Animation - Course Outline

Level 1

Students can enter Animation after successfully completing our General Foundation in Art and Design (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W280).

Please see General Foundation in Art and Design course for further information

Level 2

• fundamental animation processes, techniques & skills
• 2D traditional & 3D computer animation
• life drawing
• observational studies
• introduction to production equipment
• creative research methodology
• contemporary media theory

In Level 2 we will introduce you to animation processes, techniques and skills. You will develop your 2D drawing and 3D computer animation skills. At this level we place emphasis on the study of movement which you will learn though life drawing and observational studies. You will also attend Contemporary Media Theory courses which will help you to understand traditional and contemporary aspects of design.

Level 3

• individual & group projects
• research & development
• studio production roles
• visiting lecturers
• 3D computer animation development
• Contemporary Media Theory Studies

Level 3 encourages you to experiment and explore. You will work on both individual and group projects using appropriate technical methods. You will further develop your 2D and 3D computer based animation production skills which will be an essential part of your personal programme of study. We will prepare you for the challenges of production roles for employment within the animation industry and will introduce you to the wide range of cultures and styles in animation though our visiting lecture programme. During semester 2 you will develop your final animation proposal for production in level 4.

You will continue to attend Contemporary Media Theory studies which will focus on research methodology, knowledge economics, dissertation research and an understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. You will develop your ideas for your dissertation for delivery in level 4.

Level 4

• personal programme of study
• dissertation
• national competitions and festivals
• year end exposition

Level 4 is devoted to your own personal programme of study which will involve both personal development and practice in a number of production team roles. We will encourage you to develop your intellectual and creative skills and to function as an animator within a production team at a professional level. At the end of the year you will have completed an animated project that demonstrates high standards of creativity, technical skill, commercial viability and professionalism. You will exhibit your work at the Dundee Degree Show.

Your Contemporary Media Theory modules will focus on the production of a dissertation. At the end of the semester 1 you will deliver a 7000 word dissertation which will demonstrate your ability to: subject research findings to argument and analysis, structure research outcomes, present in an image and text based format and express the relationship between theory and practice in your own work.