Animation

In this module, you will learn the fundamental principles of animation. Including Newton’s laws and the physics of bodies in motion and the effects of gravity. You will use the stop motion studio and 3D software to complete basic animation exercises that become progressively more challenging. You will learn the art of timing and spacing to convey belief and weight. These exercises are the core building blocks of the craft of animation and will form the bedrock for all further development.

This module will allow you to explore the context of risk taking and innovation in your digital design process. It will build a foundation to assess the pros and cons within a project's design and production journey, developing a culture of experimentation, innovation and collaboration.

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop a reflective practice and an awareness of contemporary animation with the ability to link theory and practice. You will undertake research within an area of animation which focuses on your interests and professional development. You will investigate contemporary practitioners, documenting this process and present your findings in a high quality document.

In this module you will build on the learning and skills developed in Animation 101 to introduce skills in character animation and performance. The use of arcs, easing and timing previously developed will be applied to 3D character rigs and physical stop motion puppets. You will learn how to emote and animate pose to pose before moving on to character walks, sneak, and acrobatics. This module will be underpinned by translating and animating based on reference material. In addition to enhancing your technical skills, you will learn to incorporate professional workflows and production practices whilst developing your individual creativity within a series of 3D CG character based exercises.

Storytelling encourages you to develop an understanding of narrative exploration for animation production. It will introduce playful approaches to idea development and experimentation. This module will emphasise the importance of story within animation production. You will be introduced to key storytelling conventions and methodologies in order to develop skills in creative writing and story formation. Drawing techniques will develop key skills in visual communication to allow for translation of story from script to screen.

This module encourages you to recognise the importance of documenting their creative practice in design and animation. It will introduce you to methods of reflective practice allowing them to consider process as an integral part of their creative output, to observe and analyse the making phases of production.

In this module you will build on the skills developed in Animation 102 to express moods, emotions and personality in a believable animated character performance. You will study character performance, body language, acting and general stagecraft and apply this new knowledge to a range of challenging character animations. The final portfolio will celebrate the personal level of creativity and expression.

You will select and explore a specific area of study within the field of animation production and develop an identity - skills required in your chosen specialism. You will produce a substantial body of work that demonstrates independent thought and innovation. Areas of study may include: script writing, concept work, model making, environment and character design, story board, VFX, performance, animation, sound design.

You will be encouraged to produce a high quality prototype animation for a client. You may also respond to a live brief such as those set by the RSA. You will produce work in a simulated employment relationship.

This module is the second in a series of three focusing on reflective practice and the art of the ‘making of’. You will implement and build on previous experience by applying reflective practice to your individual creative outputs produced in other modules. Emphasis is placed on analysis of how you make work and the processes involved. You will incorporate basic design principles and editing techniques in this work to extend your storytelling and communication skill set.

The module will develop your awareness of the benefits of collaborative practice between different specialisms and the relationship between design and business. Where possible, the module will allow you to work on an engaging project alongside a live client and/or collaborate with other programmes within the school or wider University. 

Phase One acts as the planning phase of the Negotiated Project, the final opportunity for you to produce an industry facing professional standard project. You will work in a group and follow a process of exploration and interpretation to generate multiple ideas and develop an appropriate project. Core planning of story and first phase assets will be developed and signed off at this stage to allow for production in Phase Two.

Core aims of this module include refining your ability to develop clear visual concepts for a proposed artefact as well as providing you with experience in producing production plans and schedules. By working on a practice based project to a professional standard, you will build up advanced competencies within at least one specialist area e.g. storyboarding, narrative, 2D/3D graphics, programming or animation. As a result of your studies, you will enhance your ability to work effectively in teams and communicate fluently and accurately in relation to digital media production.

This module will form the final portion of the negotiated project. Using the research, experimentation and pre-production planning from Phase One you will move into a production phase where you will work in a studio environment to deliver your final project. You will be supported throughout by a panel of staff and you could also invite experts from industry to act as ‘external producers’ who provide guidance for delivering the final animated film.

This module is the final in a series of three focusing on reflective practice and the art of the ‘making of’. The module continues to encourage you to recognise the importance of documenting and analysing creative practice in design and animation. In this final stage, you will continue to implement and build on your previous experience by applying reflective practice to creative production developed within previous modules. Through the application of basic design, storytelling and film editing principles and techniques you will communicate the journey of your final project. The ‘Making of’ acts as a supporting document to the Negotiated Project; reflecting the importance, scale and quality of work produced during year three of the course.

In this module you will develop a digital portfolio of work that will demonstrate your expertise in one or more specialist areas. The portfolio can either be traditional, digital, or a combination of both forms. This module will also prepare you for work by enhancing your presentation and communications skills as well as your talents and abilities.