BA (Hons) Animation Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

This module will introduce you to the core principles that are central to the construction of animated movement. You will engage with a variety of methods and techniques in the production of animated motion; including drawn frame-by-frame, 2D keyframe and 3D modelling techniques. Studio based workshops will introduce these methods and support independent testing and experimentation. A process of observation and recording will underpin your practice, encouraging the detailed analysis of movement in generating high quality motion. You will be required to undertake a research and development process that will include the production of video reference and observational drawing. The principles ex

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to contextualise the study of animation and visual effects both historically and theoretically through a series of weekly sessions which introduce, for example, key figures within the fields of animation and visual effects, contemporary issues within the industry and those ‘landmark’ texts (films, television programmes and computer games) which signalled a wider shift in the industry. It introduces students to some of the theoretical issues and debates relevant to the study of animation and visual effects. The module also aims to develop critical thinking, independent research and enhance study skills. It requires students to develop research skills and transferable skills r

Assessment: Coursework

This module provides an overview of the varied and diverse approaches to animation production. The processes explored will entail a range of technologies and materials including creative software; video and traditional craft based methods. In the early part of the module, you will make a series of animated films that will explore a full range of production techniques. Projects will focus on specific methods including collage and cut-out, model making, drawn animation, rotoscoping, video compositing, vector graphics, motion typography and 3D computer modelling. The module will consider the role of film language in effective storytelling and communication, emphasising the use of structure, tim

Assessment: Coursework

This module provides an introduction to pre-production and design for animation and visual effects. The module will foster understanding of concept development, the design process and the stages necessary in the pre-production phase of project development. The pre-production process undertaken will include storyboards, mood boards, style sheets and character design. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of developing a fully resolved visual identity before the animation production process is initiated. You will engage in a detailed research process in gathering the materials that will be applied to the design process. This will include photographs, patterns, found images, textures, drawi

Assessment: Coursework

The module’s focus is the further understanding of approaches to independent research and encourages students to refine their research interests. This module will develop students’ capacity for critical thinking and reflection through a series of lectures and research ‘workshops’. This module places greater importance on small-group work and workshop-style study-tasks. Sessions will be case-study driven and will pursue particular themes relevant to contemporary practice in animation and visual effects production. These sessions introduce perspectives and approaches that students can potentially explore when pursuing their own self-initiated research tasks. As the module progresses, it will o

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces you to the professional external world of the animation industry. Through research and investigation, you will learn about the specific roles undertaken in animation production across a range of platforms and outcomes. The module will encourage awareness of the diversity of practice in the creative industries and ask you to reflect on the context of your own work from a professional perspective. You will learn about professional skills necessary in an animation career and you will explore the possible options open to you following graduation. There will be a special focus on the potential for cross-disciplinary practice and where animation intersects and overlaps with

Assessment: Coursework

This module builds on the learning and development undertaken in the animation production module. This will consist of further investigation into production methods with greater emphasis on your individual direction. You will be encouraged to recognise the creative potential in the synthesis and overlap of multiple methods in multi-media approaches. You will experiment with combining techniques in potentially novel and innovative ways in the development of your personal voice in animation. This entails the advancement of your technical skills in solving specific animation problems in the pursuit of your individual creative aims. Your software skills will be developed and enhanced towards you

Assessment: Coursework

This module will explore animation as a pervasive and progressive art from at the cutting edge of film and media practice. This will entail a consideration of how animation can be deployed and realised in unorthodox, non-standard applications and contexts. The module emphasises the increasing proliferation of animation across a range of platforms and the multiple ways it can reach audiences. This includes live performance and theatre, interactive installation, mobile technologies and developing social media platforms. The inclusion of live briefs will emphasise the consideration of audience and purpose in applying animation to specific external objectives. You will be encouraged to reflect o

Assessment: Coursework

This module forms part of the placement year typically completed between the second and final stage of a degree programme. The module provides a framework for the development of reflective skills appropriate to all areas of professional practice including for example aspects of problem solving such as objective setting, planning, negotiating, demonstrating, and reflecting. The emphasis in this module is on the analysis and evaluation of work completed within the organisation and future employability planning. During the module students will develop a reflective portfolio where they record the skills, knowledge and experience developed during the placement experience and evaluate how this wil

Assessment: Coursework

The module gives students the opportunity to pursue a specific interest relating to their specialist subject and individual practice through a self-initiated research project. Students will produce a piece of written research that relates to the contextual/theoretical concerns of their discipline and chosen area of practice. Topics must be carefully selected and honed to ensure that it helps inform an understanding of the discipline and practice. For example, students may focus on a specific practitioner whose work successfully responds to a set of problems, which are pertinent to their own concerns. There are indeed other approaches to identifying a topic focus and research question; for ex

Assessment: Coursework

This module will enable you to select from a range of projects including competitions and live briefs. The selections you make will enable you to refine the focus of your practice, build a portfolio that represents your strengths and to direct your own learning in the areas that most interest you. You will be expected to extend and consolidate your abilities in addressing the projects selected to refine your ways of working, achieving professional standards in preparation for employment or further study. You will negotiate your project decisions with the Module Tutors. Tutors will support and advise you on your identified strengths and areas for further development. Your goal is to express y

Assessment: Coursework

This module will focus on portfolios and self-promotion in preparation for graduation. We will investigate the varied ways that animators, visual effects artists and creative professionals present themselves to the external world from a professional perspective. There will be a particular focus on distinctive and innovative approaches to establishing a professional profile. In this regard, you will be encouraged to engage with opportunities for building an online presence to promote your work through web sites, blogs and social media platforms. You will produce a showreel and portfolio that showcases your achievements, abilities and skills within your practice. You will be asked to explore t

Assessment: Coursework

This module will support you in developing a short, animated film through a sustained in-depth investigation of a topic of your choice. You will be required to define yourself as an Animator in presenting a body of work that expresses your professional potential. You will also be expected to extend your practical abilities through continuing to create moving image in an experimental and questioning manner. Your methods, concept development and solutions should extend and further resolve your personal direction. You will be required to critically evaluate, analyse and reflect on the development and success of your outcomes on the basis of the effectiveness of their communication to your inten

Assessment: Coursework