BA (Hons) Computer Animation Arts

Course details On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry. Year 1 Core units Introduction to Production tools: This unit aims to introduce the students to the principles and practices of software tools used in the production of 3D computer animation and visual effects. Cinematography and Acquisition 1: The aim of this unit is to develop the theoretical, practical and applied knowledge of cinematography and camera acquisition practices. In order to pass this unit, you will be required to earn a Safe Handling Certification (SISO Passport). The Safe Handling Certification allows you to check out and use university equipment and is awarded to students who have attended 3/5 (60%) workshops during the course of the unit, it is recognition that you are deemed competent (from both a technical and a health and safety perspective) to use the equipment and facilities required for this unit and for other units in the program. Moving Image Theory 1: The unit will present a historical trajectory of the development of different types of animation and the moving image from its earliest form until the onset of digital related technologies. Creative & Aesthetic Design: You'll study and practice drawing, perspective, colour theory, composition, form and shape language relating to character and production design. Design for Production 1: You'll hone your design skills with a focus on 2D and 3D production techniques. Production Practice 1: This unit introduces you to more specific character rigging and animation tools, techniques and practices. Year 2 Core units Group Project: As part of a team you'll develop a short visual sequence, plus gain advanced CG skills and learn new techniques. Cinematography and Acquisition 2: The aim of this unit is to develop the theoretical, practical and applied knowledge and understanding of cinematography and camera acquisition practices for digital effects. Moving Image Theory 2: The unit continues its historical narrative by identifying a break in visual culture with the advent of the computer, drawing parallels between the impact of the camera and that of the computer upon theoretical discourses on the image. Personal Inquiry: Here you'll focus on a specialist area of practice, a generalist project or a complementary skill/technique that will benefit your on going development. Design for Production 2: You'll learn how to develop a style bible and supporting material with an emphasis on all aspects of production design for a game, visual effects or an animation production. Production Practice 2: The aim of this unit is to introduce you to more specific visual effects, character modelling, rigging and animation tools, techniques and practices. Year 3 Optional 30 week (minimum) work placement. Year 3/4 Core units Major Project & Report: This unit marks the culmination of production work and acts as the integrating component of techniques taught to you throughout your three years of study; forming an important part of your portfolio and show-reel. Innovations: This unit aims to encourage you to actively engage in exploring the potential of the computer in the evolution and development of new modes of creative expression. Masterclass: You'll be exposed to advanced production issues of professional practice, gaining the theoretical and practical knowledge of specialist computer graphics techniques. Production Practice 3: You'll be introduced to specific visual effects, and character modelling, rigging and animation tools, techniques and practices. Scheduled learning and teaching activities Contact hours The hours below give an indication of how you can expect to spend your time during each year of this course. This is an interdisciplinary programme and you will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and screenings. The type of units taught can be classified in three broad categories, (a) technical, (b) production, and (c) art theory and practice. The technical units cover the principles and techniques required to understand and master the technology used in computer animation and games. The production unit’s deal with the craft skills, the production pipeline, and required systems and tools needed in the production of computer animated sequences or games. Art-based subjects provide the required practical skills in traditional media such as life-drawing, photography, sculptural practice, and knowledge of the visual aesthetic principles and practices for computer generated images placing these within a historical and aesthetic context. Year 1 – 25% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 441 hours Independent learning: 759 hours Year 2 – 22% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 305 hours Independent learning: 895 hours Year 3/4 - 15% of your time will be spent in timetabled learning & teaching activities Learning and teaching: 121.5 hours Independent learning: 1078.5 hours 90% of the course is assessed by coursework Year 1: 100% Year 2: 87% Year 3/4: 83% The majority of your work will be assessed by practical assignments, but assessment is also made via coursework and written exams as well. Practical projects are often group or team based allowing for student collaboration, emulating the dynamic and collaborative nature of computer animation and games production process. Programme specification Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used. View the programme specification for BA (Hons) Computer Animation Arts. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.