BA in Animation

Animation Principles & History 

This module’s primary aim is to introduce learners to the history and development of animation from technological, and psychological perspectives. Learners will explore the 12 principles of animation with independent study and learn how to identify them within animated media. Learners will also be introduced to the history and psychology of animation with the objective of appraising it within a social context.

2D Digital Imaging 1 

The aim of this module is to build upon skills and knowledge acquired in Module 1, Animation Principles & History. It does so by having learners work with industry standard 2D animation software to animate more progressively complex objects and characters, demonstrating judgement on the use of animation principles first learnt in Module 1, Animation Principles & History. The focus is on the learner’s developing awareness of core fundamentals of animation found in professional and studio work.

Life Drawing 

The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the fundamental basics of life drawing. This aim is met through a series of objectives. Learners will study basic drawing techniques such as line and contour, gesture, form and volume. They will subsequently breakdown the human form using geometric shapes with the objective of having a core understanding of the forms they are producing. Finally the aim of this module will be met by continuously developing skills and knowledge in anatomy, movement, weight distribution and their materialisation in taught and self-directed sketch techniques.

Storyboarding and Layout 

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to storyboarding techniques and to develop their skills and knowledge-bases in utilising storyboards in the animation pipeline. It meets this aim through a number of objectives by demonstrating the purpose of storyboards and reflecting on their utility. It enables learners to develop professional standards of practice in storyboard creation. This module also shows learners how to create scene by scene layouts of narratives, and accompanying scene information. Lastly, it demonstrates how to create animatics to prototype animation.

3D Modelling 1 (Characters and environments) 

This module’s primary aim is skills acquisition. This module seeks to develop necessary skills for industry. This module meets this aim through a series of objectives. Learners will be introduced to the basic concepts of 3D modeling. They will develop skills in character modeling and developing original designs. They will also be introduced to environmental modeling principles, basic texturing, rigging, and animating.

3D Rigging & Animation

The aim of this module is to build upon skills and knowledge acquired in Module 1, Animation Principles & History, and Module 2, 3D Modelling 1. It does so by having learners work with industry standard 3D animation software to develop the learner’s understanding of 3D character rigging and weight mapping, creating simple animated sequences, and focusing on the fundamentals of body mechanics, acting, and overall appeal. The focus is on the learner’s developing awareness of core fundamentals of animation found in professional and studio work.

Texturing & Unwrapping 

In Module 2, 3D Animation Studio 1 learners were introduced to the basics of texturing and unwrapping. The aim of this module, Texturing and Unwrapping, is to take a specialised approach to texturing and unwrapping, having already covered the fundamentals.  Learners will learn unwrapping principles and how to apply them to props, buildings and characters. They will explore various map types and different techniques for mapping models. Lastly, they will be shown how to create colour, surface and multi-purpose maps, along with best practice techniques, advancing their skill and knowledge base in this area.

Visual Culture & Theory 1 

The aim of this module is to enable learners to develop a conceptual framework that will enable them to analyse the visual world within a cultural, historical and political context. It meets this aim through a number of objectives, the general structure of which traces visual culture from the industrial revolution to the modern period. Learners will critically engage in the historical analysis of neo-classical architecture, dialectical debates on romanticism and industrial production, and address the political implications of modernist art.

2D Digital Imaging 2 

The aim of this module is to build upon skills and knowledge acquired in 2D Digital Imaging 1. It does so by having learners work with industry standard 2D animation software to animate more progressively complex objects and characters, demonstrating judgement on the use of animation principles first learnt in Module 1, Animation Principles & History. The focus is on the learner’s developing awareness of core fundamentals of animation found in professional and studio work.

Narrative & Storytelling 

This module introduces learners to the role of narrative design and writing in animation. Learners explore story structures such as ‘The Hero’s Journey’ and non-linear narratives. They develop skills and knowledge in narrative development, dialogue creation, communication, teamwork, project planning and scriptwriting.  Learners are required to express their own ideas and practice story-writing using tools to develop their idea into a fully-fledged document, as is practiced within an industry context.

Life Drawing for Animation 

The aim of this module is to further develop the life drawing skills learned in Module 2- Life Drawing, applying the techniques and theories directly to animation. This aim is met through a series of objectives. Learners improve upon their fundamental art techniques such as line, contour, gesture, form and volume with a focus on developing an animation-focused gestural life drawing portfolio. Learners produce advanced representations of the human form using expanded life drawing techniques in order to produce animation-focused life-drawing studies. The learners’ skills and knowledge are developed in the use of gesture, dynamic posing, movement, expression, form and value and foreshortening of the figure with a view to applying them with the context of animation industry requirements.

3D Modelling 2 (Characters & Video Games) 

The aim of this module is to build upon the work previously carried out and to further develop the learners’ expertise in 3D modelling. The module increases the learners’ capacity for critically reflecting on practice, through expanding and deepening their knowledge base while exploring the world of animation for video games. 

3D Advanced Rigging & Animation 

The aim of this module is to provide learners with knowledge and skills in advanced rigging and animation techniques.  Learners develop skills in rigging, skinning and animating a high detail character and the theoretical foundations for best practice in these areas.  Learners also advance their use of lighting, environmental and particle effects using industry standard software. Learners are introduced to compositing and motion graphic practices. As this module both deepens and expands upon learning within modules Animation Studio, learners will also be expected to critically evaluate their work based on their progression and further understanding of skills and knowledge required to work in industry. Workflow management skills are embedded throughout and learners are required to apply these skills in their assessments.

Special Effects, Compositing & Motion Graphics 

Sequential Art Design and Production (Comic Art and Production) 

This module builds on Module 3 Visual Culture and Theory 1.  It extends the learners’ examination of modernist art and design movements tracing their evolution towards postmodern visual culture. It requires learners to demonstrate a more advanced critical stance upon the historical, political and cultural context in which latter 20th Century art and design movements are embedded. This module also introduces learners to the language of semiotics and utilises semiotic analysis as a means of critiquing vernacular design.

Visual Culture & Theory 2 

This module builds on Module 3 Visual Culture and Theory 1.  It extends the learners’ examination of modernist art and design movements tracing their evolution towards postmodern visual culture. It requires learners to demonstrate a more advanced critical stance upon the historical, political and cultural context in which latter 20th Century art and design movements are embedded. This module also introduces learners to the language of semiotics and utilises semiotic analysis as a means of critiquing vernacular design.

Final Project 

The aim of the Major Project capstone module is to enable the learner to synthesise the knowledge base and skill set they have developed over the course of the programme and develop a professional standard piece for inclusion in their portfolio.  Learners will demonstrate competency in all aspects of the animation pipeline from pre-production, production, through to post-production. They are expected to demonstrate advanced workflow management skills and a full range of critical thinking and practical skills. Learners are required to create a narrative piece suitable for submission to animation festivals and of sufficient quality to meet future employer standards. This capstone module running over semester 6 in year 3, provides learners with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired during the previous elements of the programme. It is envisaged that learners will produce animation relevant artefacts, with significant challenges and depth.

3D Sculpting & Modelling

This module advances the learners’ modelling techniques and knowledge base to a professional standard enabling them to create professionally finished pieces that are industry ready by focusing upon both organic and inorganic sculpting. It prepares learners for direct employment in the industry through achieving professional level competency in industry standard 3D modelling software. The module emphasises workflow practices with the objective of creating learners capable of meeting industry demands.  Throughout the module, the learners’ advanced technical abilities are complemented by their ability to confidently present and discuss their work with professionals and to make informed decisions in evaluating and recommending workflow processes. This module familiarises learners with core research theories and concepts and equips them with essential skills in planning, gathering material, data collection and analysis. Media practitioners encounter research related topics in various aspects of their work, both in relation to the media products they create, and to the consumers and purchasers of those products. This module therefore also aims to introduce learners to research topics that affect media workers in their daily work.

Videogames Tools & Environments 

The aim of this module is to build upon the learners’ skills in 2D and 3D modelling developed in earlier modules and to apply the knowledge base and skillset acquired to videogames.  It requires learners to exercise creative autonomy in environmental production within a real-time game engine.  They are required to plan, research and develop concept art for 2D and to create, optimise and import/export 3D game assets.   Additionally, learners will learn how to apply visual effects in a game engine and implement best practice workflow management.

Audio Production 

The aim of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge-base and skillset required to create sound effects and dialogue recordings for animation.  The module presents the basic theory of sound and digital audio as well as practical skills in both audio hardware and software.  Learners examine the theoretical basis for sound design concepts and experiment with their application as well as learning Foley techniques.  Learners become competent in the use of industry standard software for the purposes of editing and manipulating SFX, audio signal processing.  As this is a Stage 3 module, learners will also be required to apply best practice in audio workflow management.

Entrepreneurship (Marketing for business) 

The aim of this module is to give learners key skills required to start a business.  It covers the role, characteristics and requirements of entrepreneurship and examines creativity and innovation in light of the learner’s particular area of emphasis (e.g. animation, gaming, etc.) and uses case studies of start-ups to critically appraise feasibility projects and business plans. This module complements module 10 Brand and Marketing.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin: EUR 8,950.00

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin: 

Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.