COURSE CURRICULUM

The Animation and Motion Design – BA (Hons) program at Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest offers a progressive, skills-based curriculum that blends traditional animation, motion design, and digital media. In Year 1, students build core competencies in animation principles, digital drawing, illustration, figure drawing, motion design, and stop-motion, developing strong foundations in timing, composition, and character expression. Emphasis is placed on both traditional techniques and digital tools, fostering creativity and technical confidence. As students progress, they advance into more complex 2D and 3D animation, digital design, and storytelling, learning to integrate characters, environments, and visual effects into cohesive narratives. Figure drawing evolves to include expressive motion and body language, while motion design focuses on conceptual thinking and problem-solving. Stop-motion modules develop advanced skills in puppet creation, set design, lighting, and sound integration. In Year 3, students gain professional experience through placement, collaborative projects, or international exchange, enhancing industry readiness. The final year centers on independent creative development, where students research, design, and produce a major animation and motion design project from concept to completion. This includes pre-production, production, and post-production stages, culminating in a professional portfolio showcased at a graduate exhibition in Limerick.