Duration:
2 years full-time
Entry requirements:
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C)* including English and maths
- An appreciation of and a passion for animation with a level of practical experience and/ or a Level 2 qualification in the subject area
Fees & funding:
Visit our fees & funding page for more information.
How to apply:
When you're ready to apply, there's a few ways to start the process.
- Apply online - Start your application now!
- Call us on 0115 952 2075 and start your application over the phone or we can post you a paper application form
- Come and visit us at an open day and fill in your application on the day
Introduction to the course
From animation techniques to 2D graphics and 3D modelling, this college course will equip you with the skills necessary for a career as an animator or visual effects specialist working in film, TV post-production or games.
If you have an eye for detail, an interest in graphics, animation, computer software packages and a vivid imagination, then this is the course for you.
100% Of students on this course feel the teaching they receive is of a good standard. (QDP Student Survey Results 2022)
You’ll learn:
- How to create and animate 2D graphics
- How to design and create your own stop motion film
- Advanced 3D modelling techniques
- Advanced motion graphics skills
- How to create 3D content for the Oculus Rift
- Employability skills for the VFX industry
- Freelancing skills
What you'll study
Through a mixture of practical workshops and lectures you’ll learn to use sophisticated 2D graphics and animation packages in the creation of a wide and diverse selection of dynamic animated content. You’ll develop your skills in the operation of Adobe packages, in particular Photoshop, Illustrator and the animation After Effects and how to work between the applications seamlessly. You will also learn to use industry standard 3D software Autodesk Maya, which is used in all the latest and biggest TV and film productions across the globe.
Using our high spec graphics tablets you will create your very own exciting posters and a fantasy themed title sequence through planning, storyboards, concepts and ideas. You will learn to manage a project professionally in order to produce your final production. You will be using skills and techniques you have learned throughout term one and will be refining throughout term 2.
The culture brief is an immersive and exciting opportunity where you get the creative freedom to deliver your assignment. You will have free reign to choose a culture of your choice that’s associated with young people. You will explore a variety of production formats such as animation, 3D, film or even a mixture of them in order to produce a final digital sequence.
As well as continuing to develop your 2D and 3D work you will focus on 3D animation where you will animate character rigs and environments, before rendering out your 3D animations. You will also explore a range of VFX techniques such as greenscreen compositing, shot clean up and the handling of production level assets in order to assemble a professional VFX sequence
The biggest and boldest project of the course. This assignment will allow you total creative freedom to plan and produce a sequence of your choice using all the skills you have developed. You can choose any production format you wish whilst using a wide range of technical resources order to complete your final production.
For the final term you will produce a professional online portfolio which will house all of your best work along with fresh new content. You will create 3D environments to be viewed in VR headsets. You’ll also create professional creatives CVs along with showreels which will help you to take that next step into University or employment.
Maths & English
Depending on your prior English and Maths attainment, you may need to improve your grade as part of your course.
On this course you’ll have access to:
- High-spec dual screen computers
- Professional graphics tablets
- Adobe Creative Suite inc. After Effects
- Autodesk Maya
- Green screen studio
Celebrate
Every year we welcome family, friends and industry professionals to watch, listen, test and play the fantastic work of our college students.
Industry Week
You'll also take part in Industry Week where you’ll be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries. Past guests have included the likes of Framestore, Industrial Light and Magic, The Mill, Access VFX and VFX artist Michael Wilde.
Check out our OnDemand service here.
Continue your studies
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your college course. Choose to continue your studies on our range of foundation and full honours degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career:
Future careers:
- 2D animator
- 3D modeller
- 3D animator
- Roto and paint artist
