COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Animation programme at Teesside University offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines artistic creativity with technical expertise, preparing students for careers in animation, visual effects, motion graphics, and games. In the first year, students build a strong foundation through modules in Animation Principles, CG Essentials, Technical Animation, and Visual Development for the Moving Image. They learn 2D and 3D animation techniques, character and environment design, 3D asset creation, texturing, lighting, rendering, rigging, motion capture, visual effects simulation, cinematography, storyboarding, and digital compositing. During the second year, students further develop their skills through Animation and Motion Design and Professional Practice and Ethical AI Assisted Creativity, exploring character and creature animation, lip synchronisation, motion graphics, professional development, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in creative industries. Students can tailor their studies by choosing optional modules such as 2D Animated Performance or Facial and Performance Capture, and they also participate in collaborative projects through either Journeyman or Moviola, gaining valuable experience of working in multidisciplinary production teams. An optional work placement year provides opportunities to gain industry experience, enhance employability, and develop professional and transferable skills. In the final year, students complete an AVFX Project, a major individual project aligned with their chosen specialism and career goals, and undertake Creative Industry Briefs that replicate real industry scenarios and professional practices. They can also choose between Beta Arcade, where they work within a games development team, or Kino, where they collaborate to produce a short film or visual effects sequence. Throughout the course, students gain practical experience with industry-standard software and production pipelines while developing a professional portfolio that showcases their creative, technical, and collaborative abilities, preparing them for successful careers across the animation and screen industries.