This module focuses on the workflows necessary for animation production, in both 2D and 3D environments. Through a series of hands on workshops the key skills needed in the production of animation will be taught. The knowledge acquired will be used by the learner to work towards individual outputs.

1. Apply animation principles through a series of practical animation projects.
2. Demonstrate an application of 2D and 3D animation processes.
3. Visually and critically analyse animation content in relation to their own work and others.
4. Present a capacity for self-directed learning and problem solving.
5. Be confident and proficient with the language and workflows of a variety of animation packages.
6. Demonstrate the constraints imposed by the variety of technologies on animation production.

This module aims to develop observational, gestural and interpretative drawing skills through drawing processes and exercises.

1. Demonstrate dexterity and confidence in use of a range of drawing media
2. Draw the human figure from life
3. Demonstrate a development of aesthetic enquiry
4. Develop a critical approach to solving drawing problems
5. Make drawings that evidence of perspective, form and texture

This module explores the evolution of animation from the early optical illusions of the 19th century to the end of what is referred to as the Golden Age of Animation. It examines the influences on the development of animation in the early 20th century including the arrival of sound, the Hayes Code and the use of animation as propaganda. The module will pay particular attention to the American studio system from 1930 – 1960.

1. Identify and analyse the significant films and events in the development of animation as both an art and entertainment medium
2. Demonstrate competency in evaluating the cultural issues surrounding the development of animation
3. Identify and utilise relevant research materials
4. Apply comprehension from lectures, tutorials and independent research to individual work
5. Evidence an awareness of standard academic formats and conventions as per module guidelines

This module aims to develop the learner’s personal expression and individual ideas and express these through creating a short film. They will further develop pre-production and production skills; production planning, script and storyboarding, visual design, animation and overall presentation as well as experiencing all aspects of the production process.

1. Express and develop individual ideas, and realise these ideas through a variety of technologies and animated media.
2. Demonstrate production planning and employ research skills in the development of their original concept.
3. Produce an individual, creative and original response to the brief.
4. Create a production document which records and catalogues the processes of pre-production and animation production.
5. Critique both their own and the work of others.

This module allows the learner to further develop their skills in both 2D and 3D animation production. Through a series of workshops and tutorials, the learner will enhance their animation skills while introducing core storytelling, filmmaking and team working concepts.

1. Demonstrate the production process involved in completing short animated films
2. Develop their creative expression and individual ideas through a variety of choices of relevant animation techniques and processes
3. Create original animated concepts and finished projects utilising their animation production skills
4. Show the necessary integration of the processes used in the making of an animation project
5. Demonstrate a critical process in relation to individual work and the work of others within the group
6. Demonstrate the ability to manage projects on an individual basis and also within a group.
7. Demonstrate the roles of individuals in animation production.
8. Assess constraints imposed by technology on animation production.

In this module the learn will continue to develop their visual style through the creation of environments and character design in a variety of media

1. Explore techniques applicable to the development of environments and associated characters
2. Demonstrate a heightened awareness of perspective and depth as they relate to the camera plane.
3. Design layouts and environments with technical accuracy
4. Draw and build environments for use in digital media
5. Design characters specific to briefs.
6. Model characters in 3d that represent the 2d design.

This module examines the influences on the development of animation in the 20th century from a variety of perspectives; cultural, aesthetic, theoretical, and technological. It explores the animation aesthetics of international animation studios and the changes in distribution channels. It traces the development of digital animation from early special effects to the rise of Pixar.

1. Articulate an understanding of the history of animation and the cultural, technical and visual contexts that have shaped its production and reception
2. Evidence the links between theory and practise
3. Conduct independent research demonstrating engagement with a variety of relevant research materials
4. Participate in peer to peer presentations
5. Write a cogent essay on a given topic that meets defined academic standards

During this module the learner is exposed to a range of project briefs, allowing the learner to begin to specialise in a particular area of animation practice through industry briefs, competitions, group projects and the opportunity for work placement.

1. Articulate their proposals throughout the production process in both group and personal projects.
2. Consider the role of both client and audience in developing and responding to a project brief.
3. Consider and select appropriate technologies in the production of the animated sequences.
4. Produce a variety of animated responses to industry standard briefs.
5. Critique both their own and others work in a range of constructs.

The learner will work on a variety of animation projects, with options for group and industry related briefs or competitions. They will engage in all aspects of the animation production process from concept through script and storyboard to animation and final production.

1. Conceptualise and create animated sequences that show an integrated understanding of disparate animation techniques and processes.
2. Develop original concepts for animated projects.
3. Take both a lead and an integrated role in group projects.
4. Respond professionally to industry standard briefs
5. Use design and animation principles to communicate with moving image and type.
6. Critically analyse their own and others work and practice

This module aims to introduce the core principles of both special effects and compositing as it pertains to animation. It will allow the students to explore various methods of creating visual effects and to produce a visual effects showreel at the end of the project.

1. Define and plan visual effects driven and motion graphics animation sequences.
2. Create a range of innovative visual effects utilising a range of animation production processes.
3. Combine disparate elements into a perceptually cohesive whole.
4. Produce, synchronise and layer a soundtrack to drive motion design.
5. Develop an understanding of physical dynamics and simulation in animation.
6. Design and create visual effects within the constraints of various technologies.

The ubiquitous nature of animation in contemporary society will be explored in this module, as will the many applications of the media in commerce, entertainment, edutainment, and the arts.

1. Articulate a general awareness of the many facets of contemporary animation and the cultural, technical, and visual contexts that have shaped its production and reception
2. Evidence an understanding of the links between theory and practice
3. Conduct independent research demonstrating engagement with a variety of relevant research materials
4. Participate in peer to peer presentations
5. Write a cogent essay on a given topic that meets defined academic standards

The creative industries provide many and varied types of employment. This module offers students the opportunity to 'think forward' about their future career. They will study the characteristics of their particular creative sector (film, fashion, graphics, animation, photography) and become familiar with the challenges faced by businesses operating within it. They will reflect on their own position within their industry and create professional materials for self-promotion.

1. Recognise the characteristics of their industry and demonstrate knowledge of industry sectors and structures
2. Identify employment opportunities including freelance/self-employment possibilities
3. Produce professional self-promotion materials
4. Provide evidence of skills in reflection and critical thinking
5. Participate in team projects and debate the merits of team-work

The aim of this module is for the learner to produce a major body of animated work either presented as an animated film or as a series of animated sequences. This module encourages creativity in animation design and technology utilisation to work towards a market or portfolio driven showpiece.

1. Plan and produce a professional standard animation project utilising a range of animation skills.
2. Demonstrate creativity and skill in the development of an animation production.
3. Utilise a range of film production techniques including sound design, editing and post-production work in the animation production.
4. Demonstrate through practice, how technology and markets drive the animation design process.
5. Work independently, critique their own work and engage pro-actively with group critiques and discussions

The aim of this module is to develop the learner’s awareness of the beneficial impact of creating a digital portfolio presence in order to promote their work in the digital age.

1. Visually and critically analyse promotional content in relation to their own work and others
2. Create a personal brand that is consistent throughout their digital presence
3. Recognise a range of promotional platforms online and within social media.
4. Design and create a portfolio website displaying a showcase of their work.
5. Judicially select and edit a high quality show reel.

This module critically examines the intersections between visual culture and digital media and the extent to which media form is shaping communication and creative production. It interrogates the cultural and theoretical conditions that have given rise to digital behaviours that both challenge cultural orthodoxies and unleash new creative possibilities for practitioners and audiences.

1. Articulate a thorough understanding of the historical, theoretical, and cultural conditions that shape creative production and reception in the digital age
2. Formulate a personal perspective on current visual culture practises informed by a variety of critical frameworks
3. Manage significant independent research demonstrating engagement with the wide contextual domain of contemporary visual culture pertinent to their research
4. Construct findings based on critical appraisal of key texts and sources
5. Write a cogent research proposal evidencing thorough research and demonstrating knowledge of their field of study

This module allows the student to experience the pace of working in the creative industries through working on a variety of live industry and competition project briefs. Learners will demonstrate their skills and identify their strengths in their chosen field.

1. Pitch and present project work to a professional standard
2. Engage with industry standard and high profile competition briefs to produce professional standard project work
3. Critique design solutions against best practice in order to develop innovative design solutions
4. Justify use of medium, material and/or platform for a design solution
5. Integrate their knowledge and application of industry led production pipelines
6. Exercise critical judgement in utilising appropriate production techniques
7. Engage with industry practitioners

In this module students of Film and Animation will initiate the conception, research and development of a project proposal, which will form the basis for their major project. Graphic and UX design will use advanced skills to interrogate how communication is evolving in the age of connected devices and social media. Fashion with Promotion will explore a range of technical advancement and social conscience which now inform the industry.

The module affords students the opportunity to investigate the historical, theoretical, technical and cultural frameworks shaping their chosen field of study. They will be expected to seek out exemplars of professional practices and reflect on their own practice, and personal objectives for enhancing future progression.

1. Demonstrate enhanced critical, conceptual, and technical skills in the generation and progression of a self-initiated project
2. Explore and analyse the work of industry experts and practitioners
3. Express systematic understanding of current practices within their chosen field
4. Manage comprehensive independent research demonstrating engagement with the wide contextual domain of their chosen field
5. Apply advanced presentation skills through active participation in peer-to-peer critiques

Learners will propose, research and write a 6,000 word dissertation on an area of visual culture identified in consultation with the tutor. This will normally have been developed and presented as an initial proposal in semester 6. The dissertation must be the candidate’s own work and show evidence of significant independent research and a thorough knowledge of their field of study.

1. Select, evaluate and manage independent research demonstrating substantial engagement with the relevant contextual domain for their area of study
2. Articulate an advanced understanding of the historical, theoretical, and cultural concepts relevant to the dissertation topic
3. Formulate a personal perspective on design practise informed by a variety of critical frameworks
4. Construct findings informed by critical appraisal of pertinent texts and sources
5. Write a cogent dissertation demonstrating thorough compliance with departmental conventions on academic writing

This module follows on from the Pre-Production & Process module and pushes the learner into full production of an individual Major project in their chosen field of study. This module allows the learner to apply their creative and technical skills in the production of a substantial body of work.

1. Formulate a self-initiated design brief
2. Produce an advanced body of work demonstrating creativity, innovation and skill
3. Master a range of production techniques relevant to their chosen field of study
4. Demonstrate the limitations of production tools and technologies in their chosen field of study
5. Exercise critical judgement in utilising a range of skillsets to realise professional standard work
6. Work independently, critique their own work and engage pro-actively with group critiques and discussions
7. Exercise appropriate judgement in dealing with and mitigating production problems and risks

The creative industries, a sector founded on creative endeavour and creative enterprise, are the subject of theoretical and policy debate within Ireland and internationally. They provide employment opportunities to many graduates. This module encourages students to explore how creativity operates at a personal and organisational level and to become familiar with the employment landscape. Students work across disciplines to gain insights into the creative industries and their specific place within them.

1. Discuss creativity theory in relation to themselves and to creative enterprise
2. Assess the challenges facing the creative entrepreneur
3. Analyse the characteristics of the creative enterprise
4. Engage with businesses operating within the creative industries