BA (Hons) Stop-Motion Animation

Summary 2012/13

• Practical skills, technical aspects and studio practice combine to give you a solid grounding in animation;
• An opportunity to work directly with industry on practical, client-led briefs;
• A large-scale project allows you to understand running and working with an animation studio.

Stop-motion has a long and recognisable history, but the evolution of digital technologies has given rise to its renaissance within the field of animation. It is a diverse area requiring technical and creative skills and our degree will give you the opportunity to experiment with a range of stop-motion techniques and understand how traditional practices relate to contemporary digital animation.

You have the opportunity to produce a portfolio of animation project work which will prepare you for working in the industry as well as discovering how stop-motion acts as a communications tool and discussing new theories resulting from changes in technology.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 UCAS tariff points, 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.

Summary 2013/14

• Practical skills, technical aspects and studio practice combine to give you a solid grounding in animation;
• An opportunity to work directly with industry on practical, client-led briefs;
• A large-scale project allows you to understand running and working with an animation studio.

Stop-motion has a long and recognisable history, but the evolution of digital technologies has given rise to its renaissance within the field of animation. It is a diverse area requiring technical and creative skills and our degree will give you the opportunity to experiment with a range of stop-motion techniques and understand how traditional practices relate to contemporary digital animation.

You have the opportunity to produce a portfolio of animation project work which will prepare you for working in the industry as well as discovering how stop-motion acts as a communications tool and discussing new theories resulting from changes in technology.

2013 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 UCAS tariff points, 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?

If you want to adopt a structured yet creative approach to learning the craft of stop-motion animation, combining practical experience with academic excellence, then this programme is for you. It will be ideal preparation for a career in the animation industry, or any creative or commercial area involving animation.

What will I gain from this programme?

This degree will equip you with the latest methods, processes and essential skills in stop-motion production. There is a strong emphasis on design and creative production using both digital and traditional techniques. The programme also adopts a highly vocational approach and offers you the opportunity to network with key figures within the animation industry.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will explore the specialist area of stop-motion animation production and design, developing skills in scriptwriting for animation and film structure. You will also be introduced to the notion of visual culture as an important element within animation studies.

Year 2 develops your skills to include 3D and character animation, interactive animation and essential studio practice, including technical aspects such as lighting and sound techniques for animation. You will gain an understanding of media theory and its relevance to animation forms through the study of narrative, genre, representation and the relationship between producers and audiences. During years 2 and 3 you will be given the opportunity to liaise directly with industry where you will be working to industry-related briefs.

Year 3 focuses on creating a substantial animation project, considers the real-life aspects of running and working with an animation studio. As well as this you will undertake an in-depth personal research project.

How will I study?

This degree adopts a highly vocational approach to the subject. Coursework includes practical projects, essays, case studies, individual and group presentations as well as a dissertation. Tutors provide support for individual supervision, directed reading/study and student-directed study.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by an experienced, research-active team with a wide range of interests and experience in the industry.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of written and practical assignments, research projects and individual and group presentations.

What are my career prospects?

This degree prepares you to 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. You will also enhance your creativity.

Related Programmes

• BA (Hons) Animation
• BA (Hons) Digital SFX 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 1,400 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.

The delivery of this Stop-Motion Animation degree is supported by state of the art facilities, housing specialist Apple Mac Studios, industry standard animation equipment as well as a television studio and video editing suite.

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.

How do I apply?

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

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply 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?

If you are returning to education, you may present previous work experience (paid or voluntary) to support your application.

If you have relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course you 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:

• Andrew Sugden, Media Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584847
• Email: sugdena@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 critically examine the visual and visualisation. Covering a variety of theoretical approaches, you will be offered opportunities to actively engage with visual technologies and experiences, applying and problematising critical approaches through reflection upon your experiences.

MED1062 Stop-Motion Studio Practice (20 credits) provides an introduction to the design principles, production processes and craft skills for stop-motion animation.

Within a stop-motion context, practical workshops will equip you with an essential foundation within which to establish connections between various animation processes and motivations. You will start to develop a range of creative animation skills and production methods for stop-motion, both from a digital and traditional perspective.

The module also introduces you to a variety of associated animation production techniques including 2D and CGI animation and their relationship to stop-motion studio practice.

MED1214 Drawing and Design for Animation (20 credits) develops a range of creative animation skills and production methods, both from a digital and traditional perspective. The module may include life-drawing sessions, storyboard production, creative processes via drawing and rudimentary perspective skills.

MED1200 Scriptwriting (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 final animation production and translation of a finished product.

MED1215 Experimental & Convergent Animation (30 credits) provides an introduction to contemporary and traditional practices and establishes contexts for independent and commercial production, developing 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.

MED1216 What Is Animation? History & Context (10 credits) places animation within its historical 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 character-animation 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.

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 to complement 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 brings 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.

MED2231 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 multimedia design practices for this field.

The module will enable you to start to define an individual signature and design style in this area of animation and to place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for your studio practice.

MED2103 Stop-Motion Design & Production Practice (40 credits) offers the opportunity for significant specialist study and engagement with stop-motion design and production practices.

This module will enable you to build upon, attain, define and refine an individual signature, design style and production approach in the arena of stop-motion animation and place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts.

Alongside in-depth pre-production, production practice and post production exercises, a significant aspect of study will focus on critically evaluating and reflecting upon your work.

Year 3

MED3101/3102 Personal Specialism (60 credits) offers you the opportunity, under supervision, to develop a substantial animation project and undertake an in-depth personal research task 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. It also explores the range of opportunities for postgraduate study.

Guest speakers will be a particularly important component of this 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) involves undertaking 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.