Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) course
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | 2023-07-09 |
| 2024-01-01 | 2023-11-26 |
Program Overview
Course overview
Accredited Work placement
Animation student showreel
BA (Hons) Animation student work showreel
You choose to specialise in one of two areas:
You cover fundamental skills common to all animation roles including 2D and 3D animation, cinematography and pre-visualisation, 3D modelling and sculpting, rigging and simulation, and look development.
Depending on your specialism, you study character animation, creature animation, motion capture, lip sync, performance capture and acting. You develop skills in both real-time and rendered animation which are widely used in games, film, and television production. In group modules, you work with games students to produce fully-functional games, or with visual effects students to create an action packed feature film sequence or a short film. In your final year you create your own project, allowing you bring together everything you have learnt and prepare for industry.
This course includes a foundation year - ideal if you need additional preparation or if you don't have sufficient grades to join Year 1 of a degree.
Top reasons to study animation at Teesside
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Program Outline
Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) Course at Teesside University: A Comprehensive Overview
Degree Overview:
#International Acclaim:
This highly recognized program is ranked 18th in the world by the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2023 among the top 50 international animation colleges offering formal degrees.
#Industry Links:
Students have the unique opportunity to participate in Animex, the university's annual international animation and games festival, featuring renowned experts from top studios like Rockstar, Pixar, Disney, and Sony.
#Graduate Success:
Teesside University boasts an impressive track record of graduates who have worked on major projects in the animation and games industry, including Spiderman Far From Home, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and Red Dead Redemption II.
#ScreenSkills Recognition:
This program is recognized by ScreenSkills, a leading industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark, indicating its excellence in preparing students for successful careers in the screen industries.
Outline:
The Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) program at Teesside University is a comprehensive four-year course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic and fast-paced world of animation.
#Year 1:
- Animation Principles: Students delve into the fundamental principles of animation, including traditional hand-drawn techniques and modern 3D animation methods using industry-standard software.
- CG Essentials: This module introduces students to the 3D asset production pipeline, covering essential aspects like asset creation, texturing, lighting, and rendering.
- Technical Animation: Students learn advanced animation techniques, including character rigging, motion capture, and visual effects creation.
- Visual Development for the Moving Image: Develop foundational skills in cinematography, film language, storyboarding, and digital compositing for both live-action and animated projects.
- #Year 2:
- 3D and VFX Techniques: Explore advanced techniques in performance capture, visual effects, and compositing, gaining practical experience with industry-standard tools and workflows.
- Animated Effects: Students refine their animation skills, focusing on character and creature animation, effects animation, and motion graphics design.
- Moviola: This collaborative project allows students to work in teams to produce an animation or visual effects sequence based on a real-world industry brief.
- Professional Research and Development: This module encourages independent learning and exploration within chosen animation specialisms, including career research and professional development.
- #Year 3:
- Optional Work Placement Year: Students have the option to gain valuable experience through a one-year work placement in the animation industry.
- AVFX Project: This major project allows students to showcase their skills and creativity in a large-scale individual project aligned with their chosen specialization and career aspirations.
- Creative Industry Briefs: Students choose from a range of industry-specific briefs, such as realistic creature animation or puppet making, to further refine their skills and develop professional competencies.
- #Optional Modules:
- Beta Arcade: Students collaborate in a team to develop a working game demo using a current game engine, gaining insights into game development practices and industry standards.
- Kino: This module provides an opportunity to work in a team to produce a short film or visual effects sequence, simulating the professional production pipeline and gaining valuable experience in teamwork and portfolio building.
Assessment:
Assessment in this program is primarily based on practical projects completed throughout the year. This approach ensures that students develop their skills and demonstrate their abilities through real-world application.
Teaching:
#Dedicated Facilities:
Students learn in state-of-the-art animation studios equipped with industry-standard software, along with an on-site performance capture studio, soundstage with motion control, and recording studio.
#Varied Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a combination of lectures, tutorials, independent work, and team projects to provide students with a well-rounded learning experience.
#Industry Input:
External guest speakers, seminars, and workshops featuring current research and emerging topics provide valuable insights and industry perspectives.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are highly sought after in the animation and games industry, with alumni working at renowned studios such as Rockstar Games, The Imaginarium Studios, and Industrial Light & Magic. They have contributed to major projects like Spiderman Far From Home, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Jurassic World 3, Red Dead Redemption II, Spiderman: Hidden Agenda, and Horizon Zero Dawn.
Other:
- foundation year
- ExpoSeries
- The program is offered at both Teesside University's main campus and its London campus. This comprehensive overview provides a detailed understanding of the Animation (with Foundation Year) BA (Hons) program at Teesside University, showcasing its strengths, structure, and potential career opportunities for aspiring animation professionals.
Note:
All information presented here is based on the provided context and may not be exhaustive. For further details and the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official Teesside University website or contact the program directly.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full-time:
- UK applicants: £9,250 a year
- International applicants: £17,000 a year
Part-time:
- Not available part-time
Payment:
- More details about our fees
- More details about our fees for international applicants
- Tuition for the course
- Access to University facilities and resources
- Support from academic staff and student support services
Additional Information:
- Some courses may have additional costs, such as materials or field trips.
- Information about financial support is available on the University website.
