Art Degrees Online

Animation plays an important role in a range of media including film, TV, entertainment software and the Internet. It is a widely used advertising tool and the media industry is always looking for new content to capture the imagination of viewers. You develop your skills in • concept art • designing • modelling • texturing • rigging • animating • post-production. We have a strong history of media production, ranging from fine art and graphic design to film making and interactive media. Our state-of-the-art workshops have specialist equipment, which include the latest industry software and hardware, film production equipment and modelling facilities. You gain experience in animation techniques, which includes • traditional methods such as stop frame animation – used in films such as Wallace and Gromit • Flash animation – used on the web and in interactive gaming • 3D computer animation – used by companies such as Dreamworks and Pixar, and games software companies such as Codemasters and Sony You learn to use digital animation software packages such as • 3D Studio Max • Maya • Zbrush • Houdini • MotionBuilder and digital compositing. Our editing software includes • After-effects • Shake • FinalCut Pro • AVID • Pro Tools. We also have a facility for standard and super 16mm origination on film. You play an important role in producing at least three short animations. Applying via route A or B Route A is normally for students coming direct from A levels. Route B is normally for art and design students coming from foundation, vocational or access courses. You can apply through route A or B with UCAS, but not both. All students attend a selection event with a portfolio of work to demonstrate their ability. Provided you meet our minimum entry requirements, we base our offer on your application, interview and work portfolio. If you are not sure what sort of work we are looking for we are happy to offer advice. We normally hold interviews between January and the end of May.

Key features
The countries only purely Stop Motion Animation course

Strong industry ties at every stage of the animation process

At the front of the development of new technologies for the Stop Motion industry

What our students say

“Just to keep you informed as of the start of April i will be a full time paid member of the Cosgrove Hall costume dept……..got told today i was being offered a 3 month contract! i know its mad, working on Fifi and the Flower Tots.”

Lucy sturley Graduated 2005 Currently employed at Cosgrove Hall Manchester

What it’s about

The course aims to develop you as a creative Stop Motion animator or articulated puppet maker. This animation route offers the opportunity for you to specialise in modelling, animation and composite based applications in the creation of stop motion character film-making.

What you do

We offer a series of specialist lectures, demonstrations and seminars, introducing students to professional stop-frame animation, puppetry, camera, lighting and editing. Built on core animation principles you will develop a series of pilots and shorts for television.

Level 1 provides a structure for learning the major principles of animation. You will explore a range of techniques developing how to create puppets, armatures and sets for physical animation. Core visual skills such as sculpture, life drawing and materials development are integral to your practice and development.

Level 2 involves the development of Stop Motion Characters in greater depth. This includes advanced replacement puppet parts to enhance audio dialogue and body gesture, introduction to professional level blue screen composite and effects for live action integration and advanced lighting and camera work for greater shot composition. There are also options to study CGI or experimental animation as well as fine metal fabrication.

In Level 3 you will be expected to produce a series of short films which display excellent performance based animation. Personal tutorials support you through a negotiated programme of study, culminating in the exhibition of your work in the graduate presentation. Emphasis is placed on professional practice in preparation for graduation and greater employment prospects through Stop Motion Futures module and Stop Motion External brief.

Where next

Our animation graduates have gone onto internships at Aardman and a wide range of other companies within the animation industry in the UK and Europe.