Art Degrees Online

The world of animation changes rapidly. And as technology evolves the role of the animator has to change to keep up. But regardless of technological advancements one thing has always remained true.

Whether animating for the web, or for the cinema; whether with hand drawn frames or rendered with powerful 3D computer systems; it takes a trained eye and an artists touch to create the illusion of life.
In our program you will learn about figure drawing, 2D and 3D software, motion studies and production techniques. RMCAD’s animation curriculum, however, goes far beyond this.

Our faculty of professional animators will encourage you to experiment and explore new techniques. While working and living along side our illustration, design and other fine art students you will be exposed to techniques and ideas that are simply not present at most other schools. Courses in the humanities and social sciences will bring new depth and sophistication to your characters and stories.

By the time you graduate you will possess a unique voice and strong visual style, the ability to present your ideas clearly and professionally, an artists ability to see and create the illusion of life, and solid experience with the tools and practices necessary to succeed at any animation firm in the world.

“Animation” is derived from the verb “to animate” — to bring to life.
Unlike a documentary film, which simply reflects the physical world, an animation is a completely constructed reality. In this new world, all kinds of characters, situations and space can be created simply from imagination.
KSU’s Animation course will provide the opportunity for students to dedicate themselves to serious study in this field. Faculty members include experienced animation experts whose work helped Japanese anime to gain world-wide recognition. Our objective is to foster the next generation of leaders creating animations that will bring dreams and inspiration to the world.

Department profile (May 2007):
Undergrad students (first intake 2006): 129
(M: 49; F: 80)
Overseas undergrad students: 8

Curriculum
1st year: Practical training and lectures forming the basis of the four-year course. Students will learn to see animation from the artist’s point of view, gaining knowledge of various processes.
Principles of animation 1 & 2, practical animation 1 & 2, CG animation 1 & 2, animation modeling (basic practice) 1 & 2, theory of animation media, theory of animation industry, history of Japanese animation, history of world animation, research on animation works and artists 1 & 2, history of media
2nd year: Contents of courses will be expanded, with more practical study of techniques, and improvement of skills by pursuing the real nature of animation.
Theory of animation direction 1 & 2, analysis of animation 1 & 2, CG animation 3 & 4, animation modeling expression 1 & 2, stop motion animation 1 & 2, modeling practice 1 & 2, theory of cinema 1 & 2
3rd year: Preparation period for major production (in 4th year)
Animation creation 1 & 2, sound effect practice 1 & 2, CG practical animation 1 & 2, practical animation modeling 1 & 2, theory of scenarios 1 & 2, theory of CG 1 & 2, animation production 1 & 2
4th year: Students express what they have learned in 4 years in their major graduation works.