Course summary
OVERVIEW The BSc Computer Animation Arts combines traditional and digital animation techniques, and covers all elements of the animation production pipeline. Computer animation, modelling and effects require both artistic and technical approaches to complex visual problem-solving. Fusing traditional skills with cutting-edge technology, this dynamic and innovative course provides you with the skills to work in a wide range of areas within the computer animation industry. This course provides the skills required for work in animation, 3D modelling, visual effects, visualisation, and computer games. It will also encourage you to specialise in a chosen area and stretch your technical and artistic abilities. PRACTICAL FOCUS The BSc Computer Animation Arts is a practical and mainly project-based course and throughtout the course you will produce a range of digital outputs. From Year 3 onwards, you can specialise in a range of different areas including film, TV and games and your Year 4 Honours project allows you to specialise in a a specific area of interest. The course is highly practical, concentrating on skills, with appropriate theory mainly assessed through practical output. You will also develop a range of transferable written and practical graduate skills useful for employment inside and outside of the animation and media industries. Guest speakers from industry also form part of the programme to further deepen your understanding of the subject. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs UWS graduates enjoy careers in computer games, animated films and video, visual effects, and architectural visualisation. Graduates are employed by industry heavyweights and award-winning studios including Disney, ILM, Warner Studios, Axis Studios, MPC, Sony Pictures, Rockstar North, Di4D, Hydra Studios, Wild Child Animation, Ammonite, Revenant, Lupus, BBC, STV, The CharacterShop, Playground Games, Mental Ltd, Tag Games, Codemasters, Rivet Games and Firebrand Games. Graduates have also set up their own companies. Further Study Graduates have progressed to postgraduate study in animation, architectural visualisation, Web and media.
Modules
In Year 1, you will focus on the principles of animation, planning and practice. You will learn how computer tools are used for artistic representation and work on 2D and 3D animation. In Year 2, you will continue to focus on the principles of animation, planning and practice. You will develop further skills in 2D and 3D animation. In Year 3, you will focus on advanced modelling and texturing techniques, and on independent, specialist project work. This includes the production of a demo reel and scripting for automation and simulation. In your final year of study, you will undertake a substantial project, creating a piece of work that showcases your skills and enhances your employability after graduation. You will also study acting for character animation and virtual environments.
Assessment method
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and workshops. There will also be group work and independent learning to ensure you develop transferable skills such as research, presentation, communication and working as part of a team.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
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:
- GW48
- Institution code:
- U40
- Campus name:
- Paisley Campus
- Campus code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 114 points
A level - BBC
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - CCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 28 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Year 1 entry with SWAP (BBB) Access to STEM.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 108 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
DUO LINGO In addition ot the above English Language tests, for 2022-23 entry, the University has approved the use of the online Duolingo English test as evidence of English language ability. UWS will accept an overall score between 90-115 with no component score below 90. For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.
UWS's English language requirements
https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £17250* | Year 1 |
| International | £17250* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE