BA (Hons) Foundation Degree Digital Film, Games & Animation

What it's all about?

HE, full-time, day-time

On completion of the two-year Foundation Degree you have two choices. You can either enter the commercial world or, if you wish, apply for the third year of our BA (Hons) Digital Film, Games and Animation degree here at the College.

This course will equip you with the broad range of skills you need to work in the design sector. As well as developing strong technical skills, you will learn how to address related issues and problems in an independent way, across a diverse range of electronic communication media. You will also develop your critical awareness of contemporary theory and practice.

During their time with us, recent students' awards have included a commendation for the D&AD Awards for Music Video category (2009), the BBC Radio 1 Superstar VJ Competition Winner (2006), Computer Arts Graduate Showcase, Animation & Moving Images (2005), and the Future Talent Category (2005).

Is this the course for you?

If you want to develop your design, conceptual and technical skills to communicate effectively in all areas of electronic media, this course may be for you.

Mature students (21+)

We welcome applications from students who are returning to education. We offer many opportunities for adults, even if you don't have conventional entry qualifications. We're interested in your motivation, your potential, and your ability to follow the course successfully. If you can combine this with an awareness of design software packages and have some knowledge of contemporary design practice, together with computer literacy, we would like to hear from you.

Course content

First Year

As a vocationally driven course you will learn how to creatively solve problems, acquire a variety of practical skills including pre-visualisation techniques, develop a technical understanding of the processes involved in the creation of digital assets, expand your critical awareness of contemporary theory and practice of Digital Film, Games and Animation, and gain confidence in a range of industry standard software and equipment.

Modules include:

• Visual Language
• Digital Film Production
• Fundamentals of Animation
• Contextual Studies 1
• Creative Industries
• Game Art & Design

Second Year

You will undertake briefs and modules that will allow you to explore a variety of subjects within them ranging from Music Video Production, , 3D modeling & Animation, Sound Design, Machinima, Interactive Virtual Environments, Character Design, Game Level design and creation and Digital Film for TV and mobile distribution.

Modules include:

• Digital Film Production and Visual Effects
• Game Art, Design and Animation
• Contextual Studies 2
• Creative Practice
• Negotiated Study

With the advice of your tutors you will decide whether to graduate at the end of the second year and enter the creative industries, or apply for the BA (hons) Digital Film, Games and Animation top here at the College.

Third Year

You will research and develop a self directed and professionally focused body of work that culminates in a final major project.

Modules include:

• Independent Practice
• Dissertation
• Creative Development
• Final Major Project
• Working with industry

Live, simulated and briefs endorsed by the creative industries are used during the second and third year of the course. Students are encouraged to submit work to competitions, film and animation festivals.

Real-life briefs

Live briefs are used in the second year of the course. Students take part in national D&AD competitions, and are encouraged to enter other competitions such as the RSA Student Design Awards.

Work placements

You will be encouraged to undertake work experience. Previous students have gone to post-production houses, web design companies and graphic design studios.

Resources

You'll have access to high-spec Apple Macs, the internet, CD/DVD writers, A3 and A4 scanners, slide scanners, and printing facilities up to A2 on-site. Software applications include Adobe Creative Suite (including Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Flash), Director, DVD Studio Pro, Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro (including Soundtrack & Livetype), Quark Xpress, Bias Peak, Microsoft Office, Autodesk Maya 3D modelling software and Second Life. You will also have inductions in audio-visual resource, photography and print-making.

Study visits

Visits to relevant exhibitions take place throughout the two years, such as to the Bradford Animation Festival and Evolution Conference and Leeds Film Festival. Visits to cities such as New York, Paris, Berlin and Prague are co-ordinated with other courses.

Progression & career opportunities

You could go directly into employment in any area of the digital media design sector. Career opportunities include digital video-editing or post-production, 3D modelling and animation, interactive/web design, CD/DVD-ROM authoring, or working within a busy design studio.