Animation (BA) W615

Introducing BA Animation

Our multiple award-winning programme differs radically from most animation programmes in that we teach a broad spectrum of production methods.

You will learn about:

• 2D and 3D techniques
• using both cameras and CGI
• puppet based stop-frame and drawn animation

You will make animated films, documentaries and more, both individually and as a team.

Awards

Our students have won awards at:

• Annecy
• the RTS
• the BAFTAs
• the Emmys

Demand for animators

As animation becomes more ubiquitous, animators are increasingly sought after by employers.

You can see examples of animators' work everywhere, including:

• animated icons on your phone
• visual effects on the latest feature films
• interactive worlds and characters on games consoles
• multi-million-view viral web animations

How we teach

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we teach in a uniquely broad way that combines classical animation technique with innovative technologies. This results in a distinctive digital/analogue hybrid.

Animation is one of the few media you can use to create and populate worlds and develop consistent systems of cause and effect, including:

• moral
• ethical
• physical

Animators use these resources to inform an audience for social and commercial purposes and/or immerse them in a compelling narrative.

Contextualising your practice

Hand-in-hand with the development of your practical skill base, you will also:

• develop your critical awareness of the medium and its associated industries
• be able to contextualise your practice
• maximise your chances for employment within a continually diversifying range of opportunities within the field
• take Design and Screen Cultures courses, providing a contextual and theoretical understanding of the holistic nature of contemporary design and screen studies

How will I learn?

Most design teaching and learning is through involvement in a range of experiential courses situated in a studio environment.

Conceptual, material and technical issues are explored through:

• seminars
• workshops
• lectures
• tutorials
• critiques

Your development

We see research, critical thinking and study of the visual, intellectual, social and professional contexts that shape creative design practice as essential to your development.

These elements are taught through Design and Screen Cultures courses.

This also involves participation in:

• exhibitions
• competitions
• collaborations
• live industry projects

Learning by doing

We place value on learning by doing. You become animators by animating.

Independent study is a vital element to develop:

• your personal sustainability as a practitioner
• your unique voice as an animator

How will I be assessed?

We use continuous formative assessment throughout your study. This helps give meaningful feedback and encourages experimentation in the studio and beyond.

Formative assessment for compulsory courses can include:

• portfolio
• presentations
• essays against course learning outcomes

There is a mid-session review, usually at the mid-point of any course you study.

Summative assessment at the end of all courses is informed by:

• academic progress
• creative progress
• performance throughout

Your course grades are calculated through this summative assessment plus a moderation process.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of English language competency, regardless of their nationality or country of residence. These requirements are listed by programme.

Animation programme students have extensive opportunities to work on live projects with industrial partners alongside their studies.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates have gone on to work for:

• Laika
• Tim Burton
• Aardman
• Ko-Lik Films
• Cartoon Saloon
• Mackinnon & Saunders
• Rock Star North
• Channel 4
• BBC 4
• CBBC and CBeebies

Increasing opportunities

The career options for animators are increasing each year, sometimes in surprising ways. There are opportunities for animators to work in:

• visual effects
• forensic animation
• data visualisation
• video games
• architectural visualisation
• motion graphics
• projection mapping
• pre-visualisation for film
• film, television, advertising and music videos

Many of the essential skills, such as storyboarding, are now directly applicable to a range of design disciplines such as:

• product design
• user experience design
• the design of roller coasters