You will learn to effectively and efficiently develop refined narrative animation performance outcomes by designing, building and capturing original character assets and scenes following specialist industrial methodologies, techniques and production pipelines; studying two of the following discipline routes:

2D, 3D and Stop Motion (understood by the following non-exhaustive descriptions)

2D: ‘Frame by Frame - Hand-Drawn' & ‘Cut-out - Rigged’ animation

3D: Sculpture, Rigging & Skinning

Stop Motion: Armature, Puppet, Set, Prop - design & fabrication & Animation testing

In all three discipline areas you will learn to achieve a higher level of proficiency in the processes and techniques critical to the production of professional animation performance outcomes; with emphasis on bodily, facial and lip-sync movement – working with existing and bespoke assets.

Assessment 1: Creative Project (70%)

Your animation project will include performance animation utilising Lip-sync, 2D, 3D, Stop Motion & Hybrid animation; demonstrating a curated selection of only your best practice according to your informed awareness of professional employment application contexts.

Assessment 2: Reflection

You will reflect on your learning and development throughout the module.

Both options assess your ability to develop and apply animated production techniques, respond to guidance and feedback, demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making, and show progression and increasing independence in your practice.

A Reflective Commentary is a critical reflection on your learning and development.

You will explain and evaluate:
What you made and why
What you learned from the process
What worked well and what did not
How your skills and understanding have developed
How you responded to feedback and challenges
What you would do differently in future work

Your reflection should demonstrate:
Awareness of strengths and areas for development
Understanding of production processes and workflows
Evidence of critical thinking and problem-solving

This can be submitted as:

Option 1: Written reflection with supporting visuals – word count 1800
Option 2: Audio recording with image folder – 6-8 mins
Option 3: Video reflection with supporting visuals – 6-8 mins

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support student development and progression.

Demonstrations
Workshop activities
Seminar discussions
Tutorials
VLE Blackboard

1. Apply knowledge and skills to produce a creative project that responds to contemporary issues within animation.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Solve discipline-specific problems using evidence-based approaches.

Application & Problem Solving

3. Apply digital tools to support professional-standard creative workflows in animation.

Digital Literacy

4. Reflect critically on your development as an emerging professional in animation.

Reflection

- Contemporary Software
- Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
- University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
- University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
- Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
- Specialist Spaces
- Media Stores
- Smart Zone
- CAD Labs
- Print Bureau
- Betty Smithers Design collection

Blain, J. M. (2021) The complete guide to Blender graphics: Computer modelling & animation. 7th edn. Milton Park, Oxon: CRC Press.

Hooks, E. (2017) Acting for animators. 4th edn. London: Routledge.

Kutschera, L. (2024) Sculpting in ZBrush made simple: Explore powerful modeling and character creation techniques used for VFX, games, and 3D printing. 1st edn. Birmingham: Packt Publishing.

Walsh, C. (2019) Stop motion filmmaking: The complete guide to fabrication and animation. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

Zarins, U. and Kondrats, S. (2014) Anatomy for sculptors: Understanding the human figure. 3rd edn. Beacon, NY: Anatomy Next.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

What does it take to produce polished, professional character animation for the screen? In this module, you’ll develop refined narrative animation performances by designing, building, and animating original characters and scenes using industry-focused production pipelines. You’ll specialise in two animation routes across 2D, 3D, or stop motion, strengthening your skills in movement, performance, and lip-sync. The module supports your progression towards advanced animation practice and prepares you for professional, production-ready workflows within your degree.