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, document 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 focuses on developing preproduction skills in character design for animation, incorporating life drawing to enhance understanding of anatomy, proportions, and dynamic poses. Students will explore the creative and technical aspects of designing characters for animated storytelling across 2D, 3D and Stop-motion mediums, producing industry-standard preproduction materials such as model sheets, expressions, turnarounds, and concept art. By integrating observational drawing and maintaining a sketch diary, students will learn to create compelling and production-ready characters.

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, storyboard, VFX, performance, animation, and 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 introduces students to the principles and techniques of motion design, focusing on the creation of dynamic visual content for digital media. Through a combination of theory and practical workshops, students will explore the core concepts of 2D and 3D animation, kinetic typography and visual design and apply these to create compelling motion graphics for various. The module will emphasize the role of storytelling in motion design, encouraging students to develop a portfolio of motion graphics projects including but not limited to opening sequences, instructional videos and musical videos, that demonstrate their technical skills and creative abilities, ready to be showcased in professional environments.

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. 

Running in conjunction with the Specialist Animation Studies Module, this module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in animation production, from pre-production to final delivery. The module will offer students a choice to undertake 2D, 3D and Stop-motion pipelines, with a focus on adapting to new technologies and problem-solving. Students will learn how to manage and optimize workflows, using industry-standard software and tools to undertake and streamline asset creation, animation, and post-production. Through practical demonstrations and workshops, students will develop the skills needed for professional animation pipeline management in independent or studio settings.

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 the story and first-phase assets will be developed and signed off at this stage to allow for production in Phase Two.

The 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 the industry to act as ‘external producers’ who provide guidance for delivering the final animated film. 

This module equips students with the skills, knowledge, and professional tools needed to transition from academic study to a career in animation and related creative industries. Through the development of a portfolio and showreel, students will showcase their creative and technical abilities, demonstrating industry standards skills and individual style. The module also focuses on employability skills, including networking, self-promotion, and career planning, helping students position themselves confidently within the competitive animation landscape.