Year 1
Introduction to Computer Animation and Visual Effects (20 credits)
This unit will introduce you to your course, subject and effective learning approaches for undergraduate study.
You’ll be introduced to the practices and knowledge needed to understand your discipline, gaining essential tools for digital architecture and working in the creative digital industries while also developing skills for independent and collaborative learning, reflection and personal development.
Visual Foundations (40 credits)
This unit will introduce you to the building blocks of creating visual imagery in computer animation and visual effects. You’ll study shape, form, movement, light and composition through a series of projects and workshops.
Principles of 3D and Visual Effects (40 credits)
This unit will continue to develop your fundamental knowledge of computer animation and visual effects. You’ll be introduced to the terminology, technology and craft skills that underpin your subject area, deepening your understanding of concept development and visual storytelling through some longer projects.
Informed Practice 1 (20 credits)
In this unit, you’ll be introduced to histories, theories and debates in relation to digital media and culture. You’ll explore common themes and study examples from broader social and historical contexts to consider the range of meanings and functions of visual culture. You’ll also consider themes of equality, inclusivity and sustainability, and how they relate to visual media.
At the end of year 1, you will choose to specialise in either Computer Animation or Visual Effects which you will continue to study for the remainder of the course. Regardless of your specialism, you’ll have the opportunity to work in close collaboration with students from the other specialism.
Year 2
Visual Narrative (40 credits)
Building on Year 1, you’ll advance your skills in your chosen specialism and learn essential production techniques. You’ll consider and explore storytelling, film language, and the temporal relationship between sequential images.
Professional Practice (20 credits)
Focusing on work-based learning, this unit will help you to consider your future career goals and the steps you need to take to achieve them. You’ll also be introduced to essential tools for professional presentation through tutorials and workshops.
Exploratory Practice (40 credits)
With a focus on collaboration and conceptual thinking, you will continue to explore your specialism and develop your portfolio, learning necessary production workflows and specialised techniques. Throughout the unit, you’ll consider theoretical and abstract approaches to creative work.
Informed Practice 2 (20 credits)
Building on your learning in Informed Practice 1, this unit will introduce you to the histories, theories and debates in relation to animation, games, visual effects and visual and material culture. You’ll develop your broader knowledge and understanding of the computer animation and visual effects industries, along with wider influences informing your practice.
You’ll reflect, analyse and contextualise on your own practice by exploring themes of equality, diversity, inclusivity and sustainability through theoretical investigation. This unit will prepare you for your extended piece of academic writing in Informed Practice 3.
Year 3
Final Major Project (60 credits)
You’ll produce a specialised piece of work that supports your future aspirations. You’ll consider your creative route, receive expert guidance towards completion of your chosen subject, and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with other disciplines.
Informed Practice 3 (40 credits)
You’ll submit an academically rigorous piece of work that brings together critical enquiry, reflection, analysis and original, detailed research. You’ll apply a range of different research methods and methodological approaches while contextualising your work from historical, socio-political and theoretical perspectives, informed by your approach to your own creative practice.
Professional Futures (20 credits)
You’ll consider your future goals and aspirations while producing content to help propel your career forward. Shaping your knowledge of professional standards, you’ll also enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on refining your professional, industry-facing portfolio of work.
Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3
Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:
Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
An optional, year-long learning opportunity which enables you to develop your professional skills by undertaking a variety of placements and industry experiences. Supported throughout the year by academics, you’ll build on the knowledge gained on your course in a range of national or international locations, and graduate with an additional qualification of Diploma in Professional Studies.
Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
Between Years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate degree, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects (with Creative Computing).
