BA (Hons) 2D Digital Animation

What's the course about?

We deliver a mix of teaching methods, from project work to software and art-based workshops and lectures. You’ll be assessed on group and individual project work. We’ll ask you to submit portfolio submissions, sketches, storyboards, 2D animations and presentations. Plus, you’ll develop your analytical thinking, critical curiosity and easy writing skills.
In your first year, you’ll benefit from common modules within the wider animation programme, gaining valuable knowledge of the digital media industry. You’ll study alongside peers on comics and concept art, games, 3D animation and visual effects, expanding your network from day one. We’ll teach you the fundamental principles of 2D animation. You’ll spend time storyboarding and perfecting your technique. Together we’ll explore digital illustration techniques. You’ll practice life drawing, designing characters and environments. You’ll research animation and film history to bring cultural context to your craft. At the end of this year you’ll have the choice to switch to a different animation degree course if your passion has led you in a new direction.
In your second year, you’ll develop your individual and illustrative style. You’ll take part in acting workshops to gain an insight into how characters move and display emotions. You’ll apply this knowledge to your animations, creating believable characters and sequences of movement. You’ll work on simulated real-world briefs, exploring motion graphics, idents and interactive media. You'll also create your first short film. The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. To see the show’s live stream in 2020 please click here The best will be invited to be screened in our Animation Exposé show at the end of the year. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into international competitions like The Rookies.
In your third year, you’ll write your dissertation on an area of popular culture, linked to 2D animation, that fascinates you. Plus, you’ll immerse yourself in an ambitious final film project. Be authentic. Be brave. You’ll take your own concept through all stages of production, showing excellent project management and leadership qualities. Your animated short film will showcase your talent and be screened in our Animation Exposé show. You can enter it for awards judged by a panel of industry experts. Previous judging panels have included companies such as Blue Zoo, Blink Ink, Golden Wolf, The Animation Guys and Slurpy. Plus, we’ll encourage you to enter your work into The Rookies and other international competitions. When you graduate, you’ll have an impressive showreel and website to launch your career to prove yourself to be an animator of tomorrow.

Your main campus is College Lane 

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study. Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.

Level 4

Module

• Introduction to CG
• Applying CG
• Creativity, Concept & Story
• Animated Thinking
• Introduction to CG - HIC
• Applying CG - HIC
• Creativity, Concept & Story - HIC
• Animated Thinking - HIC

Level 5

Module

• Progressing 2D Animation
• Creative Project
• Design, Interactivity & Professional Practices
• Moving Visions

Level 6

Module

• Pre-Production for 2D Animation
• Professional Practices & Degree Project
• Concepts in Motion: Articulated Research & Writing