BA (Hons) Animation.
UCAS Code W615
Mike Smith 0113 202 8000 mike.smith@leeds-art.ac.uk
BA (Hons.) Animation.
This programme is new for 2013. Building on the very successful animation elements of our Graphic Design and former Digital Film, Games & Animation degrees, it enables us to focus on the very latest practices, techniques and trends. An ideas-driven course, it will teach you to use traditional and new practices including storyboarding, stop-frame animation, 2D and 3D digital production skills as well as motion capture technologies. You’ll learn to build your own practice as an animator, gaining experience, advice and inspiration from our excellent industry links. A huge range of careers beckons—from TV, film and 2D/3D animated shorts to the internet, apps, gaming and interactive technologies.
Course validated by the Open University.
Working in a fast-paced studio environment as part of a small group of highly motivated students, you’ll consider how to solve problems using animation, focusing on character and narrative. This is very much a hands-on approach rather than purely computer-based. You will study traditional and historical forms of animation, moving through storyboarding to proficiency with modern techniques, including cutting-edge motion capture. You will challenge what animation has been and could be, working collaboratively as well as developing your own creative practice.
You will learn to use industry-standard equipment and software including Flash, After Effects, Autodesk Maya and Unity3D. In support of your work you’ll also have access to superb image-capture facilities and the workshops and technology used right across the College. However, this is not just about technical processes: there is also a strong academic underpinning which will help to contextualise your work. We’ll encourage you to enter your work, particularly short films, into festivals and competitions. Live briefs will bring you into contact with practising professionals and with clients in industry. There are many opportunities for collaborative projects with other courses, especially Graphic Design and Illustration, and you will network with external organisations and past students. There is an emphasis on developing your employability and enterprise skills, so that you can quickly turn your skills into a successful career upon graduation. We’ll help you to identify and explore increasingly specialist areas of practice.
You will challenge what animation has been and could be, working collaboratively as well as developing your own creative practice.
Course Structure. Year One. You’ll explore visualisation, character, narrative and sequential thinking, plus industry-standard development processes, software and technologies. You’ll consider the practical, conceptual and theoretical concerns of animation and develop an awareness of the opportunities open to you as an animator.
Placements. Students are helped to negotiate their own placements, industrial research and studio visits to suit their particular interests or specialisms.
Mike Smith Programme Leader
Year Two. You’ll expand your understanding of animation and develop skills across a range of media, applications and contexts. You’ll investigate animation as an industrial tool and problem-solving process, identifying your own individual creative interests and content. You’ll also learn essential business skills.
Future Careers. Graduates enjoy a choice of careers in visual effects, TV (including titles and idents), film, games design, 3D modelling, art direction, character/ background design, layout, storyboarding, and much more.
Year Three. You’ll focus on your own ambitions and your strategy for becoming a professional animator. You’ll negotiate your own creative content— including competitions, live briefs, studio visits, industrial research and placements, building a portfolio which reflects your focus. You could collaborate with other students, leaning to respond to the demands of many creative industries.