Games Animation, Modelling and Effects with foundation year

Program Overview

This four-year Games Animation degree program, including a one-year foundation, equips students with the artistic and technical skills for the gaming industry. Through collaboration with industry professionals, students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software and workflows. The program prepares graduates for various roles, including concept artist, animator, and technical artist. Students benefit from regular feedback, industry collaboration, and a dedicated faculty to support their academic and professional growth.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This four-year course is ideal for those who can't meet the usual entry requirements for a standard three-year degree. It begins with a built-in one-year foundation program, offering the foundational skills needed for success in the following three years of the Games Animation course. Developed in collaboration with computer games professionals and the games industry body TIGA, this program aims to equip students with both the artistic and technical skills required in the current industry.

Outline:

Year 0 (Foundation):

This year focuses on teaching the fundamental building blocks of digital design and image making. Students will explore diverse creative practices, working with both digital and analogue formats. Through the Projects module, students will create individual works focusing on a specific area of creative practice. The Techniques module teaches a broad range of skills and techniques including practical, theoretical, analytical and communication skills required in various settings. This foundation year is shared with many other related degrees, allowing students from different specializations to interact and learn together. After successfully completing this year, all foundation students continue to study the same content and modules as those who enrolled in the standard three-year program. They will also graduate with the same full undergraduate degree in Games Animation, Modelling and Effects (BA Hons).

Years 1-3:

Following the foundation year in the standard three-year program, students will delve deeper into specific areas of the field.

Key Topics Covered:

• Visual Effects (VFX) workflow
• Character design and modeling
• Environment/hard-surface modeler workflow
• Animation skills
• Game and level design workflow
• Technical artist workflow
• Concept artist workflow
The core modules are provided within the program to enable collaborative work between artists and programmers, fostering communication and cooperation in line with current industry workflows. Additionally, both student groups will work together using their specialized skills to collaboratively design and produce games.

Additional Notes:

• The student's final project and specialism can be adjusted at the end of Year 0 if desired.
• Throughout their studies, students will encounter industry-standard software and workflows.
• Upon completion, students will be prepared for various positions in the field, including concept artist, technical artist, VFX artist, character/model builder, animator, and graphic designer.

Assessment:

Throughout the program, student performance will be evaluated through several methods:

• Coursework assignments
• Examinations
• Individual and group projects
• Portfolios showcasing their work
Regular feedback from tutors helps students identify areas for improvement and track their progress.

Teaching:

The program boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty who actively guide and support students. They assist students in recognizing their academic strengths, building their confidence, and achieving their full potential.

• Industry Collaboration: The program was designed in collaboration with professionals working in gaming, ensuring its contents align with current industry needs and expectations.
• Practical Approach: Learning happens through a combination of theory, practical sessions, and hands-on activities.
Students will utilize industry-level equipment and software to hone their creative and technical expertise.

Careers:

This program opens the door to an extensive range of job opportunities in various branches of the creative industry:

• Concept artist
• Texture artist
• VFX artist
• Character/model builder
• Animator
• Technical artist
• 3D Modeler
• Environment Artist
• Technical Director
• Lighting Artist

Other:

• The school offers an annual Summer Show event, showcasing the latest works by students across all year groups.
This event presents a vibrant and engaging platform for students to share their creative achievements and network with potential employers and industry professionals.