Course overview
In Short
If you love the idea of designing and creating environments and characters for video games, film and the web then this course is for you. You will explore a variety of industry-related topics such as graphic story-telling, game art, 3D Environments and Character Modelling, Digital Graphics and of course, Animation. The course topics and projects are designed to reflect industry techniques and practices, as well as provide a wide choice of routes to higher education courses. You will learn in a state-of-the-art media department that has a full HD TV studio, lecture theatre and interactive media classroom complete with high-spec gaming PCs. The Animation Studio features Autodesk Software as used extensively in films such as Ice Age, Toy Story, Avatar and The Hulk, and in video games such as Halo, Tomb Raider and Call of Duty. The course is taught by one of the UK’sfew Autodesk Certified Instructors and is managed by an ex Visual Effects Artist, whose work includes the OSCAR nominated film After the Wedding.
Why study here?
We offer an exceptional range of courses all designed to prepare you for success in a rapidly changing world. Our dedicated staff will support and challenge you to achieve more than you imagined, helping you build the skills, knowledge, and mindset to thrive. Ofsted has recognised us as a ‘Good’ college, celebrating the strength of our teaching and our commitment to preparing students for the future. Through our close partnerships with local employers and industries, you’ll gain real-world experience and insights that make you ready for both today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s challenges.Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including English and maths or equivalent Key Skills, or a First Diploma at minimum Merit grade.Portfolio evidence of relevant work is recommended. Ideally you should be interested in the artistic and technical aspects of environment and model production and animation. Applications are also welcomed from mature students with a good portfolio and/or previous experience (which may be accepted in place of formal qualifications). A good reference will also be required. Other information such as assessment results, relevant experience and portfolio material may be taken into consideration, at the College’sdiscretion.
Course Structure
Course Description
This project-based course is designed to teach you the processes of production from conception to delivery. The units are as follows:Year 1:
- Understanding the Creative Media Sector
- Research Techniques for the Media Industries
- Communication skills for the Creative Media Industries
- Graphic Narrative Production
- Web Animation for Interactive Media
- Creative Media Production Management Project
- Drawing Concept Art for Computer Games
- 3D Environments
- Pre-Production Techniques for the Media Industries
- 3D Modelling
Year 2:
- 3D Animation
- 2D Animation Production
- Working to a brief in the Media Industries
- Advertisement Production for Television
- Digital Graphics for Interactive Media
- Soundtrack production for the Moving Image
- Critical Approaches to Creative Media Products
- Designing Idents for Television
- Motion Graphics and Compositing Video
Assessment
Assessment is based on continuous performance, as well as on the quality of the work you produce.
Progression
Students who successfully complete the Extended Diploma can progress to Higher Education courses such as: BA (Hons) Animation, BA (Hons) Computer Visualisation and Animation, BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects, BA (Hons) Computer and video Games.