BA (Hons) Animation (Full Time)

Join one of the country's leading animation degrees that offers students the opportunity to build a career in this exciting industry.

Course overview

The BA (Hons) Animation at Southampton Solent University is a cutting-edge course taught by award-winning staff with a reputation for high standards within the industry.

You will have the chance to excel in different areas of animation, from drawn pieces to puppet or high end CGI. You will use industry-standard studio facilities, equipped with the latest digital applications, to put together professional creative portfolios.

You will learn and experiment with different techniques, including squash and stretch, moving holds and timing. Your creative progression will be monitored through a blend of studio projects and workshops, as well as group and individual case studies and assignments.

Our philosophy toward creating the best animators is based on our rigorous training in the classical animation techniques at Level 1 followed by our robust industry pipeline training at Level 2.

Underpinned by sound animation principles, you will explore themes like scriptwriting and acting for animation, sounds and dialogue, and storyboarding. In the final year you will make your own film, which will be publicly screened at Southampton’s Harbour Lights Picturehouse.  

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Industrial focus

The course is delivered by a passionate team of animators who continue to work in the industry, offering students a valuable gateway into the industry.

Course content

Year 1

Seven core units and one option:

• Principles 
• CGI 1
• CGI 2
• Drawing 1
• Drawing 2
• Animation
• Animation Narrative

One option:

• Animation Theory or Game Theory.

Year 2

Four core modules and two options:

• Critical Discourse 1
• Pre-Production (features real clients)
• Life Drawing 1
• Life Drawing 2.

One option:

• Lock Down (features real clients)
• C+

One option:

• Production (features real clients)
• Placement (in industry). 

Year 3

Three core modules, including the final year project:

• Pre-production
• Project
• Critical Discourse 2.

Why choose this course?

• This is the only course in the country which offers real live projects, with budgets as a core component of the study. You work alongside industry professionals with real deadlines and real clients. We do not ‘simulate’ industry conditions, we do it for real.
• Unique partnership with local animation studio PEW36 offers all students the opportunity to gain experience in a real studio.
  Our students have won Royal Television Society JVC Best Student Animation awards for three years running, and many other national and international contests.
• Access to industry-standard software in well-equipped studios.
• Talented staffs who are all film makers and work in the industry.
• A friendly, supportive study environment.

Assessment

Studio projects, workshop and media outcomes, group and individual case studies and written assignments.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, problem-solving, presentation, project management.

 

Projects/work experience

All students work on live client briefs and our client list includes: UNIVERSAL music, Lost souls club, Hey negrita, Image FX, NHS, PEW36.
In addition to this every student has the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the local animation studio thanks to our unique partnership.

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Graduate profile

Monica Healy

“The course is brilliant - although incredibly demanding, it is extremely enjoyable and rewarding.

"Studying at Southampton Solent University has given me the chance to experiment and progress, both academically and artistically, from Foundation level to graduating with a 2:1 degree. The lecturers are friendly, approachable and very experienced and have really good contacts with the industry.

"The best part of the course for me was having my final year film screened at both Harbour Lights Cinema and Glastonbury Festival.” 

Matthew Campbell

Graduated in 2009 and currently working as a professional animator

“The Animation course provided me with an in-depth understanding of the animation process from conception to finished product. The course succeeded in breaking down the principles of animation in such a way that I was able to build on them myself and the tutors encouraged the use of my own creativity in my work. I regard the course as being a crucial element in starting my career as well as being highly inspirational!”

Ryan Herbert

Graduated in 2009 and currently directing animated music videos for international clients

“As a graduate I am ever grateful for the tuition and support received whilst studying on animation degree. The course structure gave an insight into what is required as a professional and also focused heavily on the fundamental principles need to be an animator. Without this vital training I’m sure I would have struggled to forward my career and pursue my ambition to work in the animation industry."

Partner Affiliation Network

The Partner Affiliation Network is a group of companies aligned to each course area in the School of Design with the purpose of supporting a range of activities to help students engage with employers and gain relevant industrial experience. This is achieved through live project work, design competitions, work placements and guest speaker programmes.

All students studying on this course programme will have the opportunity to work with industry.

Supported by:

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