BA (Hons) Animation

Technical hands-on modules will develop the craft of animating through 2D digital, traditional and CGI methods. You will not only be able to use a variety of software (Maya, Flash, Photoshop, Premiere Pro) by the end of Year One, but will also be able to animate complex human movement and speech.

The third year focuses on preparation for employment and personal career strategies. You may produce any style of work you wish through negotiated study modules. You may opt to produce one large film or to undertake experimental work, ranging from fine art approaches to commercial sequences.

Animation graduates can go on to a variety of different jobs and roles including (but definitely not limited to!)

Motion graphics artist, character animator, character designers, concept artists, art directors, feature/shorts/commercial directors, 2D digital animator, 2D drawn animator, 3D digital animator, stop motion animator, animation supervisor, animation producer, production manager, production assistant, CG modeller, compositor, digital painter, rigger (2D or 3D), editor, model maker, set builder, layout artist (digital or analogue), lighter, match move artist, rotoscope artist, VFX artist, SFX artist, storyboard artist, scriptwriter.

Entry level jobs after graduation might include being a runner, a trainee model maker, a production assistant, a junior animator or an inbetweener.

Other post graduate options include paid internships, traineeships or further specialised study such as an MA or other professional postgraduate qualification. Staff at Wolverhampton are always happy to advise on and discuss your career ambitions.

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points

A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
Access to HE Diploma: 45 L3 credits at Merit

The course is delivered via a variety of teaching methods, including studio and workshop teaching, seminars and presentations. You will complement your practical studies with theory-based modules that investigate the current contextual and historical aspects of the subject. This includes the study of film language, narrative, non-narrative and conceptual approaches to ‘genre’ and related contextual issues.

Drawing and observation are the foundations of animation. Drawing is used to study and analyse movement as well as being a powerful medium for self-expression and an invaluable tool for conceptual development. Important related skills such as pre-production planning, video editing and digital sound are also taught.