Our degree is a mixture of animation and illustration. When we created the course, we spoke to our contacts in the industry and asked them what the course should cover. As well as both 2D and 3D animation, the industry wants people who can draw and they are in short supply.
- 2D Animation
- Illustration
- Pre-production
- 3D Animation
- 3D Modelling
- Post-production
- Motion Graphics
- Portfolio Development
- Motion Capture
Year 1
Fundamentals of 2D Animation (20 credits)
Working in 2D (both traditional and digital) you will put together a portfolio of very short, animated clips demonstrating the 12 principles in action
Year 1 Animation Project (20 credits)
Combine the lessons learned in Fundamentals of 2D and create your first original short film, animated in 2D and roughly 30 seconds in length
Pre-production (20 credits)
Scriptwriting, character design, expression sheets, turnarounds, backgrounds, and layouts, storyboarding and animatics: everything needed for animation minus the animation, in other words
History of Animation and Illustration (20 credits)
Lectures focusing on the history of animation and illustration, giving context to the skills learned in other modules and how these emerged historically
Fundamentals of Illustration (40 credits)
The first semester focuses on technical drawing skills (anatomy, proportion, line of action, perspective, colour theory, etc) and the second on creating a portfolio of creative works
Year 2
Fundamentals of 3D Animation (20 credits)
An introduction to Maya, focusing on how to utilise the 12 principles within a 3D animation environment
Year 2 Animation Project (20 credits)
Draw on the lessons learned in Fundamentals of 3D to create a movement-oriented short film; an obstacle course animated in 3D, roughly 30 seconds in length
3D Modelling (20 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of 3D modelling in Maya, allowing you to build basic 3D environments in which to set your 3D animations
Post-Production and Motion Graphics (20 credits)
Work with an industry partner, who will set a brief and, after a semester of teaching focusing on editing, post-production effects, and motion graphics, pitch your response to the brief back to that industry figure
Contemporary Animation and Illustration (20 credits)
A continuation of the History of Animation and Illustration module, only now it’s focused on the contemporary moment, current issues, and trends
Applied Illustration (20 credits)
Construct a portfolio of illustrations in response to weekly briefs in semester 1, with a storybook/comic project in semester 2 introducing long-form illustration
Year 3
Honours Project (40 credits)
Your chance to develop your specialism, working on a project you design in collaboration with the module lead
Year 3 Animation Project (40 credits)
Your final year film is based around a piece of audio found by you, of roughly 30 seconds length, that can be animated in either 2D or 3D
Motion Capture (20 credits)
Learn how to capture actor’s performances in our industry-standard motion capture suite at Futureworks Studios, Media City, and then integrate this capture information into your 3D animation projects
Personal Portfolio Development (20 credits)
A module focusing on getting you a job: everything from CVs, websites, showreels and portfolios, to how and where to network, interview practice and how to find work as a freelancer
Ready to apply? No need to wait for UCAS – you can apply directly to Futureworks now!
Why Choose The Digital Animation and Illustration Degree at Futureworks?
By initially focusing on traditional 2D animation skills, the course produces more rounded and proficient 3D digital animators. The illustration aspect of the course makes it stand out from many digital animation degrees and you will enjoy the way we come together as a team to express stories in a fun, creative and exciting way.
As you move on to digital animation, you will be using the latest versions of industry-standard software, like Autodesk Maya, together with the same hardware and workflows that you will find in the real world.
The reason for this is that our tutor team are all industry professionals who either still work within the industry or contribute to current projects on a freelance basis. They feel that it is essential that you understand the way the industry work as soon as you start on the course. This highly experienced team of tutors is augmented with independent animators and professional comic book illustrators who teach specific specialisms and deliver guest lectures.
Finally, all our students really appreciate the smaller class sizes at Futureworks. You can be confident that you will get plenty of one-to-one tutor time when you need it and our students often say that there is a real family feel to the course.
This course is validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Your Digital Animation and Illustration Degree Opportunities
In your final year, we will be focusing on your future career. We will develop your online portfolio and look at ways of marketing yourselves effectively in this predominantly freelance industry. During your time at Futureworks, you will have many opportunities to make career contacts and we will explore ways of exploiting those contacts, finding jobs and interviews and even work on interview technique.
Students who complete this course can expect to find roles as Illustrators, storyboard artists, 2D or 3D animators and other roles within the animation industry. You could end up working freelance, within animation companies, post-production facilities or other sectors of the creative industries.
Location & Teaching
Your primary location of study will be at our Riverside Campus, which is located on New Bailey Street in Manchester. As part of your course, some of your lessons will take place at our Futureworks Studios facility located in MediaCityUK, a few miles from the city centre.
Futureworks recognises that the skills, competencies and contribution of its staff are vital to the delivery of high quality Higher Education. All programmes are managed by a dedicated Programme Leader and team of experienced tutors, and our excellent links with industry employers mean you’ll have access to exciting guest lectures and fantastic opportunities to gain experience on real-world projects.
Applying to this Course
To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.
You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-
UCAS Code: W216
Institution Code: F98
If you have any questions about applying for a degree course please call us on 0161 214 4602, email [email protected] or look at our Admissions page.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in animation, illustration, and production. You will be asked to bring any relevant examples of work with you, in the form of a portfolio. The portfolio is required for this course and applications will not be considered without the provision of a portfolio.
For your portfolio we recommend including some observational drawing, ideally life drawings. Experience in digital working and animation is not necessary prior to starting the degree, but if you have explored any of these avenues already then we’d love to see them. Other than that, bring in any work you are particularly proud of, between 8 and 10 pieces in total, and be prepared to talk through your working process in the interview.
All of our courses start in September and are full time, 3 year courses. More information on relevant dates can be found on the Term Dates page.
International Students
Futureworks is able to accept any applications from applicants who require a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK. Entry criteria for International students will vary. Please see International Students for full details.
“Futureworks has taught me a lot about the key skills of animation and how to creative a unique portfolio ready for a creative career. The tutors are really helpful too!”
BA (Hons) Digital Animation with Illustration
“Since leaving Futureworks, I have been freelancing and doing illustration commissions as well as started my own Etsy shop, selling stickers and charms. Futureworks has taught me a vast variety of skills which has improved my illustration work over the years. I am thankful for the hard-working tutors that pushed us to our best. They have been insightful and I’ve become more open-minded as a person. My confidence as an artist has grown and now I am able to share and sell my art!”
Futureworks Digital Animation with Illustration BA (Hons) Student
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