Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Glyndwr University, Wrexham

This new specialised Animation programme will transform your passion for bringing characters to life, storytelling and moving images into exciting projects. The Foundational year gives you the opportunity to gain a general artistic experience in diverse disciplines so that you can access the Animation programme with confidence. This new course aims to train future versatile creatives in the art of the moving image. During the first year of the BA (Hons) you will learn the principles of visual communication and drawing, to apply them to character design, background design, storyboarding and scene layout. You will explore the principles of animation with a focus on 2D techniques. The second year will involve you in an informative motion graphic project working in teams for an exterior collaborator. You will practice character animation using 3D techniques to build up a show reel. The third year will allow you to specialise and develop a final degree project. You will finish your studies with the professional skills and creative thinking strategies to apply for jobs in studios, work as a freelance artist, start your own studio or apply for post-graduate studies. You will be part of a vibrant collaborative learning community formed by enthusiastic artists.

Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules. There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, 3D work, screen based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need. Career opportunities exist in all areas of animation, including: concept artists, storyboard artists, assistant animators, freelance animators, character designers, game artists, interactive developers, environment and background artists, freelance visualisers, model making, set design, digital media texture art, digital painting, compositing, lighting, rigging, visual effects and post-production.