Animation Art

Studio Practice 1: Concept Workflow (20 CU)
This module introduces you to a studio-based practical assignment that establishes the processes necessary for animation workflow (pipeline) to conceptualise, develop and present a concept for a short animated film. It constitutes the foundation of the programme and establishes its working methods by introducing subject-specific knowledge. It focuses on the exploration and development of concepts, aesthetics and practices successfully used in a variety of animation mediums.

Through an analytical approach, you will develop an understanding of the methods for creating and assembling an animation production. You will also study conceptual approaches in contemporary animation through the presentation of practices, methods, materials and relevant technologies. By developing methods for visual conceptualisation, this module also aims to instil in you an awareness of your own imaginative resources, by introducing you to the principles of visual composition, developing your sense of impulsiveness and encouraging the development process as a source of inspiration.

This module aims to underline the importance of exploration, research and the development required for the successful conceptualisation and development of an animated production. You are introduced to research methods and are required to maintain development sketchbooks and reflect upon your work in a production diary. Discourse that explores your practical works is encouraged through a series of critique and tutorial sessions at appropriate opportunities during the semester.

This module will specifically introduce you to a variety of development methods supported with visual and content research. It will also integrate animation principles and film theory for the initial development of a narrative themed draft storyboard. You will be required to present and justify your decision-making process. Ultimately, you will develop a concept for a short animation production by producing an edited animatic with images and audio.

This module is complemented with the Technical Studies module, aimed at allowing you to explore and create informed and discerning practical work. It consists of 3 components:

Studio Project
Through a series of lectures, screenings and analytical discourse, this component introduces you to research and development methods specifically for conceptualising your own project. This component is supported with extensive critique and tutorial sessions.

Film Theory
This component introduces you to the basic principles and theories of film. This component specifically focuses on the development of narrative flow through composition and editing. Through a series of screenings and discourse, you will be introduced to a range of film genres and styles. By undertaking a series of exercises in filming and editing live action, you will gain insight into the significant relationship and interplay created through composition and editing.

Animation Theory
This component will introduce you to the generic principles of animation. Through a series of lectures, screenings, discourse and studio-based practical exercises, this component aims to establish theories and techniques for animating by introducing you to a variety of established animators, studios and animation styles. By undertaking exercises in both digital and traditional techniques, you will gain insight into the generic concepts and language used in animation, such as Timing, Exaggeration, Staging, Anticipation, Follow-Through and Squash and Stretch.

Technical Studies 1: Environments (20 CU)
This module exposes you to a variety of production methods and develops conceptual and technical flexibility across a range of animation genre. By undertaking a series of technical exercises, you are encouraged to explore and experiment with these technical disciplines to develop insights into the appropriate use, advantages and disadvantages of each process involved in animation production.

This module specifically introduces you to the theory and production of basic 3D, 2D, Stop-Motion and Experimental animation technical skills with the following intended outcomes:

• Research and Development of Urban Environments (Settings)
• Construction of Urban Environments
• Effective use and manipulation of Cameras
• Effective use and manipulation of Lights
• Develop an understanding and reference of the time frames involved in animation production
• Basic animation skills (Non-character based)

While developing specialised technical skills taught in the module, you will also be required to undertake conceptual development and experimentation. You are ultimately required to produce a series of investigatory animations, demonstrating your ability to implement the techniques involved.

Through a series of drawing classes, this module also aims to develop and integrate your visual literacy, analytical, rendering and visualisation skills, specifically aimed at perspective, space and composition. It also aims to develop your cognitive skills by providing you with opportunities to develop the problem-solving skills necessary in animation production.

This module consists of 4 components:

3D Animation
This component introduces you to the fundamental concepts and technical skills necessary to produce 3D Animation. These include basic polygon modeling of inanimate objects (urban environments), UV co-ordinates, materials, lights, camera, an introduction to animating and rendering output methods. This component aims to instill in you the organisational and working practices used in production. The module will also establish practices such as “blocking” animation, a low-resolution method of creating animatics.

2D Animation
This component introduces you to the fundamental concepts and technical skills necessary to produce 2D Animation using digital and hand-drawn methods. The module covers organisational methods of working practices, simple key-framing, inbetweening, rendering methods, line testing and output methods. The fundamentals of programming are established through your understanding of elementary programming principles such as variables, functions, loops, and conditions. In a series of practical exercises, demonstrations and lectures, you will learn to use a computer as an artistic tool that can perform a set of instructions independently.

Experimental Animation
This component introduces you to alternative methods of animation using non-traditional materials. This component specifically focuses on developing and experimenting with alternative materials and rendering methods.

Drawing for Animation
By undertaking a series of observation drawing exercises, this component aims to develop your visual literacy, analytical, rendering and visualisation skills. This component is also intended to supplement the Technical Studies by developing an appreciation of perspective, space and composition.

Contextual Studies 1: Introduction to the History of World Cinema (20 CU)
This module takes you on a learning journey about the historical, social and cultural contexts within various films to attain knowledge of different genres, styles, and narratives occurring across the last century. With the knowledge and awareness gained, you will be inspired and able to apply it to your own production.

Historical approaches allows you to extensively define the world of films and animation. This module focuses on the history of world cinema to provide you with an understanding of international film history. It also aims to introduce you to social and cultural influences, providing a foundation to film history prior to the in-depth analysis covered in Level 2.

The timeline of the study covers a wide range, from the early cinema era to the present digital age, as films evolve on the big and small screens today. In order to comprehend and demonstrate an understanding of how history has affected the cinema industry and its development, you will be introduced to historical cinematic events such as:

Early cinema (1895–1905) and Development of cinema (1906–1915) in Europe
This component covers how cinema was invented and developed as an art form. The Lumiere brothers and Georges Méliès will be discussed to introduce the birth of cinema. You will also learn how animation was created in early 20th century, and talk about the early stage of animation.

Art and Cultural Movement: Realism (late 19c)and Modernism (early 20c) in Europe
This component covers realism and modernism, mainly in cinemas with other forms of art such as literature and fine art. For Realism, you will learn how this movement affected documentary films and Italian Neo-realism; and for Modernism, you will learn about German Expressionism, Soviet Montage and Surrealism in relation to the movement.

The Silent Era and Development of Sound Films (1916–1945) in Europe, U.S. and Asia
This component covers established expression techniques in film history, animation in the silent era, films with sound, Walt Disney with sound, and the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The Postwar Era (1946–1965) in Europe, U.S. and Asia
This component focuses on Italian Neo-realism and Hollywood Realism, together with European abstract animation. This era saw the emergence of French Nouvelle Vague and Television. Audience/spectator numbers had dropped with the commercialisation of TV in the 1960s.

The Contemporary Cinema and Post Modernism Era (1966–Present) in Europe, U.S. and Asia
This component focuses on New American Cinema, Eastern European/Russian animation, 2D cel animation renaissance in U.S. and Japan and Post Modernism era of film. During New American Cinema era, numerous notable films were produced and many talented directors appeared. New American Cinema influenced and inspired many artists with its storytelling and style.

Digital Era with CGI (Present) in Europe, U.S. and Asia
You will be taught how the Visual Effects (VFX) industry transformed the film industry with a Chroma Key. You will also discuss the VFX industry’s rise and fall in relation to social and historical contexts.

Studio Practice 2: Production Workflow (20 CU)
This module will develop your comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical skills required for development and conceptualisation of a short animated film in Semester 1, and those skills will be implemented through the production of a short animated film in Semester 2.

Through an analytical approach of lectures, screenings and discussion, you will develop an understanding of the methods employed for creating and assembling a character-led animation into an animated short film. You will also study conceptual approaches in contemporary animation through the presentation of practices, methods, materials and relevant technologies. By further developing methods for visual conceptualisation, this module also aims to instill in you an awareness of your own imaginative resources by introducing you to the principles of visual composition, developing yopur sense of impulsiveness and encouraging your own development process as source of inspiration.

This module continues to underline the importance of exploration, research and the development required for the successful conceptualisation of an animated production. It also requires you to demonstrate and maintain a continuous progression of methods by integrating the taught elements into a final production.

This module will specifically introduce you to a variety of narrative and conceptual development methods, supported through visual and content research. It will also integrate animation principles and film theory for the initial development of a narrative or conceptual themed storyboard and animatic. You will be required to present and justify your decision-making. Ultimately, you will develop and produce a short concept or narrative-led animation, using multiple camera shots, edited with audio in a suitable broadcast format. You are required to maintain development sketchbooks and reflect upon your work in a production diary. Discourse that explores your practical work is encouraged through a series of critique and tutorial sessions at appropriate opportunities during the semester.

This module is complemented with the Technical Studies module, aimed at allowing you to explore and create informed and discerning practical work. It consists of 2 components:

Studio Project
Through a series of lectures, screenings and analytical discourse, this component will further develop your ability to research and develop your own project. This component provides you with the opportunity to implement the conceptual development and technical skills acquired in Semester 1 to produce your first short animated film. This component is supported with extensive critique and tutorial sessions.

Animation Theory
This component provides you with the opportunity to further develop your ability to implement the principles of animation. Through a series of lectures, screenings, discourse and studio-based practical exercises, this component aims to apply the theories and techniques for animating by introducing you to a variety of established animators, studios and animation styles. By undertaking exercises in both digital and traditional techniques, you will gain insight into the generic concepts and language used in animation such as Timing, Exaggeration, Staging, Anticipation, Follow-Through, Squash and Stretch.

Technical Studies 2: The Figure (20 CU)
This module continues to develop on the fundamental technical skill set necessary for the development and production of Animation Art. The objective of this module is to expose you to a variety of production methods and to develop conceptual and technical flexibility across a range of animation genres. By undertaking a series of technical exercises, you are encouraged to explore and experiment with these technical disciplines to develop insight into the appropriate use, advantages and disadvantages of each process involved in animation production.

This module specifically introduces you to the theory and production of basic 3D, 2D, Stop-Motion and Experimental animation technical skills for the following intended outcomes:

• Research, develop and design of simplified articulated biped characters
• Construction of characters (Modeling, Texturing, Rigging and Controls)
• Development of an understanding and reference of the time frames involved in animation production
• Basic animation skills (Biped character)

While developing the specialised technical skills taught in the module, you will also be required to undertake conceptual development and experimentation specifically aimed at character development. You are ultimately required to produce a series of investigatory animations, demonstrating your ability to implement the techniques involved.

Through a series of drawing classes, this module also aims to develop and integrate your visual literacy, analytical, rendering and visualisation skills, specifically aimed at understanding human anatomy, structure and weight. Additionally, the module aims to develop your cognitive skills by providing you with opportunities to develop the problem-solving skills necessary in animation production.

This module consists of 4 components:

3D Animation
This component introduces you to the fundamental concepts and technical skills necessary to produce simplified 3D character animation. The module covers organisational practices of working, basic polygon modeling of simple characters, UV co-ordinates, materials, basic rigging, the development of basic set of controls, an introduction to animating characters and output methods. The module aims to instill in you the organisational and working practices used in production. It will also establish practices such as “blocking” animation, a low-resolution method of creating animatics.

2D Animation
This component introduces you to the fundamental concepts and technical skills necessary to produce 2D character animation using digital and hand-drawn methods. The module covers organisational methods of working, simple key-framing, inbetweening, rendering methods and line testing necessary for the production of character animation.

Experimental Animation
This component introduces you to alternative methods of character animation through the use of non-traditional materials. This component specifically focuses on developing and experimenting with alternative construction and rendering methods.

Drawing for Animation
By undertaking a series of observation-drawing exercises, this component aims to develop your visual literacy, analytical, rendering and visualisation skills. This component is also intended to supplement the Technical Studies module by developing an appreciation of human anatomy, structure and weight.

Contextual Studies 2: Introduction to Asian Cinema and Animation (20 CU)
With the Asian film market being positioned as an important filmmaking hub, this module will see you ruminating over Asian cultural content through cinematic representations. Discovering more about the current state will help prepare you better for the future Asian film industry. Various films from Asian regions with historical, social, political events and aesthetical context will be discussed henceforth.

In order to comprehend and analyse how the Asian film industry has advanced and enriched film market, you will learn more about the regional context in films, such as the following:

Southeast Asian Cinema

• Introduction of Southeast Asian Cinema
• The Golden Age and notable films of Southeast Asian Cinema (1950–60s)
• Rise of Singapore film industry (1990s–Present)

Chinese and Hong Kong Cinema

• Introduction of Chinese and Hong Kong Cinema
• Post Cultural Revolution in China: The Fifth Generation (1970–90s)
• Renaissance of Hong Kong Cinema: New Wave, Action Noir and Art House (1970s–Present)

South Korean Cinema

• Introduction of South Korean Cinema: Nationalism issue: Divided nation
• Movies with style, content is the king: Notable directors and successful films with low budget (1990s–Present)
• Kingdom of TV animation for kids (2000s)

Japanese Cinema

• Introduction of Japanese Cinema
• Rumination of social structure of Japan: Post War and the Golden Age

Japanese Cinema (1940–60s)

• The empire of Japanese animation: Anime 

Studio Practice 3: Character Animation (20 CU)
You will continue to develop and produce a series of animated shorts in response to set project briefs with specific learning agenda and outcomes in this module. You will also have the opportunity to experiment and explore your work through both narrative and conceptual themes. The Studio Practice projects are designed to further equip you with an increased level of independent research and learning.

This module constitutes a specialisation within Animation Art. It establishes a knowledge base by introducing and developing a focused approach to specific technical disciplines and theoretical methods needed for the study and exploration of Animation Art in the field of 3D Animation. It also provides historical, social and artistic introductions for the detailed study of animation production.

A fundamental set of soft skills required in animation is the ability to visually analyse and interpret motion and timing into acting. Through a series of “Acting for Animation” classes, you will develop a physical awareness of yourself and others, with the aim of translating these skills into character animation. During this module, you will develop your conceptual and animation skills to produce a character-led animation, with a focus on acting. The module requires a personal level of interpretation based on your response to music and/or dialogue. Content development will be conducted through a series of lectures, presentations, tutorials and critique sessions. This module is complemented with a series of Technical Studies components.

This module consists of 2 components:

Studio Project
Through a series of lectures, screenings and analytical discourse, this component will further develop your ability to research and conceptualise your own project. You are ultimately required to produce a short character-based animated film. This component is supported with extensive critique and tutorial sessions.

Acting for Animation
Through a series of improvisation exercises, character development workshops and theory, you will develop a basic acting vocabulary. Through acting, you will explore techniques to develop expression, imagination and physicality, as well as enhance skills to work supportively with others in the creation of character, situation and role.

Technical Studies 3: Specialist Skills 1 (20 CU) 
This module introduces you to a series of technical studies for the development of practical and theoretical specialist skills. These skills are specifically aimed at the conceptualisation, visualisation, construction, control and aesthetics of a character-led animation. This module will form the technical foundation for this specialisation, with the aim of providing you with the necessary practical and theoretical skills to further develop your abilities through personal research and learning.        

This module consists of 4 components for each specialisation:

3D Animation
Character Development
This component introduces you to the conceptual and technical skills necessary for designing, modeling, rigging and controlling a 3D-animated character. It also introduces advanced methods of character design and development, such as lip-syncing, as well as instill contemporary industry methods necessary for an efficient production workflow.

Lighting and Texturing
This component introduces you to advanced and alternative methods of lighting, texturing and rendering. It is aimed at equipping you with the ability to implement a variety of aesthetic styles, as well as instill contemporary industry methods necessary for an efficient production workflow.

Digital Sculpting
This component introduces you to the theoretical and technical skills necessary for the development and output of model asset creation through digital sculpting. It also introduces input and output methods as well as the foundations for industry-standard, best-working practices.

Drawing for Animation
To further enhance your visual literacy and communication skills, you will also develop your drawing skills, specifically focusing on the interaction between characters in situations and roles.  This component emphasises the principles of Dynamic Movement, Weight, Force, Attitude and Rhythm.

Traditional Animation
Character Development (Stop-Motion)
This component introduces you to the conceptual and technical skills necessary for the designing, modeling and construction of armatures suitable for stop-motion character animation. It will also instill contemporary industry methods suitable for an efficient production workflow, as well as equip you with the ability to implement a variety of aesthetic styles.

Character Development (2D)
This component introduces you to the conceptual and technical skills necessary for the designing, modeling and rendering of characters suitable for a variety of 2D animation practices. It will also instill contemporary industry methods suitable for an efficient production workflow, as well as equip you with the ability to implement a variety of aesthetic styles.

Digital Sculpting
This component introduces you to the theoretical and technical skills necessary for the development and output of model asset creation through digital sculpting. It also introduces input and output methods as well as the foundations for industry-standard, best-working practices.

Drawing for Animation
To further enhance your visual literacy and communication skills, you will also develop your drawing skills, specifically focusing on the interaction between characters in situations and roles.  This component emphasises the principles of Dynamic Movement, Weight, Force, Attitude and Rhythm.

Contextual Studies 3: Form and Content — Asian Films and Animation (20 CU)
This module focuses on the language and aesthetics of film and animation. You will be taught to use necessary tools and methodologies to analyse films, enabling you to better understand film language. You will concentrate on how the facets of plot development, themes, mise en scene, editing, special effects and cinematography can have an impact on the narratives of the film media.

Screen adaptation will also be discussed in relation to intertextuality. The various topics of film form will be read with critical approaches, such as narratology, semiotics, psychoanalysis etc, so that you will learn to analyse and explicate the cultural artifacts. Critical approaches will be taught, which will tie in with the emphases on the Studio Practice component on storytelling and adaptation. They are detailed in accordance to the historical and cultural contexts of film and animation arts, building upon the knowledge of the various film movements acquired by you in level 1.

The aforementioned will equip you with an innovative way in expressing film narrative and story-telling, when working on film and animation arts. You are expected to demonstrate your understandings in the various film styles and form, through class presentations, applications of conceptual understanding, artworks, photography and animated or film examples. You are also expected to participate in group discussions on shot and sequence, analyses of the films and animations, i.e. the significance of filmic elements, as well as the use of various camera movements. While the emphasis may be on filmic and animated features, examples of other art forms will be included in the lectures, discussions and analyses, so that you can learn and adapt significant elements to the theoretical conceptualisations in your own essay-writings and studio practices.

Studio Practice 4: Production Development (20 CU)
This module will develop your Inter-Personal and Professional Practice Skills by having you work in groups, as production units, on a “client-based brief”. The project will require you to work together to research, develop and present well-informed solutions to address specific criteria outlined in the brief. The module aims to expose you to professional working environments and methods. Content development will be conducted through a series of lectures, presentations, tutorials and critique sessions. This module is complemented by a series of Technical Studies components.

Through the analytical approach of lectures, screenings and discussions, you will be encouraged to experiment and express your personal interpretations of the brief, while negotiating group dynamics. This module also requires you to extend your creative boundaries by generating and developing a series of solutions to a specific brief. You will also develop your verbal and visual communication skills, through a series of long- and short-format formal presentations, to justify your decision-making.

This module also provides historical, social and artistic introductions for the detailed study of Animation production. It consists of 2 components:

Studio Project
Through a series of lectures, screenings and analytical discourse, this component will further develop your ability to research and conceptualise group projects. You are ultimately required to pitch and produce an animated short film or series of short sequences. This component is supported with extensive critique and tutorial sessions.

Acting for Animation
Through a series of improvisation exercises, character development workshops and theory, you will further develop your acting vocabulary. Through acting, you will continue to explore techniques to develop expression, imagination and physicality, as well as enhance skills to work supportively with others in the creation of character, situation and role.

Interdisciplinary Project
Interdisciplinarity is a key principle of a LASALLE arts education. Exploration of interdisciplinarity in your creative practice will provide you with the platform to work across disciplinary boundaries and explore new ways of developing ideas, concepts and practices.

In this module, you will be required to undertake an interdisciplinary project. You will have the opportunity to work with team members from different programmes and disciplines on a common project brief. As a team, you will learn to integrate knowledge and skills from various disciplines to produce new insights and/or outcomes.

Technical Studies 4: Specialist Skills 2 (20 CU)
This module introduces you to a series of technical studies for the continued development of practical and theoretical specialist skills. These skills are specifically aimed at production and publishing techniques. This module also provides an introduction to developing customised tools for animation through programming. These classes will form an advanced level of technical ability for this specialisation. This module also aims to encourage and provide you with the opportunities to develop your technical abilities to an advanced level through personal research and learning.

This module consists of 4 components for each specialisation:

3D Animation
Advanced Specialist Skills
This component continues the development of technical skills necessary for modeling, rigging and controlling 3D animated characters and environments. It will enhance these technical skills by introducing additional advanced techniques, such as particles and dynamics,  as well as further instill contemporary industry methods necessary for an efficient production workflow.

Programming for Animation
This component introduces basic programming skills specifically aimed at developing customised tools to create and manipulate images, suitable for animation. The objective of this component is to expand your knowledge base and skill set and to further understand the tools used for 3D animation production and post-production.

Digital Sculpting
This component introduces you to the theoretical and technical skills necessary for the development and output of model asset creation through digital sculpting. It also introduces input and output methods, as well as the foundations for industry-standard, best working practices.

Drawing for Animation
To further enhance your visual literacy and communication skills, you will develop your drawing skills, focusing on Visualisation and Presentation techniques.

Traditional Animation
Advanced Specialist Skills
This component further develops the conceptual and technical skills necessary for producing a range of traditional animation techniques. It will further instill contemporary industry methods necessary for an efficient production workflow.

Programming for Animation
This component introduces basic programming concepts and skills specifically aimed at developing customised tools to create and manipulate images, suitable for animation. The objective of this component is to expand your knowledge base and skill set, as well as help you to further understand the tools used for digital animation production and post-production.

Digital Sculpting
This component introduces you to the theoretical and technical skills necessary for the development and output of model asset creation through digital sculpting. It also introduces input and output methods, as well and the foundations for industry-standard, best-working practices.

Drawing for Animation
To further enhance your visual literacy and communication skills, you will develop your drawing skills, focusing on Visualisation and Presentation techniques.

Contextual Studies 4: Reading Film — Analysis and Interpretation (20 CU)
This module focuses on analysing and interpreting films with a strong insight and deeper understanding in social concerns. This module also helps you to be theoretically armed with various filmic methodologies upon completion of the module.

This semester teaches you about extensive film interpretations, which requires you to search deeper into the meaning of social context in the films. You need to study in-depth the social behaviour, culture and the era of the films to better understand films more effectively.

You will be exposed to critical paradigms that will enable you to read film practices, demonstrating the historical understanding in various contexts of the use of film or animation arts. You will also be required to work with the acquired theoretical tools in your analyses and discussions of animation arts. The predominant aim is to inculcate within you the ability to read theoretical frameworks and to apply this skill set to your own visual experiences, preparing you for research in Level 3.

The scope of your study will also extend to the place of animation arts in the aesthetic and cultural arenas, in which you will be taught to locate issues inherent to aesthetics and representation. This is to facilitate you to analyse your studio practices and relate them to social and cultural concerns.

Student Exchange Elective (60 CU)
This module gives you the opportunity to explore fresh perspectives and alternative approaches to your creative discipline, by undertaking a semester-long international learning exchange in another institution. The aim of the module is to provide interested students an opportunity to enrich their learning journey, enhance their creative practice, learn from a socio-culturally different educational setting, and be exposed to new cultural and creative industries.

Please note that this is an elective module. Students who undertake this module will not be required to take additional modules.

In this module, you will spend a semester studying in a cognate programme or a selection of relevant modules at one of LASALLE’s partner institutions. You will also be expected to be an independent learner to relate and integrate the experience, knowledge and skills acquired to the assessments required for this module. Through this international experience, you will be able to strengthen your ability to adapt and react to changing trends and environment. You will build your capacity to contribute effectively as an active and informed local and global citizen, while broadening your network and enhancing your career prospects in the arts and creative industries. 

You are responsible for applying to this elective option through the College’s Division of Quality and Planning (Email: [email protected]) before Week 7 of Semester 1 . 

Your application for this elective module must be supported by your Programme Leader. You are expected to adhere to the regulations, guidelines and planned curriculum issued by the host institution. At the same time, you are expected to regularly update your assigned lecturer on the progress of your learning at the partner institution, and also seek guidance on the completion of the units of assessment for this module. 

Industry and Community Engagement (20 CU)
This module is designed to enable you to broaden your knowledge of the cultural and creative industries by placing you, as a learning professional, within a professional work environment. The aim of the module is to help you develop work-related knowledge, skills and capabilities, prepare you to pursue opportunities in fields relating to your study, and expose you to a diverse set of professional trajectories. You will map your acquired skills, interests and aspirations against current (and future) opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, while putting to practice skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. You are required to attend various industry preparation workshops, such as resume-writing, interview skills, and etc., as part of this module.

In fulfilment of this module, you can choose one of the following options: 

Option A: Industry-based Internship(s)
You will independently source and apply for internship opportunities. You are required to identify your interest and career-trajectory. These opportunities should be in an organisation where the job functions are related to your discipline. 

The internship may be with a single organisation or an accumulation of short-term work with different companies, to accumulate the minimum 200 hours of on-the-job training. The internship may be spread across a number of days/weeks and need not be a full-time position. Where possible, you are encouraged to go beyond the minimum hours in order to showcase your talent and abilities, which will aid your quest for permanent employment and/or gain more opportunities to learn about the job and industry. 

All internships must be approved by the Programme Leader, prior to commencement, to align with learning aims and outcomes. 

Option B: Negotiated Projects 
You will take a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identify and create a niche for yourself, within the cultural and creative industries. You may undertake a combination of the following types of projects:

- Industry Live Project: You can source for an industry project, or this can be facilitated through the programme.
- Entrepreneurial Project: You may devise a business proposal and execute it. 
- Community Engagement Project: You can engage with a community of your preference, and develop and execute an initiative for them. 
- Short-term internship (about 100 hours)

To ensure that you fulfil the learning outcomes of this module, all proposals and short-term internship opportunities must be discussed and approved by the Programme Leader.

Dissertation (40 CU)
This module is the culmination of the research and contextual knowledge that you have acquired during the course of your study. You will be required to undertake in-depth critical research, and present a coherent argument based on investigation and analysis. The chosen topic will be relevant to your main course of study, and will be used to support and inform your specialist practice. It will demonstrate your deep appreciation of your field, and competency of key approaches and methodologies to contextualise it.

You will demonstrate an ability to identify a research topic that is close to your practice or field of study through a clear literature review, and present relevant arguments and hypotheses in the written form of between 6,000 to 8,000 words.

Before commencing your dissertation, you will be required to develop a research proposal outline to demonstrate your research question and approach to completing the dissertation. In consultation with your supervisor, you may form your dissertation around an exegesis that foregrounds your major creative studio practice. Programmes where you are eligible to develop a piece of creative practice as part of your dissertation may be negotiated with your supervisor. In this instance, the word count for the written element may be negotiated, but a minimum word count of 4,000 words is required.

You are expected to undertake a significant amount of independent and self-motivated research. You will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance in your research work. You will also be required to attend all dissertation-related classes.

Graduation Project (60 CU)
This module aims to enhance your ability to produce a graduation film, specifically with the objective of identifying and articulating your artistic voice based on personal observation and insight.

You will undertake a self-directed project to conceive, develop and produce an animated short. You will initially develop a project proposal incorporating in-depth research and development. This pre-production process will be supported with comprehensive conceptual and visual research to demonstrate your technical and creative ability. Using extensive independent research and reflection, this module aims to demonstrate your full comprehension of the intrinsic value of animated films, promoting and highlighting diversity and versatility in content and production methods.

All students will pitch their initial idea proposals to the entire class and a panel of supervisors for feedback. A number of proposals will be selected, and students will work collaboratively in groups no larger than 3. These groups will produce an animated short film constructed on the conceptualisation and development component. This production allows you to demonstrate your comprehensive technical skills, synergising all theoretical and practical aspects of the programme into a graduation film, within an established timeframe and available resources.

In addition, this module provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to assemble and combine elements such as animated footage, sound (voice, music, foley), editing, digital post production, graphics, as well as opening and closing credits into an animated short film.  This module is supported with a series of masterclasses, case studies and industry mentorship, which aim to provide a customised level of conceptual and technical development, specifically related to your project.

This module consists of 4 components:

Studio Project – Concept and Development
Conducted in Semester 1, you will independently identify and develop a topic or theme suitable for a project proposal to produce an animated short film. You are required to propose and present in-depth conceptual development, supported with visual research to demonstrate your technical and creative ability. This component is supported with extensive critique and tutorial sessions, which aim to provide you with extensive feedback and supervision.

Studio Project – Production
Conducted in Semester 1, you will have the opportunity to implement the theme previously developed in Semester 1 by producing a short animated film. You will aim to showcase your technical skills within a narrative framework.

Master Class and Mentorship
A series of masterclasses and mentorship opportunities conducted by industry professionals are conducted throughout Semesters 1 & 2. These classes aim to develop the level and awareness of specific technical skills by exposing you to emerging technologies and methods related to the animation industry.

Portfolio Development
You will produce one self-directed portfolio project in Semesters 1 and 2. This component provides you with the opportunity to develop a minor project within one week (40 hours) to either support your portfolio or develop additional technical skills for the Studio Project.