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.
Throughout this term you will be introduced to the professional techniques for the effective production of onscreen graphics and idents for television. It includes aesthetic and technical challenges in television, the needs of the viewer, the creative negotiation of a brief and related skills. Students will be working on a professional brief for Nottingham Post Live's website.
Learn the magic behind stop-motion animation production and explore the technology, software and hardware associated with its creation. You will explore a wide variety of mediums, forms and genres before creating your own stop-motion animation using the Dragon frame stop motion software, detailed storyboards and innovative puppet design.
You’ll explore the role of the Visual effect compositor in the film and Television and games industry, understanding the scientific principles behind the process of combining multiple assets in one cohesive visual effects sequence. Utilising advanced techniques in green screen technology, colour manipulation and motion tracking you’ll combine video and 2D and 3D content into one seamless VFX shot of your own design.
Across this term you'll develop your knowledge of sophisticated 3D modelling and animation techniques in the Maya software application and work towards the creation of a variety of 3D assets for visual effects. You will explore a wide variety of modelling techniques in the creation of animated 3D creatures, technology and architecture for use in advanced VFX compositions. You’ll apply your newly found skills in the creation of an animated 3D asset and will explore advanced render and compositing techniques.
Using everything you’ve learned over two years, you’ll produce your final major project. This will be a larger project managed VFX project that allows you to showcase a mixture of your abilities and show off the area of the post-production industry that you wish to pursue. Along with a final show reel, this project will support you towards a Foundation Degree in Visual Effects or straight into your career in the VFX and post-production industries.
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. This year, in light of the current restrictions, we’ve taken this showcase online.
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.
Mohamed Dembele
“If I ever found myself struggling with an assignment, my tutors were right there offering me help and guidance.”
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
