Art Degrees Online

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.

What our students say

“I’ve been pretty busy here at Ragdoll, and I’m just in the thick of finishing of a TV series called “Blips” which is now transmitting on CiTV monday – friday at around 3:30 up until christmas. Take a look at one of the episodes and you will be able to see the kind of work I have been doing!”

Adam Fenwick Graduated 2004 Currently employed at Ragdoll Stratford Upon Avon

What it’s about

Animation concerns “the illusion of life” using a sequence of hand drawn, modelled or
computer-generated characters. The course enables you to specialise in this creative area and equips you with the fundamentals of animation production skills including life drawing, storyboarding, animatics and narrative dialogue, through to completed film utilising 2D ink and paint, 3D computer and stop motion processes. You will work toward a professional portfolio and showreel of work.

What you do

The course aims to develop you as a creative animator. We provide demonstrations of industry standard equipment and techniques, animation production though workshops, lectures and seminars, peer critiques and individual tutorials, centred on a series of animation projects.

Level 1 provides a structure for learning the basic principles of animation as sought after by industry. These include timing and spacing, cycles, metamorphosis and various exercises, utilising traditional cartoon, experimental, 2D, 3D and computer aided animation.

At Level 2 we start to look at the development of characters and explore the narrative of animation. This includes scriptwriting classes, lip sync and professional audio production. Visiting professionals are involved in introducing a variety of animation practices direct from contemporary animation studios and students work on a collaborative project in animation.

Level 3 encourages and emphasises professional practice. You will be expected to produce an animated film as part of your showreel. Personal tutorials support you as you develop expertise through a negotiated programme of study, culminating in the exhibition of your paper-based and film work in the graduate exhibition.

Where next

Our animation graduates gain employment as animators/modellers in commercial studios or start their own business.

We operate a work placement scheme at the Bradford Animation Festival.

Have you also considered?
3D Character Animation and Special Effects
Stop Motion Animation and Puppet Making

Fact FileQualification:
BA(Hons)
Faculty/School:
Faculty of Arts, Media and Design
Location:
Stoke Campus
Course Length:
Normally three years full-time.
A part-time route is available.
UCAS Code:
Route A W616, Route B E616