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Do you want to work in animation, film, motion graphics, computer games or graphic design? This course builds on your interests to give you an intellectual understanding of design, art, film and narrative theory.

You will be taught cutting-edge techniques and computer-based animation skills using industry standard software, along with practical project management skills and critical analytical thinking. The Animation course is a vibrant community of practice, which provides you with the opportunity to develop an impressive technical skillset, professional understanding and creative vision.

Northumbria University is ranked 10th in Design & Crafts in the UK (Guardian University League Tables 2020).

This programme is delivered entirely at Academy of Design (AOD) in Sri Lanka and is offered as Full Time mode of study only.

If you would like to apply or for further information please visit the AOD website. For any specific queries relating directly to Northumbria please contact tne@northumbria.ac.uk.

Course Information

Level of Study
Undergraduate

Mode of Study
3 years and 4 months

Location
Sri Lanka

City
Sri Lanka

Start
January

Fee Information

Module Information

Entry Requirements Modules Overview

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

For information on entry requirements please visit the AOD website

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2024/25

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

MI4011 -

Introduction to Animation (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the subject of traditional animation and the key historical and contemporary figures in the industry, through contextual lectures, as a design communication tool. You will also be introduced to a variety of traditional animation techniques, such as cut-out, 2D drawn, film making with puppets and models and stop motion, using industry standard software such as Dragonframe, for frame by frame capture and Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, for post production editing work, where appropriate.

The 12 principles of animation will be introduced to you, through a series of animation exercises. You will learn from simple technical demonstrations, such as camera handling, photography and lighting techniques.
Life drawing classes will also be introduced to support the drawn and model-making elements of the animation exercises and to help you to gain an understanding of the human body.

You will also learn to apply the knowledge and understanding, gained in the first half of the semester, to a creative brief which allows you to reflect on areas of strength that is; research, generate ideas, develop, manage and produce a short, but complete animation, to conclude the module and add to the portfolio of animations created in the first half of the semester, for assessment.

More information

MI4012 -

Visual Language 1 (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides a foundation in ‘visual language’ to support the development of original ideas for animation.

You will learn how to design and communicate for screen based work, enhanced through an understanding of the fundamental principles of Animation production such as sequential images, timing, layout colour and composition.

Practical classes will introduce you to the components needed for the pre - production of animation, teaching you to understand the design process leading to the making of animation. You will gain an understanding of research methods for animation production. You will learn the fundamental principles of storyboarding and how to create effective artwork for the pitch process. You will engage in writing treatments, short narratives, and script processes for animation.

You will learn to use appropriate tools and techniques as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative design solutions.
You will visualize these concepts as illustrations and storyboards, using hand and digital tools, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, for creative solutions.

The module introduces you to the support infrastructure and processes for learning and utilising resources, in the University, to help you to learn effectively. You will engage in the kind of tasks which help to develop and demonstrate your learning, to build your confidence and capabilities and develop an ability to direct your own learning, evaluate your own progress and achievements and support the learning of others in group working situations.

More information

MI4014 -

Introduction to 3D Animation (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to how 3D computer animation can be used to create original and creatively diverse animation through learning the fundamental aspects of 3D using Autodesk Maya.

You will be taught the core historical background to 3D animation, which will provide a contextual basis upon which you can build knowledge and understanding of contemporary animation practices. The emphasis will be on learning the production methods and technical skills that have supported the evolution of animation from pure photographic form to 3D computer generated animation.

An introduction into visual and cultural research methods will also provide you with skills to develop your own research into culturally significant areas such as fine art, literature, poetry, architecture and design and aspects of this research will form the basis of your exploration into 3D software and then how the 3D space can be utilised as a creative workshop in which you can craft your ideas. This research underpins your own generation of original and diverse animated work in response to the brief.

More information

MI4016 -

Sound Design and Editing (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn the principles of editing and sound design, for moving image, through experimenting with editing as a tool for crafting in time and in communicating with sound, to provide a complete experience for the viewer. You will also gain an understanding of the workflow required for using editing and sound design as a fundamental basis of animation. Appropriate tools will be introduced as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative solutions to the brief.

You will learn techniques and practices such as screen grammar, temporal and spatial edit decisions, editing sound qualities, recording and laying tracks, working with Foley, working with software, such as Audition and Adobe Premier, as well as the principles of sound and editing. Through this you will extend your knowledge and critical appreciation of sound and the moving image, in the context of relevant theories such as the Audiovisual contract.

This project will further influence and enhance creative decision-making in future visual communication project work on the Animation programme.

More information

MI4017 -

Films for Filmmakers 1: Critical Concepts in Film and Television Studies (Core,20 Credits)

This module will introduce you analysing films critically, in order to provide you with an understanding of some of the key ways in which films are constructed and how they communicate information and express ideas. Through learning about a variety of critical approaches to film and television, you will develop academic research skills and analytical techniques that will deepen your understanding of your own creative practice. Topic covered will include: mise-en-scene, sound,, narrative, and editing. We will look at a variety of clips that range across different types of film productions.

More information

MI4019 -

Personal and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to provide you with a range of academic and professional practice skills, and an awareness of a range of professional contexts in which the knowledge of your degree study may be applied.

The module begins with a series of sessions dealing with generic and subject-specific research skills, including how to do presentations, literature reviews, e-learning and writing in different contexts (i.e. essays, portfolios, reports, criticism). These skills will allow you to become independent learners and will then be put into practice through the first assessment task, which is a recorded presentation. The second half of the module is themed around professional development. Through attendance at class, individual tutorials and directed and independent learning, you will explore a variety of professional contexts for your degree study. This will include visiting speakers and training sessions in relevant skills such as podcasting. This will culminate in the second assessment task, a podcast.

More information

Year two

MI5014 -

Character Design & Modelling (Core,20 Credits)

You will refine and build on skills gained in Level 4 to develop character designs through an historical overview of relevant literature, art, animation, games, film and advertising. This will help to form a broad understanding of character design. More specific principles of character design and branding, using characters, will also be introduced.

You will then learn how to generate ideas for contemporary character design influenced by social, political and cultural research for the development of the ‘back story’, through drawing and written work. You will create and present, character design sheets, including suggested movement, expressions, silhouette, negative space and bone structure and create early prototypes of characters using found materials.

You will learn to understand and execute the principles of 3D computer modelling and the principles of 3D texture mapping with a view to establishing an in-depth, practical knowledge of 3D modelling and texturing techniques (using Autodesk Maya), in support of the design and production of original content. You will also learn how to manage 3D CGI assets and realise character design ideas in a range of media to create a character led brand.

More information

MI5015 -

3D Games Design (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn how to plan, design and create a videogame level within the context of a creative brief. This module provides you with theoretical and technical knowledge and skills that can help you find a job in the games industry upon graduating. You are required to think critically about videogame aesthetics and processes, rather than emulating existing game styles. You will learn how to use the level design pipeline to create a videogame level from start to finish. It is an iterative process that will be useful to adopt in future projects. The brief will require you to translate abstract concepts into finished 3D level designs, testing your ability to breakdown complex ideas and communicate them through control of image, sound, three-dimensional space and interaction. You will learn the industry standard techniques for modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering game objects and environments. Many of the technical skills learned on this module will also help strengthen knowledge about computer graphics for animation. You will learn how to use visual scripting to program basic interaction within your level. Experience with this node-based system is built upon in the compositing module next semester. You will also gain a better overview of how software packages relate to each other, how to move assets between them and the strengths and weaknesses of particular software.

More information

MI5016 -

Research & Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The module provides an opportunity for you to learn which skills and attributes are considered most important by employers, in the animation industry, and to reflect and set targets to address any skills gaps, to boost your employability before you graduate.

Module tasks will include researching into the local, national and international animation industry to begin to understand where you could see yourself working. You will learn how to create a portfolio that includes personal promotion information such as a Linked In profile/CV, Vimeo account, web presence and showreel. You will learn how to write a written reflective piece that analyses your skills and attributes.

More information

MI5017 -

Animation Performance (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn how to research, refine and produce performance in animation, through a process of deconstructing and reconstructing movement with a range of animation processes. You will learn how to generate ideas for character animation influenced by social, political and cultural issues and historical and contemporary knowledge of character-led animation, and to produce a short form animated film.

This will be taught through practical workshops inclusive of technical demonstrations, seminar sessions and lectures to support you in gaining a critical understanding of animation skills evidenced through animation outputs of a sophisticated level. Through these sessions, you will explore how movement can be captured and used as the basis for generating compelling and original character animation, how to adapt and use a 3D-computer generated rig for manipulating characters and realise high-quality animated digital characters.

The animation skills, critical understanding and contextual studies will also be framed through lectures that illustrate how animation is used in the industry as a prime method of communication, along with discussion of current and forward-looking practices and processes that the contemporary character animation industry is developing and pioneering.

More information

MI5018 -

Compositing for Animation (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn the fundamental principles of compositing for animation. Compositing is a crucial skill within the animation industry and can open up employment opportunities within the TV, Film and VFX industries. Contemporary animation is often comprised of images from different sources, be it live action, hand drawn or computer generated. You will gain technical knowledge of how to composite 2D, 3D and live action elements, using a range of industry techniques. This will include channel operations, masks, rotoscoping, tracking, green screen, keying and matte painting. Following on from the visual scripting aspect of the 3D Games module, you will learn node-based compositing, and how this is helpful for non-destructive workflows. These processes are crucial for live projects in which the client requires last minute changes.
You will continue to develop an overview of how different software packages relate to each other and how to capitalise on the strengths of each package to support the creative use of technology in the animation process. Compositing processes can be utilised in order to generate unique visual styles, which you will be asked to explore throughout the module.
You will learn how to plan animation in a more optimal way, using compositing strategies to save time and build editable projects. The module is underpinned by a critical approach to thinking about hybrid animation aesthetics and what it means for multiple image sources to be combined in the production of a single animation.

More information

MI5019 -

Experimental Motion Graphics (Core,20 Credits)

Building on the level 4 module, Introduction to Motion Graphics, this module will consider the communication of information and ideas through the application of experimental motion graphic design principles.

You will consider several areas of communication such as information design, branding and advertising. By combining these divergent fields into one module, it is anticipated that you will learn how to intellectually and practically negotiate the challenging communication continuum between informing and manipulating an audience.

Through a project brief you will be introduced to an issue that requires a coherent design solution that may encompass information design, branding and advertising. Central to this design solution will be a significant piece of motion graphics design, which will be developed through an experimental approach to design.

You will be supported through lectures, and group discussions within workshop activity in both the areas of communication design, (information design, branding and advertising), and the practical motion graphics software.

More information

Year three

MI6011 -

Professional Creative Production 1 (Core,20 Credits)

You will undertake a set of challenging projects, including briefs set in conjunction with external institutions, which will directly support your future employment opportunities. These projects will allow you to develop industry focussed and conceptually challenging projects that demonstrate both your intellectual and creative ability and your employability in the Animation and Design fields.

A portfolio of work is a key asset developed during Level 6 and this module gives you an opportunity to refine your portfolio in a commercially focussed way.

You will be able to present research, demonstrate creative thinking and produce professional design and animation to meet the brief.

You will manage research analysis and develop ideas based on your chosen problem.

You will deliver the designs, based on appropriate production methods, which meet client needs.

More information

MI6014 -

Professional Creative Production 2 (Core,20 Credits)

This module builds on the commercial and industry focused experience gained in Professional and Creative Production 1. In this module you will undertake a set of challenging projects, including briefs set in conjunction with external institutions, which will directly support your future employment opportunities. These projects will allow you to develop industry focused and conceptually challenging projects that demonstrate both your intellectual and creative ability and your employability in the Animation and Design fields.

A portfolio of work is a key asset developed during level 6 and this module gives you an opportunity to refine your portfolio in a commercially focused way.

You will be able to present research, demonstrate creative thinking and produce professional design and animation to meet the brief.

You will manage research analysis and develop ideas based on your chosen problem.

You will deliver the designs, based on appropriate production methods, which meet client needs.

More information

MI6015 -

Final Project Realisation and Presentation (Core,40 Credits)

This module provides the platform for you to produce a substantial, creative Final Project showcasing your animation skills, vision and technical production knowledge. It supports you in learning how to set a self-directed project and practice time-management skills to realise your project, with support from academic staff.

Your project comprises the production and presentation of an industry standard short form animated film or equivalent production such as a game or installation and the content becomes the core of your final show-reel. You will document your development of your project and critically reflect on the creation and production process through a ‘scene breakdown’ short film and a blog. This will reveal your iterative process, ability to create original work to a timeframe and manage a large scale final project.

This project will give you the opportunity to exhibit high levels of understanding and skill of all the areas of animation that the programme covers and use the technological resources on campus to produce industry standard production finish. With consistent mentorship, support and feedback from academic and technical staff, you will be supported in producing a final project and presentation, which helps you to polish your professional skills, ready for graduation and entry into industry or further studies at a higher level.

More information

MI6021 -

Final Project: Research and Development (Core,40 Credits)

This module forms the first part of an exciting opportunity to develop a personal project from start to finish over the course of a year.

The aims of this project are to establish the industry standard pre-production processes for short-form animated projects.
The direction of each project will be different, and as such you are required to apply your independent learning skills to tailoring content learned in class to your own work. You will learn how to develop original, personally motivated animation and game projects, how to pitch these ideas to funders, clients and peers and how to independently lead and manage a project of significant duration and depth. You will also be given training on Renderman and networked rendering, in preparation for the production stage of the project. The critical, contextual part of the module will give you the knowledge and confidence to discuss your work in relation to animation theory and practice. It will provide you with ways of thinking about your work that help you become a more reflective practitioner.

At the end of this module you will have completed the research, development and created the assets for your final project. In MI6015: Final Project Realisation and Presentation, you will be able to focus on animation, production and post-production of your project.

More information

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

MI4011 -

Introduction to Animation (Core,20 Credits)

This module introduces you to the subject of traditional animation and the key historical and contemporary figures in the industry, through contextual lectures, as a design communication tool. You will also be introduced to a variety of traditional animation techniques, such as cut-out, 2D drawn, film making with puppets and models and stop motion, using industry standard software such as Dragonframe, for frame by frame capture and Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, for post production editing work, where appropriate.

The 12 principles of animation will be introduced to you, through a series of animation exercises. You will learn from simple technical demonstrations, such as camera handling, photography and lighting techniques.
Life drawing classes will also be introduced to support the drawn and model-making elements of the animation exercises and to help you to gain an understanding of the human body.

You will also learn to apply the knowledge and understanding, gained in the first half of the semester, to a creative brief which allows you to reflect on areas of strength that is; research, generate ideas, develop, manage and produce a short, but complete animation, to conclude the module and add to the portfolio of animations created in the first half of the semester, for assessment.

More information

MI4012 -

Visual Language 1 (Core,20 Credits)

This module provides a foundation in ‘visual language’ to support the development of original ideas for animation.

You will learn how to design and communicate for screen based work, enhanced through an understanding of the fundamental principles of Animation production such as sequential images, timing, layout colour and composition.

Practical classes will introduce you to the components needed for the pre - production of animation, teaching you to understand the design process leading to the making of animation. You will gain an understanding of research methods for animation production. You will learn the fundamental principles of storyboarding and how to create effective artwork for the pitch process. You will engage in writing treatments, short narratives, and script processes for animation.

You will learn to use appropriate tools and techniques as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative design solutions.
You will visualize these concepts as illustrations and storyboards, using hand and digital tools, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, for creative solutions.

The module introduces you to the support infrastructure and processes for learning and utilising resources, in the University, to help you to learn effectively. You will engage in the kind of tasks which help to develop and demonstrate your learning, to build your confidence and capabilities and develop an ability to direct your own learning, evaluate your own progress and achievements and support the learning of others in group working situations.

More information

MI4014 -

Introduction to 3D Animation (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to how 3D computer animation can be used to create original and creatively diverse animation through learning the fundamental aspects of 3D using Autodesk Maya.

You will be taught the core historical background to 3D animation, which will provide a contextual basis upon which you can build knowledge and understanding of contemporary animation practices. The emphasis will be on learning the production methods and technical skills that have supported the evolution of animation from pure photographic form to 3D computer generated animation.

An introduction into visual and cultural research methods will also provide you with skills to develop your own research into culturally significant areas such as fine art, literature, poetry, architecture and design and aspects of this research will form the basis of your exploration into 3D software and then how the 3D space can be utilised as a creative workshop in which you can craft your ideas. This research underpins your own generation of original and diverse animated work in response to the brief.

More information

MI4016 -

Sound Design and Editing (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn the principles of editing and sound design, for moving image, through experimenting with editing as a tool for crafting in time and in communicating with sound, to provide a complete experience for the viewer. You will also gain an understanding of the workflow required for using editing and sound design as a fundamental basis of animation. Appropriate tools will be introduced as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative solutions to the brief.

You will learn techniques and practices such as screen grammar, temporal and spatial edit decisions, editing sound qualities, recording and laying tracks, working with Foley, working with software, such as Audition and Adobe Premier, as well as the principles of sound and editing. Through this you will extend your knowledge and critical appreciation of sound and the moving image, in the context of relevant theories such as the Audiovisual contract.

This project will further influence and enhance creative decision-making in future visual communication project work on the Animation programme.

More information

MI4017 -

Films for Filmmakers 1: Critical Concepts in Film and Television Studies (Core,20 Credits)

This module will introduce you analysing films critically, in order to provide you with an understanding of some of the key ways in which films are constructed and how they communicate information and express ideas. Through learning about a variety of critical approaches to film and television, you will develop academic research skills and analytical techniques that will deepen your understanding of your own creative practice. Topic covered will include: mise-en-scene, sound,, narrative, and editing. We will look at a variety of clips that range across different types of film productions.

More information

MI4019 -

Personal and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

This module aims to provide you with a range of academic and professional practice skills, and an awareness of a range of professional contexts in which the knowledge of your degree study may be applied.

The module begins with a series of sessions dealing with generic and subject-specific research skills, including how to do presentations, literature reviews, e-learning and writing in different contexts (i.e. essays, portfolios, reports, criticism). These skills will allow you to become independent learners and will then be put into practice through the first assessment task, which is a recorded presentation. The second half of the module is themed around professional development. Through attendance at class, individual tutorials and directed and independent learning, you will explore a variety of professional contexts for your degree study. This will include visiting speakers and training sessions in relevant skills such as podcasting. This will culminate in the second assessment task, a podcast.

More information

Year two

MI5014 -

Character Design & Modelling (Core,20 Credits)

You will refine and build on skills gained in Level 4 to develop character designs through an historical overview of relevant literature, art, animation, games, film and advertising. This will help to form a broad understanding of character design. More specific principles of character design and branding, using characters, will also be introduced.

You will then learn how to generate ideas for contemporary character design influenced by social, political and cultural research for the development of the ‘back story’, through drawing and written work. You will create and present, character design sheets, including suggested movement, expressions, silhouette, negative space and bone structure and create early prototypes of characters using found materials.

You will learn to understand and execute the principles of 3D computer modelling and the principles of 3D texture mapping with a view to establishing an in-depth, practical knowledge of 3D modelling and texturing techniques (using Autodesk Maya), in support of the design and production of original content. You will also learn how to manage 3D CGI assets and realise character design ideas in a range of media to create a character led brand.

More information

MI5015 -

3D Games Design (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn how to plan, design and create a videogame level within the context of a creative brief. This module provides you with theoretical and technical knowledge and skills that can help you find a job in the games industry upon graduating. You are required to think critically about videogame aesthetics and processes, rather than emulating existing game styles. You will learn how to use the level design pipeline to create a videogame level from start to finish. It is an iterative process that will be useful to adopt in future projects. The brief will require you to translate abstract concepts into finished 3D level designs, testing your ability to breakdown complex ideas and communicate them through control of image, sound, three-dimensional space and interaction. You will learn the industry standard techniques for modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering game objects and environments. Many of the technical skills learned on this module will also help strengthen knowledge about computer graphics for animation. You will learn how to use visual scripting to program basic interaction within your level. Experience with this node-based system is built upon in the compositing module next semester. You will also gain a better overview of how software packages relate to each other, how to move assets between them and the strengths and weaknesses of particular software.

More information

MI5016 -

Research & Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)

The module provides an opportunity for you to learn which skills and attributes are considered most important by employers, in the animation industry, and to reflect and set targets to address any skills gaps, to boost your employability before you graduate.

Module tasks will include researching into the local, national and international animation industry to begin to understand where you could see yourself working. You will learn how to create a portfolio that includes personal promotion information such as a Linked In profile/CV, Vimeo account, web presence and showreel. You will learn how to write a written reflective piece that analyses your skills and attributes.

More information

MI5017 -

Animation Performance (Core,20 Credits)

In this module, you will learn how to research, refine and produce performance in animation, through a process of deconstructing and reconstructing movement with a range of animation processes. You will learn how to generate ideas for character animation influenced by social, political and cultural issues and historical and contemporary knowledge of character-led animation, and to produce a short form animated film.

This will be taught through practical workshops inclusive of technical demonstrations, seminar sessions and lectures to support you in gaining a critical understanding of animation skills evidenced through animation outputs of a sophisticated level. Through these sessions, you will explore how movement can be captured and used as the basis for generating compelling and original character animation, how to adapt and use a 3D-computer generated rig for manipulating characters and realise high-quality animated digital characters.

The animation skills, critical understanding and contextual studies will also be framed through lectures that illustrate how animation is used in the industry as a prime method of communication, along with discussion of current and forward-looking practices and processes that the contemporary character animation industry is developing and pioneering.

More information

MI5018 -

Compositing for Animation (Core,20 Credits)

On this module you will learn the fundamental principles of compositing for animation. Compositing is a crucial skill within the animation industry and can open up employment opportunities within the TV, Film and VFX industries. Contemporary animation is often comprised of images from different sources, be it live action, hand drawn or computer generated. You will gain technical knowledge of how to composite 2D, 3D and live action elements, using a range of industry techniques. This will include channel operations, masks, rotoscoping, tracking, green screen, keying and matte painting. Following on from the visual scripting aspect of the 3D Games module, you will learn node-based compositing, and how this is helpful for non-destructive workflows. These processes are crucial for live projects in which the client requires last minute changes.
You will continue to develop an overview of how different software packages relate to each other and how to capitalise on the strengths of each package to support the creative use of technology in the animation process. Compositing processes can be utilised in order to generate unique visual styles, which you will be asked to explore throughout the module.
You will learn how to plan animation in a more optimal way, using compositing strategies to save time and build editable projects. The module is underpinned by a critical approach to thinking about hybrid animation aesthetics and what it means for multiple image sources to be combined in the production of a single animation.

More information

MI5019 -

Experimental Motion Graphics (Core,20 Credits)

Building on the level 4 module, Introduction to Motion Graphics, this module will consider the communication of information and ideas through the application of experimental motion graphic design principles.

You will consider several areas of communication such as information design, branding and advertising. By combining these divergent fields into one module, it is anticipated that you will learn how to intellectually and practically negotiate the challenging communication continuum between informing and manipulating an audience.

Through a project brief you will be introduced to an issue that requires a coherent design solution that may encompass information design, branding and advertising. Central to this design solution will be a significant piece of motion graphics design, which will be developed through an experimental approach to design.

You will be supported through lectures, and group discussions within workshop activity in both the areas of communication design, (information design, branding and advertising), and the practical motion graphics software.

More information

Year three

MI6011 -

Professional Creative Production 1 (Core,20 Credits)

You will undertake a set of challenging projects, including briefs set in conjunction with external institutions, which will directly support your future employment opportunities. These projects will allow you to develop industry focussed and conceptually challenging projects that demonstrate both your intellectual and creative ability and your employability in the Animation and Design fields.

A portfolio of work is a key asset developed during Level 6 and this module gives you an opportunity to refine your portfolio in a commercially focussed way.

You will be able to present research, demonstrate creative thinking and produce professional design and animation to meet the brief.

You will manage research analysis and develop ideas based on your chosen problem.

You will deliver the designs, based on appropriate production methods, which meet client needs.

More information

MI6014 -

Professional Creative Production 2 (Core,20 Credits)

This module builds on the commercial and industry focused experience gained in Professional and Creative Production 1. In this module you will undertake a set of challenging projects, including briefs set in conjunction with external institutions, which will directly support your future employment opportunities. These projects will allow you to develop industry focused and conceptually challenging projects that demonstrate both your intellectual and creative ability and your employability in the Animation and Design fields.

A portfolio of work is a key asset developed during level 6 and this module gives you an opportunity to refine your portfolio in a commercially focused way.

You will be able to present research, demonstrate creative thinking and produce professional design and animation to meet the brief.

You will manage research analysis and develop ideas based on your chosen problem.

You will deliver the designs, based on appropriate production methods, which meet client needs.

More information

MI6015 -

Final Project Realisation and Presentation (Core,40 Credits)

This module provides the platform for you to produce a substantial, creative Final Project showcasing your animation skills, vision and technical production knowledge. It supports you in learning how to set a self-directed project and practice time-management skills to realise your project, with support from academic staff.

Your project comprises the production and presentation of an industry standard short form animated film or equivalent production such as a game or installation and the content becomes the core of your final show-reel. You will document your development of your project and critically reflect on the creation and production process through a ‘scene breakdown’ short film and a blog. This will reveal your iterative process, ability to create original work to a timeframe and manage a large scale final project.

This project will give you the opportunity to exhibit high levels of understanding and skill of all the areas of animation that the programme covers and use the technological resources on campus to produce industry standard production finish. With consistent mentorship, support and feedback from academic and technical staff, you will be supported in producing a final project and presentation, which helps you to polish your professional skills, ready for graduation and entry into industry or further studies at a higher level.

More information

MI6021 -

Final Project: Research and Development (Core,40 Credits)

This module forms the first part of an exciting opportunity to develop a personal project from start to finish over the course of a year.

The aims of this project are to establish the industry standard pre-production processes for short-form animated projects.
The direction of each project will be different, and as such you are required to apply your independent learning skills to tailoring content learned in class to your own work. You will learn how to develop original, personally motivated animation and game projects, how to pitch these ideas to funders, clients and peers and how to independently lead and manage a project of significant duration and depth. You will also be given training on Renderman and networked rendering, in preparation for the production stage of the project. The critical, contextual part of the module will give you the knowledge and confidence to discuss your work in relation to animation theory and practice. It will provide you with ways of thinking about your work that help you become a more reflective practitioner.

At the end of this module you will have completed the research, development and created the assets for your final project. In MI6015: Final Project Realisation and Presentation, you will be able to focus on animation, production and post-production of your project.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints


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* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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Northumbria Open Days

Open Days are a great way for you to get a feel of the University, the city of Newcastle upon Tyne and the course(s) you are interested in.

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NU World Virtual Tours
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Virtual Tour

Get an insight into life at Northumbria at the click of a button! Come and explore our videos and 360 panoramas to immerse yourself in our campuses and get a feel for what it is like studying here using our interactive virtual tour.

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