Course summary

The Foundational year gives you the opportunity to gain a general artistic experience in diverse disciplines so that you can access the Animation programme with confidence. This new specialised Animation programme will transform your passion for bringing characters to life, storytelling and moving images into exciting projects. This new course aims to train future versatile creatives in the art of the moving image. The programme is first in Wales and 6th in the Uk for overall satisfaction in the of creative arts and design (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data). During the first year of the BA (Hons) you will learn the principles of visual communication and drawing, to apply them to character design, background design, storyboarding and scene layout. You will explore the principles of animation with a focus on 2D techniques. The second year will involve you in an informative motion graphic project working in teams for an exterior collaborator. You will practice character animation using 3D techniques to build up a show reel. The third year will allow you to specialise and develop a final degree project. You will finish your studies with the professional skills and creative thinking strategies to apply for jobs in studios, work as a freelance artist, start your own studio or apply for post-graduate studies. You will be part of a vibrant collaborative learning community formed by enthusiastic artists. Key Course Features: • Our focus is to provide a satisfactory student experience with an emphasis on collaboration and professional practice. • Tutors are enthusiastic, supportive and knowledgeable, research-active practitioners. • There are study trips to animation festivals such as Manchester and Cardiff Animation Festivals. • Our Creative Futures student conference plays host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries. • You will work on client-based projects in collaboration with organisations so that you learn to manage team projects as a professional. • *1st in Wales and 6th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of creative arts and design (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data). You can also choose to study this course as a three year degree (without the foundation year) BA (Hons) Animation UCAS code: 259B or as a four-year integrated masters option MDes Animation UCAS code: 259C

Modules

The programme will give you experience creating animated projects from initial ideas to final results. The first year has an emphasis on drawing and designing the creative process. You will learn to generate ideas, research inspiring references, create engaging final images of character design sheets, backgrounds, and storyboards. During the first and second year, you will learn to apply the principles of animation using diverse techniques. Such as 2D drawn, 2D digital animation, motion graphics and 3D animation. You will acquire industry standard software skills and the creative strategies to be able to develop professional experimental projects as well as client briefs. The course aims to provide you with a showreel that will allow you to start a freelance professional activity, apply for post-graduate studies, and enter the animation industry. YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR) The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design, including design practice, applied and fine art. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly. There will be a range of practical assignments which will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts. MODULES • Introduction to Art and Design • Introduction to Applied Art • Introduction to Fine Art • Creative Thinking • The Skills You Need • Contextual Studies YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4) MODULES Visual communication (20 credits) Contextual Studies 1 (20 credits) Creative Writing for Visual Narrative (20 credits) Creative Futures 1 (20 credits) Principles of Animation (20 credits) Media and Motion (20 credits) YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5) MODULES Contextual Studies 2 (20 credits) Creative Futures 2 (20 credits) Character Animation (20 credits) Character in Context (20 credits) Animation for Society (20 credits) Experimental Animation (20 credits) YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) MODULES Contextual Studies 3 (20 credits) Creative Futures 3 (20 credits) Negotiated practice (40 credits) Animation Degree project (40 credits) The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Assessment method

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules. There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, 3D work, screen based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment. Wrexham Glyndŵr University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential. On this course teaching and learning is designed to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to promote the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students. Contact hours are 16 per week in year 1, 14 per week in year 2 and 12 per week in year 3. There is strong support for students with learning differences and who can also receive additional help from support assistants through Student Support Services. The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually. This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our website (student support section) has more information on the help available.

How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.

Wales

England

International

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

25Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: 259D

Institution code:: G53

Campus name:: Wrexham

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Foundation

International applicants

This course is not currently available to those requiring a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 - 72 points

Our general entry requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications as well as motivation and potential to succeed. The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

A level - EEE - DDD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP - MPP

Access to HE Diploma

Scottish Higher

AS

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MP - MM

Scottish Advanced Higher

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

Extended Project

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Wrexham Glyndwr University takes into account a variety of qualifications and experience when considering applications to our programmes. If you are unsure if the qualifications you currently hold will be accepted for entry, or if you're not sure you'll achieve the required UCAS Tariff points, please contact us at [email protected] for further advice and guidance.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

Portfolio

Student Outcomes

England	£9000	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9000	Year 1
Scotland	£9000	Year 1
Wales	£9000	Year 1

Degree level: Undergraduate

Awarded by: Wrexham University (Prifysgol Wrecsam)

Animation (with Foundation Year)

Course options

Open days