Foundation Diploma in Art & Design - Film, Moving Image & Animation

Program Overview

This program provides a comprehensive overview of Film, Moving Image, and Animation as forms of communication and artistic expression. Students explore all elements of production, from concept development to final content, through hands-on projects, industry-relevant workshops, and guest speaker sessions. The program culminates in a self-directed project and exhibition or screening, preparing students for careers in various film and animation fields.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Introduction: This course provides an overview of Film, Moving Image, and Animation as forms of communication and artistic expression.
Students will explore all elements of production, from concept development to the final piece of moving image content with sound.
• Content: Students will study historical and contemporary movements, watch and discuss films, visit exhibitions, engage in writing, drawing, recording, imagining, and creating.
All projects will utilize primary and secondary research to inform conceptual and material experimentation. Possible outcomes include narrative and experimental short films, animations, documentaries, music videos, and multimedia installations.
• Structure: The course is divided into three terms.
In the first term, students will complete an induction week and focus on developing their skills in visual language and creative practices. In the second term, they will apply these skills to projects and live briefs within their chosen discipline and explore themes related to environmental, social, and political issues. In the third term, students will consolidate their practice through a self-directed project and showcase their work through an exhibition or screening.
• Modules:
• Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice:
Students will undertake an exploratory investigation into visual language and creative practices, experimenting with various creative disciplines and developing skills in areas such as character design, environment design, concept art, and animation.
• Unit 2: Developing Specialist Practice: Students will reflect on their knowledge and skills and define their creative ambitions by exploring various activities that support their chosen specialist practice and develop skills in areas such as narrative structure, documentary filmmaking, sound design, and video editing.
• Unit 3: Consolidating Practice: Students will take control of their learning, independently initiating, researching, completing, and evaluating a project proposal and its realization within their chosen professional context.
They will develop skills in project management, critical thinking, and self-evaluation.

Assessment:

• Visual and written assignments and projects
• Specifications set by the University of the Arts London Awarding Body
• Regular feedback provided through a digital learning journal

Teaching:

• Specialist staff support available 3 days a week
• Access to studios 7 days a week
• Hands-on approach with extensive contact time with tutors
• Industry-relevant workshops and lectures
• Visits to exhibitions and external partners
• Guest speakers sharing their knowledge and expertise

Careers:

• Film Practice
• Film + TV Production
• Directing
• Animation
• Character Animation
• Computer Animation
• Experimental Animation
• Art Direction
• Design for Screen
• Modelmaking
• Visual Effects
• Moving Image Art
• Artist Film