Animation with Foundation Year
Buckinghamshire New University
UCAS Code: CMSF | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Buckinghamshire New University
UCAS Code: CMSF | Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application. A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
UCAS Tariff
UCAS points can be obtained through qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTEC or an Access to Higher Education course in a relevant subject. Please list all your qualifications on the application form as you will be asked to provide copies when we receive your application. A minimum of 2 A-levels (or equivalent) is required. Every application is considered on an individual basis.
About this course
Do you have a passion for animation? Do you want to develop your skills ready for a career in this industry? On this very practical course you’ll cover a range of areas using up-to-date software, with the support and guidance from our experienced lecturers. Split between our High Wycombe campus and BNU teaching base at Pinewood Studios, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge you need for your future, all whilst studying right in the heart of the famous creative hub.
In the Foundation Year of this four-year course, you’ll build essential academic study skills. This year will help you gain confidence in your abilities. You’ll also identify your strengths and areas for development. Together, these will prepare you for progression to the undergraduate degree.
**Why study Animation at BNU?**
**Industry focused curriculum**
BNU's animation course is designed in collaboration with industry professionals, ensuring you learn the latest techniques and tools used in the field. This approach keeps you aligned with current industry standards and enhances your employability upon graduation.
**Strong industry connections**
The university's proximity to creative hubs like Pinewood Studios facilitates networking opportunities with industry experts, guest lectures, and potential collaborations. BNU also hosts regular events, such as industry panels and studio visits, where you can meet professionals and learn from their real-world experiences.
**Industry expert teachers**
Learn from a dedicated team of industry veterans and experienced academics who provide personalised guidance and support. Their expertise enriches your learning experience and helps you develop a professional edge.
**Flexible learning pathways**
The degree offers a common first year shared with related courses, allowing you to explore various aspects of animation, 3D game art, and visual effects. This flexibility helps you make an informed decision about your specialisation, tailoring your education to your interests and career goals.
**Career support**
Throughout your studies, BNU offers dedicated career services, including workshops, portfolio reviews, and networking events. The program is designed to equip you with the tools needed to navigate the competitive job market confidently. Whether it’s refining your CV or preparing for interviews, you’ll have access to the support needed to land your dream job.
**What facilities can I use?**
We’ve made sure you have access to industry-standard equipment and software, including:
State-of-the-art Motion Capture Equipment
Unreal Engine
Unity
Maya
3DS Max
Substance Suite
Zbrush
Most of our 3D animation is currently done in Maya. For modelling you’ll use ZBrush, Marvellous Designer and a range of other pieces of software commonly used in industry. We review the list every year.
**What will I study?**
The course covers everything you need to know to be career-ready upon graduation. Starting with the fundamentals, you’ll learn the basics of animation, visual effects and games art. You will begin to animate in a believable manner and get a feel for pre-visual narrative and layout.
At the end of year one you will also be given the opportunity to change your degree and hone in on your passion, Visual Effects or Games Art, if that’s the field you wish to pursue.
Throughout this course, you will also learn how to create detailed models from scratch through to lighting and rendering. You’ll also explore different aspects of the animator’s role. You’ll create stop motion sequences, experiment with different styles of animation and learn about 3D character acting, character animation, motion graphics and creature animation.
By your final year, you’ll be working on projects to build your showreel for entry into employment in this exciting industry. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with students on other creative courses at the university.
Modules
**Foundation year**
Introduction to 3D Virtual Worlds,
Games Engines Essentials,
Art Foundation,
Filmmaking Fundamentals,
Professional Skills Review,
Final Project
**Year one**
**Core Modules**
Introduction to 3D Modelling
Texturing and Look Development
Lighting and Rendering
Animation Principles and the Moving Figure
Visual Narrative
**Year two**
**Core Modules**
Character Animation and Performance
Motion Graphics
Stop Motion
Rigging
**Optional Modules**
Plan your showreel (placement)
Project
Character FX
**Year three**
**Core Modules**
Industry Production Project
Portfolio
Showreel
**Optional Modules**
Creative Project Preproduction
Creative Project Production
Assessment methods
Our BNU teaching team are industry-professionals, with years of experience working in the sector and training future generations of animators. Through their support and the course you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need within the industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with guest lecturers, take part in a range of workshops and work on a load of live briefs. With the busy nature of the studios, and London being so close, there will be a constant flow of talented animators for you to learn from.
You’ll spend time learning and practicing the skills required by each unit before undertaking summative assessments the form of projects which will enable you to apply and combine their newfound skills together in a meaningful way while tackling tasks commonly found in the industry.
Classes will take place in appropriate computer labs which are equipped with advanced computers and will allow you to explore the subject to the standard that a junior professional will be able to achieve. You’ll attend classes each week with a lecturer present and during these sessions you will have the opportunity to ask questions and get real time responses and feedback from both lecturers and other learners. Normally these will begin with a group seminar or demonstration and then break into 1:1s where you will have the opportunity to discuss your individual progress directly with your lecturer. Sometimes these seminars will be used for presentations and review in a manner that mimics the dailies process in industry.
In addition to this there will be video based lecture content that will be focused on the demonstration of essential skills and clarification and expansion of key concepts and techniques. This will be facilitated via our online learning platform, where you will be able to access sets of recorded lectures which will each be on average 10 minutes long.
Other learning techniques that will be employed appropriately to the situation include:
Demonstrations for new techniques
Group work
Video feedback
Peer review
Use of books, magazines, video and online resources
Research methods
You will be regularly set formative tasks related to the weekly content or be working towards their own project objective as agreed with the lecturers. This will enable you to apply your learning in new contexts. You will also be able to submit your work for asynchronous formative review from the lecturer which will be delivered as a video commentary on your work.
You will also be expected to join a closed online group where you will be able to discuss the work and ask questions throughout the week. It is expected that both lecturers and students will contribute and answer questions. This will also be a place for you to post your work for peer discussion and review.
Assessments will be largely practical coursework along with critical analysis and evaluation which will come mainly in the form of essays and presentations. The practical elements will mimic the kind of work that junior artists will carry out in industry, as far as reasonably practicable.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
There are several ways you can fund your studies, including sponsorship and student loans. You may be able to use ELCAS credits for some of our courses. We also have scholarships and bursaries to help support our students.
The Uni
High Wycombe Campus
School of Creative and Digital Industries
What students say
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How do students rate their degree experience?
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Cinematics and photography
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
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Cinematics and photography
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Top job areas of graduates
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Cinematics and photography
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£18k
£23k
£26k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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