About BA (Honours) in Animation

The Animation programme offers a unique learning experience that enables students to explore the production of animation projects and understand the full complexity of the animation process.

One of the youngest of art/design disciplines, animation continues to develop in new and exciting ways. 

This is the only undergraduate degree in Animation accredited in Ireland.  Animation is one of the most creative, innovative, adaptable and multifunctional disciplines and is an increasingly important medium in the entertainment, advertising, education and communication media. 

Aims and Objectives

This programme has been designed to provide a comprehensive course of study that offers the opportunity to develop creative, theoretical and technical skills appropriate to gaining a degree in animation. The programme is 80% practical and 20% academic. In the final year each student develops a major industry standard animation project incorporating a full production process including creative and editorial responsibility.

What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Opportunities exist in the growing digitally based animation industry, in Ireland and abroad. Work could be on feature animations for films, television, short advertising or personal projects. Three dimensional animators and modellers are in demand in the ever expanding computer games industry.

Recent graduates have started careers in companies such as Animation Production Companies, Multi Media Companies, Production and Post-production houses for Animation, Film and Television, as well as freelance independent work.

What subjects will I study?

• Principles of Animation, including Hand Drawing, Model and Experimental Animation
• Computer generated imagery including Photoshop and 3D Studio Max and Macromedia Flash
• Design, including Visual Language, Layout and Design, and Graphic Design
• Life Drawing, Scripting, Storyboarding, Industry Awareness, Production and Post Production Skills, Time Management and Team Skills
• Academic Studies, including History of Animation and Cultural Studies

What are the Entry Requirements?

• Leaving Certificate Examination (or equivalent educational qualification) with a minimum of Grade C3 in two Higher or Common level papers, together with Grade D3 in four other subjects to include English.  Alternative Ordinary Mathematics is acceptable as one of the four subjects
• A portfolio of relevant work
• You may be called for interview if further clarification on your portfolio is required
• Applicants with the following FETAC (NCVA level II) awards require distinctions in 3 (of 8) modules. Please refer to the Admissions pages to see the FETAC Links for this programme.

What should my Portfolio include?

You should compile a selective portfolio, excluding early work unless there are some exceptional pieces. Avoid overloading the portfolio with work, go for quality rather than quantity.  In all cases the portfolio should be easy to look through and should be well presented.

Make sure you include:

• Evidence of an interest and commitment to the process of drawing should be present in the form of observational drawings. This section can include a variety of drawings such as life drawing, drawings of friends, family, animals, landscapes, objects etc
• The best of your original artwork showing your interest in animation
• A minimum of two well designed intelligent storyboards setting out the ideas for short animated films/adverts etc, any subject or style

Note: Storyboards are like comic strips without the speech and thought bubbles, they outline in pictures the key moments of the sequence (these are usually actions, events, and emotions). 

• 3D models and any other 3D work (photographs or prints only)
• Artwork showing your interest in design and/or colour in personal and/or project work
• Personal notebook, sketchbook or visual diaries (up to 3 books – please put markers on in the most relevant sections)

Do not copy from photographs; we want to see your drawings from real life. Do not include any artwork which is a copy of someone else’s work; we are interested in your intelligence, your ideas and your potential – not someone else’s! If collaborative work is included, e.g. video or sound tape, indicate explicitly your role and involvement.

Are there any costs for materials and/or field trips?

The cost of materials is likely to be in the region of €1000 per year.  This figure excludes exceptional purchases and the cost of submission of work for exhibition or national and international competitions. Students may also be required to participate in a field trip during the course of the four year programme, at a cost of approximately €300 - €500.