1. DEMONSTRATE YOUR ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE ANIMATION INDUSTRY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PROFESSIONAL, INDUSTRY STANDARD PORTFOLIO OF WORK THAT SUPPORTS YOU IN APPLYING FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT.
1 – KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

2. IDENTIFY AND RESOLVE CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL CHALLENGES IN ORDER TO COMPLETE A BODY OF PROFESSIONAL WORK IN AN APPROPRIATE TIMEFRAME
5 – PROBLEM SOLVING

3. DEMONSTRATE YOUR DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN THE PREPARATION OF INDUSTRY STANDARD SELF-PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS SUPPORTING THE NEXT STEPS IN YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT. UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESENTATION SKILLS IN A NUMBER OF FORMS.
6 - COMMUNICATION

4. DEMONSTRATE YOUR ADVANCED ANIMATION SKILLS IN A SERIES OF INDUSTRY STANDARD ANIMATION TESTS IN LINE WITH YOUR SPECIALISM PATHWAY SHOWING AWARENESS OF CURRENT INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS
7 - APPLICATION

Students will be expected to attend all module sessions in order to benefit from the delivery and understanding of new material, gain understanding of module expectations / tasks and to engage in weekly peer-to-peer and tutor feedback.

This module includes assessment components:
Professional Portfolio:2
This is expected to be an Industry standard portfolio of work, supporting your future as a competent Character Animator created with the intention of securing Graduate level employment.
Your portfolios must include:

Completed Industry-standard Character Animation Tests – completed under timed conditions.
These will demonstrate your ability to:
Competently create character animation to a high standard
Demonstrate creative and technical competencies supporting your specialism skills
Create work under specific conditions – timed, aesthetic and technical etc.
Remain ‘on model’ and respond to a professional client brief

Finessed professional Showreel of completed work (supporting and demonstrating your specialism skill set)
Showreels must in line with Industry expectations for Graduate level entry

Finessed Industry standard C.V.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 5, 7
70% of module mark

PORTFOLIO WEEK: Industry Presentation
As an assessed component of the module, all students will be expected to engage in this process.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 6
30% of module mark

This is a specialist skills module designed to support you in your chosen specialism of animation production and further development of your Industry relevant portfolio and self-promotional material.
As part of the ‘REFLECT. SELECT. EVOLVE.’ process at the end of each Semester and with negotiation with your personal tutor or Award Leader you will select a method of animation to respond to the module requirements to support your career goals and ambitions.

Professional Portfolio: 2 is designed to provide you with further real-world experience, production management skills and final development of your professional portfolio and CV as you prepare yourself for entering the world of employment in the moving-image Industries.
It will solidify and develop a number of essential skills that you will continue to develop in your future career as an animator.

During the module you will:
Complete a number of Industry-standard animation tests – aligned with your specialism skills pathway.
These will be in-line with current Industry recruitment needs, expectations and conditions with the intention of getting you familiar with the practical aspects of industry recruitment processes.
Compile your finessed professional Showreel and C.V.
Participate in ‘Portfolio Week’ presentations and events.

Portfolio Week is the culmination of your three-year programme of study and a key focus throughout the course. It is proposed and designed as an opportunity for Graduating students to meet with invited members of the moving-image Industries to present their completed portfolio / showreel for discussion and direct industry feedback and guidance.¿
Whilst this does not guarantee immediate employment, it is intended to set our students up with face-to-face engagement with local and global recruiters.

This module is a culmination of your award and should demonstrate professional application of all prior skills and learning.

A series of supporting Technical Instruction sessions (T.I.’s) will also be available to all students to further promote individual learning, knowledge and understanding of Technical software.

There are no formal lectures during this module as the main emphasis is on a student’s self-management.¿

The main contact time spent with staff will be during weekly Seminars and Peer Reviews where the progress of the project(s) can be measured against the project proposal(s).
It is expected that as a Final Year student that you will fully self-manage your time schedule in the realisation of the module outcomes.
Additional tutorials can be scheduled by staff and students to meet with individuals or teams as relevant.

There may be reason for specific timetabled sessions to be arranged where students will be expected to formally execute industry-standard character animation tests where time limitations and specific working conditions apply.

Your work will be supported by online resources from a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) providing resources for study. As the majority of completed work is submitted digitally this is an integral part of learning on the course.¿

Where required, booking of equipment and facilities may be necessary by the student.

ON-LINE READING LISTS WILL BE UPDATED ANNUALLY.
THIS IS AN INDICATION OF REFERENCE TEXTS REQUIRED FOR 2019-20 ONLY.

You will be expected to take advantage of the extensive library facilities and Career Advice Centre available within the University, keeping informed of current developments through appropriate periodicals and being aware of the work of major practitioners in your subject.¿

Links:
www.vimeo.com
www.skwigly.co.uk
www.awn.com
www.creativebloq.com

Animation Studio facilities.
2D line testers and light-boxes.
A3 scanners.
Digital Animation Suite – Toon Boom Harmony. Storyboard Pro. Autodesk Maya. Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects.
Seminar / Lecture room with projector.
Stop Motion Animation studios – Dragon Frame. Canon SLR digital cameras. Lighting.
VLE: Blackboard / Digital Tutors / Lynda.com¿/ other supporting Online resources
Vimeo.com – to be used for display and submission of completed work.

University Library resources: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/uniservices/infoservices/library/¿
Reference books / DVD collection / Journals and periodicals (physical & online)