Get in to one of the most creative aspects of media production by joining our Level 3 Animation course. If you've grown up watching The Simpsons and spend your free time watching shows such as Rick and Morty or Robot Chicken then this is the course for you.
Our Animation programme will provide you with an opportunity to begin your journey in the exciting world of the media industry. Using industry-standard software and hardware in our purpose built PC suites will give you the best possible start in developing the skills you will need to work in the fast-paced and creative environment of Digital Animation - an area which continues to grow and develop in line with changes in technology.
This two year programme develops your understanding of how to take ideas from the concept stage through to 2D and 3D animation using a range of software such as Maya, After Effects, Photoshop and Blender.
You will work on projects such as creating your own opening title sequences to shows such as American Horror Story. You will also produce animated music videos to your favorite tracks, as well as produce animated Comic book sequences.
Studying Level 3 Animation at Northampton College will give you the opportunity to further your aspirations by progressing on to university or into the work place.
Students who successfully complete this programme can progress to higher level study at University, work experience as an apprentice or look to find employment in the Creative Arts industries.
On completion of Year 1 of this course, you will achieve a Level 3 UAL Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology. At the end of Year 2, you will achieve a Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Specialist Units:
- Introduction to media processes and technical skills
- Introduction to design and research skills in creative media production
- Introduction to professional practice in creative media production
- Critical and contextual awareness in creative media production
- Investigating audio production and technology
- Investigating visual production and technology
- Investigating interactive production and technology
- Characteristics and contexts in creative media production
- Engaging with an audience in creative media production
- Preparing for progression in creative media production
- Specialist study in creative media production
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for you if you have an interest in working in the Creative Arts industries or want to study the subject to a higher level and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in creative media.
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How is the course assessed?
This course is assessed through:
- practical assignments, internally assessed
- written assignments, internally assessed
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.
Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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Different audiences needs and how to produce content which meets those needs
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Media language to understand how messages are communicated to an audience
- A range of pre-production processes with consideration of the impact that these pre-production decisions can have on the quality of the final product.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Utilise a range of software and hardware to produce Media content in line with industry conventions
- effectively Apply rigorous primary and secondary research skills to The development of products
- Critically evaluate research sources as well as production Work in order to make Effective improvements to completed products.
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Behaviours
What is required?
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Develop positive working relationships with others in order to produce industry standard content
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Build resilience by responding positively to feedback from staff and peers and implement this feedback to make improvements to work produced
- Productivity - organises work effectively and achieves required results within deadlines, demonstrating the drive and energy to get things done in pressurised situations and escalating appropriately when necessary.
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General info
Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.
There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Northampton College offers a Level 4 HNC/HND in Games Design. The majority of the students studying this qualification progress on to University to study Animation, Illustration, Games Design and Games Art. Job roles which students aim to obtain in this area include Motion Designers, Animators and 3D Generalists.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at Grade 4-5 or above including English Language/Literature, or a Level 2 Diploma in Media with English Language and maths at GCSE grade 3.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
