UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Engineering and Informatics School of Media, Design and Technology Programme title: BA (Hons) Computer Animation

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD Faculty of Engineering and Informatics School of Media, Design and Technology Programme title: BA (Hons) Computer Animation Awarding and teaching institution: Final and interim awards: University of Bradford BA (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 6] Diploma of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5] Certificate of Higher Education [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 4] Programme title: Programme approved by: Duration: UCAS code: Subject benchmark statement: Computer Animation n/a Date produced: April 2005 Last updated : May 2015 Introduction 3 years full time; 4 years full-time including a year of study abroad and/or a work placement; 6 years part time. G450BA/Can; I701 BA/CA Computing; Art and Design; Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies Even in difficult economic times, creative industries are rapidly growing to keep pace with new technological advances, in the UK and internationally. As animation technology is capable of producing ever more spectacular output, the operators using the technology must be equipped with the skills and ideas to get the most from it. Graduates who can demonstrate strong creative and technical aptitude and a critical understanding of the workings of the industry are very much in demand. Studying hard on a degree here will equip you for a fast paced rewarding career. The School of Media, Design and Technology is part of Bradford University s Faculty of Engineering and Informatics (or SEI for short), and it offers cutting edge undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in the fields of computer animation and computer games development. These are delivered by a team of industry experienced lectures against a background of internationally recognised research in computer animation, virtual reality, motion capture technology, distributed virtual environments, visualization, imaging, multimedia, digital video, human computer interaction, artificial intelligence and more. Our programmes are 1

2 unique in that they are offered in collaboration with the National Media Museum (NMeM), giving access to students to an additional wealth of resources and expertise. The School is a partner of Creative Skillset, the sector skills council for the creative industries, which is an acknowledgement of its clear links to industry and indicates the relevance of its programmes for employment in the media sector. Our other partners include the BBC, the NMeM, and Bradford UNESCO City of Film. Employability is one of our key values, and many of our graduates go on to exciting jobs in the animation and visual effects, games, interactive and wider new media industries, regularly winning national and international awards for their work. While our programmes provide you with specific sets of practical production skills, they also enhance your overall employability through their extensive use of team-working and problem-solving approaches to learning. Programme Aims The programme is intended to: Equip students who wish to develop expertise in the creative, aesthetic and technical aspects of computer-generated animation, supported by a range of relevant audiovisual media disciplines. On this programme you will develop your creative skills through study of the basics of 2D and 3D computer animation, observational drawing, image production and manipulation, television and audio production, putting all these elements into practice through project modules. While the main emphasis is on content creation (helping you to produce a strong portfolio of work on graduation), the programme also provides you with an appreciation of the social, aesthetic, and business contexts within which media artefacts are produced and circulated. The School aims to provide Honours degree programmes which enable you to develop an integrated range of knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of computer animation through critical engagement with principles, applications, content design and production practice. In addition the programmes aim actively to encourage students to develop a portfolio of appropriate transferable skills and attributes. For the Computer Animation programme, these aims are achieved by: Delivering a programme of study with some opportunities for shared learning with other programmes offered by the School, with increasing specialization as you move towards graduation. The final year of the programme focuses mainly on project production, allowing you to integrate the skills and knowledge developed in the first two years of the programme; Providing a supportive, structured environment in which you are encouraged to develop independent learning skills; Developing subject knowledge and understanding, developing discipline skills and personal transferable skills, enabling graduates to pursue programmes of further study, or to move directly into responsible employment. 2

3 Programme Learning Outcomes When you have completed the programme you will be able to: LO1. Implement in practice key industrial software applications, with particular reference to 2D, 3D computer animation and compositing. LO2. Critically compare and contrast production packages and processes across a range of media forms. LO3. Make informed judgements in the context of rapidly developing and converging media industries. LO4. Develop knowledge and practical understanding, of the use of interactive media products. LO5. Evaluate effectively the inherent challenges that creative and systematic problem solving encompass. LO6. Evaluate the cultural significance of creatively in a technical context. LO7. Demonstrate an understanding of the social, political, cultural, technical, and business conditions of animated media production and reception in national and international contexts LO8. Draw on professional industrial knowledge and understanding of the use of computer animation and special effects for film and video post-production. LO9. Critically evaluate the relative efficacy of different approaches to computer animation problem solving. LO10. Demonstrate an awareness of the concepts surrounding sustainability, as these relate to computer animation. LO11. Effectively implement complex project management in an individual and group context. LO12. Analyse and interpret aural, visual, and audio-visual material. LO13. Evaluate the challenges surrounding teamwork and leadership. Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is available to students for whom a less intense programme of study is appropriate. A Bachelor s degree (Ordinary) is awarded to students who have demonstrated: a systematic understanding key aspects of their field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge informed by aspects of computer animation. an ability to deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry within computer animation. conceptual understanding that enables the student: o to devise and sustain arguments, and/or to solve problems, using ideas and techniques. o to describe and comment upon particular aspects of current research, or equivalent scholarship, or practice in computer animation. 3

4 an appreciation of the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. the ability to manage their own learning, and to make use of primary sources. Typically, holders of the qualification will be able to: apply the methods and techniques that they have learned to review, consolidate, extend and apply their knowledge and understanding. communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non specialist audiences. And holders will have: the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: o the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility o the learning ability needed to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature. Curriculum The map of your studies is detailed further below showing core (C) and optional (O) modules. Each year, or stage, of an Honours programme comprises 2 semesters with 60 credits being studied in each semester. It is also possible to study on this programme on a part time basis over 6 years, with 60 credits per semester being taken. Ordinary degrees comprise 100 credits at stage 1 and 100 credits in stages 2 and 3 respectively. Stage 1 [Level 4] By the end of this stage, you will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge base of fundamental technical, practical creative and theoretical concepts 2. Recognise select and apply the above to your work. 3. Show an awareness of practical and conceptual knowledge of major subjects including the practical application of key 2D and 3D animation software 4. Apply creative skills to successfully accomplish straightforward tasks 5. Work effectively as an individual, able to organise and manage yourself, to secure completion of tasks 6. Demonstrate an awareness of technical / creative / theoretical subjects in the field, with an additional emphasis on core elements such as visual literacy, observational drawing, and 2D and 3D computer animation. 7. Collect information, ideas and concepts from recommended sources and organise and reference them appropriately; 4

5 Module Code EM-0139D Module Title Type Credits Level Semester Introduction to 3D Computer Animation C EM-0149L Observational Drawing C EM-0106D Visual Literacy and Imaging C EM-0151L Creative Technology - Foundations C EM-0128D Conventions of Animation C EM-0140D 3D Character Modelling & Animation C Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education. Stage 2 [Level 5] By the end of this stage, you will be able to: 1. Analyze and evaluate information on animation and the global media industry market and will be able to relate this information to your own work. 2. Explain, and manipulate specialist (technical and creative) issues and apply them to your individual and group projects. 3. Demonstrate a technical and conceptual application of topics such as dialogue with animation, character and prop design, key concepts in film, character acting, character animation subtleties, character and prop modelling, CG lighting and visual effects. 4. Critically and practically implement motion capture technology. 5. Demonstrate stronger project management skills, being able to select and deploy strategies to secure outcomes and aiding your development as an autonomous learner. Module Code Module Title Hon s Ord Credits Level Sem EM-0264D Advanced Character Animation C C EM-0138D Key Concepts in Film Studies C C EM-0275D Advanced Observational Drawing C C EM-0274D CGI Lighting, Rendering & Look Development C C EM-0242D Computer Generated Visual Effects C C EM-0253D Option: Facial Modelling/Animation O

6 EM-0272D Option: Environment, Set/Prop Creation O EM-0283D Option: 3D Character Creation O EM-0288D Option: Motion Capture O Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education. Stage 3 [Level 6] By the end of this stage, you will be able to: 1. Effectively implement deeper, more rigid project management on both, a personal and group standing. 2. Fashion your own specialist and career focused goals. 3. Undertake to completion a live client lead brief. 4. Implement personal choice regarding a leaning towards a favoured industrial environment. 5. Demonstrate advanced academic, conceptual, communicational, and project management skills. 6. Initiate, plan, design, research and sustain an extended piece of independent intellectual work based on individual initiative. Module Code Module Title Hons Ord Credits Level Sem EM-0375Q Individual Project C C EM-0337D Specialisation C C EM-0376Q Design For Industry C C EM-0272D Option: Environment, Set and Prop Creation O EM-0283D Option: 3D Character Creation O EM-0253D Option: Facial Modelling/Animation O Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 4 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Certificate of Higher Education. Students who have achieved at least 120 credit points at Level 5 may exit the programme and are eligible for the award of Diploma of Higher Education. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. You have the option to undertake an industrial placement, or of studying or working abroad for a year between stages 2 and 3; this option is strongly encouraged. The School has an industrial training co-ordinator who has contacts with a large number 6

7 of outside organizations and who assists in helping you find a placement. The university s International Office provides a wide range of opportunities and support for students to gain international experience. Both options provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and are viewed favourably by prospective employers. Teaching and Assessment Strategies You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, discussed and debated in associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical skills are developed in studio, laboratory, and workshop sessions, taking advantage of the University s, and its partners, extensive software and hardware provision. Professional, personal, and presentational skills are developed through discussion and small-scale project work which involves problem solving and design exercises. These are often tackled through collaborative learning in small groups supported by members of academic staff. Larger scale project work is used to bring various aspects of your programme together. A particular strength of this programme is the contribution made to the teaching programme by successful practising animation professionals. Each 20-credit module on the programme requires you to commit 200 hours of study. Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars, tutorials and workshops and others will involve you in carrying out private study. The balance between these forms of study changes as you pass through the three years of the programme. There are a lot of contact hours (time spent with tutors) in the earlier stages of the programme; the final year is mostly project based, and at this stage you will be expected to manage your own learning, under the general guidance of your tutors. Basic principles and concepts are addressed in the first year (Stage One) of your studies. In the second year (Stage Two) a more analytical approach is taken, and in the final year (Stage Three) you will have the opportunity to synthesise and critically review the knowledge, understanding, and skills you have gained throughout the programme. You will also have the opportunity to shape elements of your own learning experience, by selecting optional and elective modules, and defining your own project briefs. Methods of assessment are similarly varied to cater for students with varied learning styles and or students with particular learning needs. And your progress will be assessed using a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports, laboratory tests, essays, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate method is chosen so that you may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of each module. The course has a commitment to industry practice within the curriculum. This is reinforced by the industry speakers and guest lecturers which are built into the delivery of our industry facing modules. All modules contain elements of practical assessment and these form a working portfolio which is assessed in the final project module at Stage 3. Employability is built into all our courses in both core and optional modules. Some examples of these are contained in the table below. Employability and destination planning are very 7

8 much entrenched within the reflective and practical modules throughout the curriculum Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations which are available at the following link: Admission Requirements The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply. Entry Requirements Typical offer (UCAS tariff points): 280 To include 160 points from 2 GCE A levels or equivalent. No subject specific requirements, although those involving numeracy, ICT and English will be an advantage. Or DMM in a relevant BTEC Diploma. International Baccalaureate (see UCAS tariff point requirements). Students will be required to show a portfolio as part of the admissions process. GCSE English and Maths minimum grade C. A typical offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be 280. However, applications are welcome from mature students (those over 21 years of age on entry) and candidates with non-standard qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant experience. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. 8

9 Students may be permitted to transfer to one of the School s other BA/BSc programmes at the end of the first semester of Stage One and, exceptionally, to selected programmes at the end of semester two, Stage One. On completion of a UCAS form you will be invited to the School for an Open Day when you will have the opportunity to meet staff, view the facilities and discuss the Bradford experience with current students. Learning Resources The programme is supported by laboratories with up to date hardware and software with regular update and replacement cycles (the programme s major software package, Autodesk s Maya, is updated frequently). Additionally, students have access to broadcast TV, chromakey and photographic studios, motion capture facilities, digital video editing and production suites, sound studio facilities and a loans counter where audio visual equipment (e.g. still and video cameras, lights, microphones etc.) can be reserved and loaned free of charge. Some elements of the programme are influenced by staff at the NMeM, giving you access to their worldclass resources. The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health Studies and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly. Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team All students admitted to the School of Media, Design and Technology go through a process of induction that includes detailed talks by the Dean and Head of School. Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. 9

10 The Hub, Student Support Centre The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium. The teams located within The Hub: Accommodation Admissions o Education Liaison o Enquiries Student Administration and Support o Bursaries and Financial Support o Finance and Credit Control Group o Payzone o Records and Tuition Fees International Office Customer Service Team Students Union We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students Union, through a system of programme representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly. The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (based in the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student s Union. Employability and Career Development The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile and capabilities through learning opportunities embedded within the curriculum. Bradford Employability Strategy Academic achievement and accreditation In our teaching: Modules have academic as well as practical assessments: o Essays in Creative Industry Foundations o Reports and Journals in Introduction to 3D Computer Animation, Environment, Set & Prop Creation, Individual Project, Design for Industry o Research document in Specialisation o Presentations in Creative Industry 10

11 Foundations, Individual Project, Design for Industry Work experience Live Clients in Design for Industry group module (Stage 3) Employability, Skills and professionalism, Design for Industry module in the final year (Stage 3). This allows students to experience working with a live client in an indie development capacity. At Stage 2, the assessment briefs and learning activities are designed to be authentic and mirror current industry practice and pipelines where possible. What is difficult here is the nature of modular work: unlike industry, where creatives work on a single project at a time, we force our students to work on three modules simultaneously. This is where a more studio-based approach with synoptic assessment would come in, allowing us to mirror industry practice earlier in the semester. This in turn could help us address issues students face with autonomy and time management, as block teaching and studio based learning would simplify the personal management students needed to undertake Interview Master class and Portfolio Clinic Sessions at Stage 1 in Creative Industry Foundations, at Stage 3 in Design for Industry Career Skills management CPD activities are formally part of the curriculum and assessment in Creative Industry Foundations, and Individual Project. Furthermore, the University is committed to supporting students to develop their commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan. Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, graduate internship programmes and graduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students as part of their programme of study may have the opportunity to complete a Career & Personal Development accredited module delivered by the Career Development Service. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all graduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other 11

12 information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services website The programme takes employability very seriously and has introduced our first years to professional training support using Escape Studios to assist their development. There is also a unique opportunity to participate in a virtual learning environment in order to lease with creative professional practitioners. The program has a wide and varied program of industrial visiting lectures and has a diploma of industrial studies to stimulate student industrial cooperation, with the support of our industrial training tutor who has contacts with a large number of outside organizations and who assists in helping you find a placement. Afterwards, ongoing support for students is provided in the form of one-stop facilities located at the School of Media, Design and Technology Student Support Office (SSO) open throughout the day during term, and in the mornings and afternoons outside term. Support for registered students also is provided 24/7 via the School of Media, Design and Technology intranet. This includes the SSO website at with information on: Student Handbook Programme Timetable Examination timetable Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Programmework submission record Archives The School s intranet and website also offers information to support students, including: Student Staff Liaison Minutes Programmes and modules Programme Tutors contact information Finally, the School s intranet includes the Technical Support website at which supports students by offering detailed information on all the technical and services offered by the School, including: Digital Arts Centre Equipment Loans Service IT suites Video Editing Hosting All students on this programme will be allocated a personal tutor who provides support and guidance on matters relating to learning, teaching, and student s academic progress, pastoral support and personal development planning (PDP). There are tutors in the School who deal with issues where other social factors 12

13 (relating to gender or disability for example) may have an impact on a student s academic performance. The Student Staff Liaison Committee gives the opportunity for students to give formal feedback to the Programme Tutor and/or School about curricular issues and the general running of the programme. The School also uses the University s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) known as Blackboard to support students via their individual modules. The University provides important facilities such as extended access to the J.B. Priestley Library and Computing facilities, a Learner Development Unit, counselling and welfare services and careers advice. The University s Disabilities Office encourages prospective students to visit before applying to the University so that you can see for yourself what facilities and support are available. You can also discuss any concerns you may have about your individual needs, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. Learner Development Unit for Academic Skills Advice For undergraduate students who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline or level of study. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study. Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: or via disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Learning and Teaching Our University approach to learning, teaching and assessment is encapsulated by an integrated set of themes and principles within our Curriculum Framework. All of our degree programmes have been designed to provide you with an inclusive and engaging learning environment which gives you the opportunity to thrive and develop in your area of study. Our research-informed programmes have a particular focus on developing your employability. We also place a strong emphasis on collaborative, real-world and enquiry-based learning, supported by appropriate learning technologies. Our assessment is designed not just to measure your achievement, but also to shape and guide your learning through preparing you for the increasing level of challenge as you progress through your degree. Together, these lead to you 13

14 developing a distinctive set of graduate attributes which will prepare you for life beyond university. Ecoversity: is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Sustainable media and computing are highly relevant areas to the programme, so we include taught content around sustainable themes and the opportunity to explore and express these in project-based and written work. There are numerous opportunities for group work throughout the years (especially level 2 and 3) in which students learn to resolve conflict and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals. Students have considerable flexibility in individual and group project directions, which would allow them to explore ESD themes further if they show interest. They are encouraged to become involved in the production of media for the University s Ecoversity initiative, either as part of project work or as extra-curricular projects. Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The Recruitment and Marketing Office Faculty of Engineering and Informatics The University of Bradford Horton Building Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) ugadmissions@scim.brad.ac.uk 14

15 Disclaimer The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures. 15

16 16