main production project. The module consists of lectures, studio sessions, independent learning opportunities and 'masterclasses'.

MED3124 Studio Practice / Placement (30 credits) focuses on the real-life aspects of running and working with an animation studio. You will engage with important practical issues and essential professional practices including health and safety, copyright and project budgeting. The module is designed to provide you with real opportunities to meet and discuss the experiences of animation with professionals and also explores the range of opportunities for postgraduate study. Guest speakers will be a particularly important component of this part of the module and you will be encouraged to evaluate the realities of working within the animation industry, engaging in postgraduate study and being proactive in assessing your future. Key workshops on issues such as employment, interviews, networking, freelance work and finance will be offered throughout the module. You will also be given the opportunity to engage with industry in terms of both placement and live projects.

MED3202 Dissertation (30 credits) offers you the opportunity to undertake an in-depth personal research project, under supervision, which is relevant to animation. The work will allow you to explore areas of interest and investigate topics not explicitly addressed elsewhere (but related to) the study of animation. The module will encourage you to explore a range of presentational forms, appropriate to the project. You will gain a thorough knowledge of your chosen subject area and will be expected to shape that knowledge to produce a final submission that demonstrates your ability to locate material within the wider contexts of the subject of animation.