Middlesex University London

Combining theory with active learning in a studio environment, our 3D animation course gives you the practical skills needed to start your career in the animation or games industry.

3D Animation is the future

With more than 2000 active games and animation studios in the UK, has there ever been a better time to enter the British gaming industry and take part in a game design course? As part of our 3D design course module you'll gain the knowledge and space to develop as an artist working with 3D software. You'll cover the key areas within the industry: character art, environment art, character animation, rendering and dynamics, virtual reality design, Z-Brush sculpting, 3D printing and a host of others. All this builds your confidence and equips you for a career in the industry.

A studio environment helps build your skills
You'll perfect your skills in a live studio environment working on the latest industry-standard software and techniques, mirroring exactly how animators and game designers work daily.

You'll learn through discussions, demonstrations, seminars, presentations and practical work, as well as intensive workshops combining individual and group work. All of these support you as you learn all about contemporary workflows in commercial animation and games studio pipelines.

Our studio facilities are second to none and you'll work on industry-standard software such as Maya and Z-Brush. The studio also hosts high-spec, overclocked workstations, 20 VR devices, a motion capture studio, green screen and a state-of-the-art 3D printing and scanning studio.

Take that first step towards an animation career

Our course also allows you to build your professional network - beyond your day-to-day learning, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and masterclasses from animation professionals to interview them and learn more about their work. Previous lecturers have included Sydney Padua, senior animator on Clash of the Titans and Jungle Book, and Alex Robinson and Daniel Boyle of the award winning Treat studio. During your course, you’ll even have the chance to gain work experience in a studio, as you complete a four week live project responding to a brief set by industry practitioners that reflect the most emergent and contemporary practices in the industry.

You also get the support you need to succeed. From your Personal Tutor to your Graduate Academic Assistant, each one has studied your subject and will provide the support you need based on their own experience. If you need a little help with writing, numeracy or library skills, we can help with that too. We also offer support from specialised technicians with professional experience in your field. They support you in the studio and in workshops, as well as during your projects.

We have strong links with art and design employers to help you find the career of your dreams. Graduates have gone on to work with game studios like Rockstar and Cloud Imperium Games, as well as animation boutiques like Treat Studios and Blue Zoo. A degree in 3D animation and games is the first step for a career as an artist in the games and animation industries.

On our course you will develop as an artist working with 3D software. The course framework includes project based collaborations and integrated workshops that are designed to develop observational drawing and technological skills essential to 3D computer animation production and computer games. This interdisciplinary approach combines a critical arts education with specialist knowledge in 3D technology and workflows.

In the first year you will attend lectures and workshops in the fundamental principles of animation and storytelling, alongside intensive workshops in Environment and Character design, Virtual Reality design, Z-Brush sculpting and even 3-D printing.

The second year uses this interdisciplinary foundation to explore specialist workflows while retaining an experimental, playful and collaborative atmosphere. This includes a series of short intensive projects where you will be introduced to the latest industry standard techniques (e.g. modern asset workflows, Physically Based Shading, GPU Rendering, Dynamics). Briefs are studio orientated and supported by both your lecturers and specialist technical tutors. This practical curriculum is interwoven with lectures and seminars that address the historical and cultural background to animation, games and digital culture.

In the final year of study, students are given the opportunity to specialise in a wide variety of disciplines such as Character Art, Environment Art, Game Development, 3D Character Animation, Rigging, Lighting / Rendering and Concept Art . There is a strong focus on producing an outstanding portfolio of work, tailored to your individual strengths and artistic temperament.

Embracing all aspects of animated film making, this animation degree simply makes perfect sense if you’re an aspiring animator.On this course you will study a broad range of animation practice including

Animation is at the heart of the movie industry, from the latest blockbuster to the small budget indie. Here you will develop your vision as an artist, animator, designer and director, equipping yourself with the essential skills to establish yourself in the animation industry. You'll be encouraged to experiment and be given the space to explore your own creativity and develop your own style. You’ll study across a broad range of animation practice, including traditional and digital 2D, motion graphics and stop motion, as well as 3D computer animation and even working directly onto 16mm film.

 While studying animation you'll combine both theory and practice to develop your skills and knowledge. In class discussions and lectures, you'll learn about the history of animation, building your understanding of the changing practices of animation and being introduced to new concepts around animation and games.

When it comes to practical work, you'll develop and consolidate your own approach to animation in our state-of-the-art animation studios. Using building your own animated films as part of your portfolio development module. Using industry standard software you'll build and refine your technical skills with a focus on designing and directing your own animated films. You'll also learn storytelling, scriptwriting and characterisation alongside film and sound editing techniques to convey compelling narratives.

You’ll learn alongside our BAFTA winning academic team who all work professionally in film making, each with their own set of skills in long and short animation, commercials, TV shows, motion graphics and music videos. They have worked with companies like Dreamworks, Warner Bros, Cartoon Network and the BBC with nominations and wins across events such as Cannes Film Festival and London International Animation Festival.

• Traditional 2D: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media
• Digital 2D: Flash, After Effects, Cel Action, TV Paint and Adobe Photoshop
• Stop Motion: Puppet, Claymation, Cut Out, Sand on Glass, Paint on Glass and Pixilation
• 3D Computer Animation: Cinema 4D and Motion Capture

In your first year you will develop a personal approach to animation and learn to apply an understanding of film language, narrative and the technical processes of animation to the creation of your own animation sequences. You will learn about changing practices in the history of animation and explore and experiment with different forms of graphic media.

In your second year you will further develop your animation practice and begin to identify specific areas of interest. The second year of study gives you the opportunity to refine your technical and problem-solving skills. In the Digital Cultures module you will be introduced to a range of concepts regarding animation in games and play, particularly in relation to computer games.

In your final year you will consolidate your skills to a professional standard and fully prepare for a career in the animation industry, identifying potential career paths and preparing a graduation showreel, portfolio and promotional material.

Accountancy is at the core of every business which means that our BA Accounting and Finance course offers you a range of opportunities in every industry, from banking to fashion and everywhere in between. You’ll develop your advanced theoretical knowledge as well as a practical understanding of all things finance. Covering key areas within financial and management accounting, taxation and business law, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the role accounting plays in successful organisations.

Build your hands-on practical accounting skills:-

• You’ll build your knowledge through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars. You’ll also take part in a range of class-based discussions to further develop your skills and understanding.
• We use accounting software such as Zero, Sage and OneSource in our teaching and our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab will give you the hands-on experience you'll need to succeed in the profession.
• During your studies, you will have the opportunity to do a paid work placement, either as a year-long project or two shorter placements. Here you’ll get the chance to test and improve your technical skills in the real world, as well as building your soft employability skills such as communication and team work.

Accountancy is at the core of every business which means that our BA Accounting and Finance course offers you a range of opportunities in every industry, from banking to fashion and everywhere in between. You’ll develop your advanced theoretical knowledge as well as a practical understanding of all things finance. Covering key areas within financial and management accounting, taxation and business law, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the role accounting plays in successful organisations.

Build your hands-on practical accounting skills

• You’ll build your knowledge through a combination of lectures, workshops and seminars. You’ll also take part in a range of class-based discussions to further develop your skills and understanding.
• We use accounting software such as Zero, Sage and OneSource in our teaching and our state-of-the-art Financial Markets Lab will give you the hands-on experience you'll need to succeed in the profession.
• During your studies, you will have the opportunity to do a paid work placement, either as a year-long project or two shorter placements. Here you’ll get the chance to test and improve your technical skills in the real world, as well as building your soft employability skills such as communication and team work.

The only degree in the UK that combines advertising, public relations and branding, this course is aimed towards those people who want a high performing, fast-paced career in marketing and digital media.

People are creating, consuming and sharing content in new and innovative ways. If you’re passionate about working in advertising, brand management or publicity campaigns, then our course will set you up with the tools to succeed.

You can find a career in the creative industries, consultancy, public relations, charity and public sectors, as well as across a range of markets and businesses. The course covers core topics such as brand management, campaign planning, public relations, social media marketing and digital advertising, you’ll be equipped with the creative thinking, communication, and strategy skills required for a fast-paced and ever-evolving career.