Animation BA (Hons)
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Entry 2021/22 2022/23
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UCAS Code: WW2P BA/An
Modules & Learning
Research-Rich Learning
Fees, Funding & Scholarships
Do you want to work in animation, film, motion graphics, computer games or graphic design? This course builds on your interests to give you an intellectual understanding of design, art, film and narrative theory.
You will be taught cutting-edge techniques and computer-based animation skills using industry standard software, along with practical project management skills and critical analytical thinking. The Animation course is a vibrant community of practice, which provides you with the opportunity to develop an impressive technical skillset, professional understanding and creative vision.
Northumbria University is ranked 11th in Design & Crafts in the UK (Guardian University League Tables 2022).
91% of students said 'the course has provided me with opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth' (National Student Survey, 2020)
For more information in relation to studying Animation BA (Hons) contact Northumbria University today on 0191 4060901 or register for Animation updates.
See other similar courses you may be interested in: BA (Hons) Fine Art
WW2P
3 years full-time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
City Campus, Northumbria University
Reveal Graduate Showcase / The end of year showcase for our Creative Programmes
Department / Animation
Partnership and Engagement
Portfolio Guide
Jay Stewart / CG Animator
Jay has a wealth of experience in character animation and recently came to hold a workshop with our students.
Jay's Vimeo Channel
Module / Animation Performance
In this second year module you will learn how to research, refine and produce performance in animation, through a process of deconstructing and reconstructing movement with a range of animation processes.
Student Life / #IAmNorthumbria
Discover more about life in Newcastle and studying at Northumbria.
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Student Life at Northumbria
#IAmNorthumbria
Our philosophy is to combine creative idea generation and technical excellence in every project and to provide a supportive and dynamic studio culture, academic mentorship, and a challenging critical and creative environment that is inspiring and informed by industry.
You will learn principally through the 'learning by doing' approach. You are challenged to stretch your imagination and to learn to push the boundaries of conventional modes of thinking and animation realisation in answering your project briefs.
The course encourages a collaborative atmosphere where you will learn from one another, regardless of level, to support and produce animation as a community. This collaboration culminates in 'Animation' days, and at 'work in progress' screenings.
See all the Modules for this course
Animation Student Profiles
Hear what it is really like to study our Animation BA from our current students.
Hear more from our students
Amy Mills
Andrew Kiernan
Our internationally acclaimed, award-winning staff have worked with industry leaders including Sky, STV, UKTV, BBC Worldwide, the British Film Institute and the Wellcome Trust. The location of the academic staff and Animation studios allows for a rich and efficient relationship between staff and students, engineering a supportive studio culture and community.
Our projects are led by a team of academics with extensive professional experience which informs the creative focus and contemporary nature of industry practice. This is reflected in module briefs, and contacts with industry as activated through visits from guest lecturers, live briefs and industry studio visits.
Staff / Meet the Team
At Northumbria we know how important it is that you are taught by staff who understand the animation industry. That is why all of our staff have industry experience and connections to help your learning.
Animation Staff
Ellie Land
Hugo Glover
Animation Staff Profiles
Discover more →
Technology informs and underpins the course, with development of project work enabled through accessing presentations and materials on the eLearning Portal and by you creating and presenting from reflective digital blogs. Our teaching lab comprises industry standard workstations with workshop, seminar and demonstration sessions, and the final realisation of animations through the on-site Render Farm and 3D printer.
You will benefit from our industry links with organisations such as Tyneside Cinema, D&AD, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Channel 4. Plus, you will get to work on a variety of live project briefs to develop your network of contacts and gain real-world experience.
94% of students said "The library resources (e.g. books, online services and learning spaces) have supported my learning well." (National Student Survey, 2020)
Facilities / Studio
The studio space is a great place to collaborate, be creative and swap ideas!
At the heart of each Northumbria campus, our libraries provide a range of study space and technology to suit every learning style.
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Come and explore our outstanding facilities in this interactive virtual tour.
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The research interests of our academic team inform the currency of teaching on the course, as research-based enquiry and research-tutored learning is built into project briefs, workshop sessions and Animation studio culture. You will be shown and involved in research projects that help to develop theory at the forefront of animation research.
Action research workshops involve working closely with academics, and there are links throughout to the research they are involved in. The research-tutored and research/enquiry-based aspects of the course support you in generating your animation show-reel work, which will act as the summative 'capstone' of your degree.
Animatory Thinking
A practice based investigation into the primacy of animation.
Hugo's Research
The students really benefit from research the team produce and feed back into the teaching.
This course actively supports you in developing core skills to prepare you for employment. Module briefs reflect industry practices, principles and thinking and you are encouraged to produce challenging work that exhibits originality and finesse of execution.
Your showreel will display evidence of your employability, including the ability to respond dynamically to a creative brief, experience of working in small teams, managing a project, and an understanding of professional behaviour and standards. Specific modules support you in developing your confidence and self-esteem, while the course builds in opportunities for you to collaborate with industry.
You will become practised at communicating to diverse audiences, presenting your work on blogs, in show-reels, at exhibitions, through film festivals, graduate showcase events and online. You will be able to justify your ideas to academic staff, collaborative partners, potential employers and peers and offer constructive feedback in critiques and presentations.
You will graduate equipped with the skills to work in a variety of careers across the expanding world of animation. Our graduates have progressed into a range of organisations and typically in the visual effects and design industries, with quick progression within six months to a year.
Recent graduates are working, amongst others, as 3D artists at Time Based Arts and Earth; as animators at The Mill; as motion designers in German TV; as rotoscoping artists at Double Negative; as animation visualisers at Pixel House Media; and as games testers at Rockstar North. Others have launched successful design companies, working with clients including Kanye West and Nike.
"Studying Animation at Northumbria was a great step to pursuing my career in VFX and never felt like work because I was enjoying the projects I was involved with."
- Graduate working at Time-Based Arts in London.
Fin Crowther / 3D Artist
Animation alumni Fin returned to Northumbria to talk with current students about his career since graduating. Fin now works at The Mill in London and has worked on big productions such as the iconic John Lewis Christmas advert.
Jay Stewart / CG Character Animator
Book an Open Day / Experience Animation
Visit an Open Day to really get an inside view of what its like to study Animation at Northumbria. Speak to staff and students from the course and get a tour of the studio spaces and facilities.
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements Modules Overview Fees, Funding and Scholarships Apply Now
Entry Requirements 2021/22
Standard Entry
120 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
A portfolio of creative design work is required. Get advice on preparing your portfolio here: www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/animation-ba-hons-uusanm1/portfolio-guides/
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
International applicants shoud have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Fees and Funding 2021/22 Entry
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,250
* The maximum tuition fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by government. Tuition fees may increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, these are subject to government regulations and in line with inflation.
EU Fee in Year 1: £16,000
International Fee in Year 1: £16,000
Click here for UK, EU and International Scholarships scholarship, fees, and funding information.
There are no Additional Costs
UK Fee in Year 1*: £9,250
For 22/23 scholarship information, please see the main Funding Pages.
Nationality... ---------- UK --------- United Kingdom Guernsey Isle of Man (The) Jersey ---------- EU --------- Austria Belgium British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Bulgaria Channel Islands (The) Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Falkland Islands Finland France French Possessions nor elsewhere classified Germany Greece Hungary Irish Republic Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Martinique Netherlands Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden ---------- Overseas --------- Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Burkina Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Islands Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China (People's Republic of) CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) Colombia Comoros Congo (Democratic Republic) Congo (People's Republic) Costa Rica Cuba Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Dutch West Indies East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Ethiopia Fiji Gabon Gambia Georgia Ghana Gibraltar Greenland Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Leeward Islands (not otherwise specified) Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea Norway Not known Oman Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Islands Puerto Rico Qatar Russia Rwanda Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Korea Sri Lanka St Helena Dependencies St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Stateless Sudan Surinam Swaziland Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda UK Domicile (Unknown) Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States Uruguay US Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam West Bank and Gaza West Indies (not otherwise specified) Windward Islands (not elsewhere specified) Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Unknown
Modules Overview 2021/22
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
Year one Year two Year three Year four
MI4011 -
Introduction to Animation (Core,20 Credits)
This module introduces you to the subject of traditional animation and the key historical and contemporary figures in the industry, through contextual lectures, as a design communication tool. You will also be introduced to a variety of traditional animation techniques, such as cut-out, 2D drawn, film making with puppets and models and stop motion, using industry standard software such as Dragonframe, for frame by frame capture and Adobe Premiere and Photoshop, for post production editing work, where appropriate.
The 12 principles of animation will be introduced to you, through a series of animation exercises. You will learn from simple technical demonstrations, such as camera handling, photography and lighting techniques.
Life drawing classes will also be introduced to support the drawn and model-making elements of the animation exercises and to help you to gain an understanding of the human body.
You will also learn to apply the knowledge and understanding, gained in the first half of the semester, to a creative brief which allows you to reflect on areas of strength that is; research, generate ideas, develop, manage and produce a short, but complete animation, to conclude the module and add to the portfolio of animations created in the first half of the semester, for assessment.
Visual Language 1 (Core,20 Credits)
This module provides a foundation in 'visual language' to support the development of original ideas for animation.
You will learn how to design and communicate for screen based work, enhanced through an understanding of the fundamental principles of Animation production such as sequential images, timing, layout colour and composition.
Practical classes will introduce you to the components needed for the pre - production of animation, teaching you to understand the design process leading to the making of animation. You will gain an understanding of research methods for animation production. You will learn the fundamental principles of storyboarding and how to create effective artwork for the pitch process. You will engage in writing treatments, short narratives, and script processes for animation.
You will learn to use appropriate tools and techniques as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative design solutions.
You will visualize these concepts as illustrations and storyboards, using hand and digital tools, specifically Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign, for creative solutions.
The module introduces you to the support infrastructure and processes for learning and utilising resources, in the University, to help you to learn effectively. You will engage in the kind of tasks which help to develop and demonstrate your learning, to build your confidence and capabilities and develop an ability to direct your own learning, evaluate your own progress and achievements and support the learning of others in group working situations.
Introduction to 3D Animation (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will be introduced to how 3D computer animation can be used to create original and creatively diverse animation through learning the fundamental aspects of 3D using Autodesk Maya.
You will be taught the core historical background to 3D animation, which will provide a contextual basis upon which you can build knowledge and understanding of contemporary animation practices. The emphasis will be on learning the production methods and technical skills that have supported the evolution of animation from pure photographic form to 3D computer generated animation.
An introduction into visual and cultural research methods will also provide you with skills to develop your own research into culturally significant areas such as fine art, literature, poetry, architecture and design and aspects of this research will form the basis of your exploration into 3D software and then how the 3D space can be utilised as a creative workshop in which you can craft your ideas. This research underpins your own generation of original and diverse animated work in response to the brief.
Sound Design and Editing (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will learn the principles of editing and sound design, for moving image, through experimenting with editing as a tool for crafting in time and in communicating with sound, to provide a complete experience for the viewer. You will also gain an understanding of the workflow required for using editing and sound design as a fundamental basis of animation. Appropriate tools will be introduced as aids to help stimulate conceptual thinking and develop creative solutions to the brief.
You will learn techniques and practices such as screen grammar, temporal and spatial edit decisions, editing sound qualities, recording and laying tracks, working with Foley, working with software, such as Audition and Adobe Premier, as well as the principles of sound and editing. Through this you will extend your knowledge and critical appreciation of sound and the moving image, in the context of relevant theories such as the Audiovisual contract.
This project will further influence and enhance creative decision-making in future visual communication project work on the Animation programme.
Films for Filmmakers 1: Critical Concepts in Film and Television Studies (Core,20 Credits)
This module will introduce you analysing films critically, in order to provide you with an understanding of some of the key ways in which films are constructed and how they communicate information and express ideas. Through learning about a variety of critical approaches to film and television, you will develop academic research skills and analytical techniques that will deepen your understanding of your own creative practice. Topic covered will include: mise-en-scene, sound,, narrative, and editing. We will look at a variety of clips that range across different types of film productions.
XD4005 -
Principle of Visual Design (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn and apply the principles of visual design relevant for Interaction Design students. These include principles of typography, semiotics, design styles and movements, grid systems, photo composition and manipulation, communication theory, colour theory and information design. You will be given the opportunity to design a printed and a digital version of a publication.
YA5001 -
Academic Language Skills for Arts (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
•	Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
•	Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
•	Practising 'critical reading' and 'critical writing'
•	Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
•	Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
•	Listening skills for lectures.
•	Speaking in seminar presentations.
•	Presenting your ideas
•	Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
•	Speed reading techniques.
•	Developing self-reflection skills.
Character Design & Modelling (Core,20 Credits)
You will refine and build on skills gained in Level 4 to develop character designs through an historical overview of relevant literature, art, animation, games, film and advertising. This will help to form a broad understanding of character design. More specific principles of character design and branding, using characters, will also be introduced.
You will then learn how to generate ideas for contemporary character design influenced by social, political and cultural research for the development of the 'back story', through drawing and written work. You will create and present, character design sheets, including suggested movement, expressions, silhouette, negative space and bone structure and create early prototypes of characters using found materials.
You will learn to understand and execute the principles of 3D computer modelling and the principles of 3D texture mapping with a view to establishing an in-depth, practical knowledge of 3D modelling and texturing techniques (using Autodesk Maya), in support of the design and production of original content. You will also learn how to manage 3D CGI assets and realise character design ideas in a range of media to create a character led brand.
Research & Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)
The module provides an opportunity for you to learn which skills and attributes are considered most important by employers, in the animation industry, and to reflect and set targets to address any skills gaps, to boost your employability before you graduate.
Module tasks will include researching into the local, national and international animation industry to begin to understand where you could see yourself working. You will learn how to create a portfolio that includes personal promotion information such as a Linked In profile/CV, Vimeo account, web presence and showreel. You will learn how to write a written reflective piece that analyses your skills and attributes.
Animation Performance (Core,20 Credits)
In this module, you will learn how to research, refine and produce performance in animation, through a process of deconstructing and reconstructing movement with a range of animation processes. You will learn how to generate ideas for character animation influenced by social, political and cultural issues and historical and contemporary knowledge of character-led animation, and to produce a short form animated film.
This will be taught through practical workshops inclusive of technical demonstrations, seminar sessions and lectures to support you in gaining a critical understanding of animation skills evidenced through animation outputs of a sophisticated level. Through these sessions, you will explore how movement can be captured and used as the basis for generating compelling and original character animation, how to adapt and use a 3D-computer generated rig for manipulating characters and realise high-quality animated digital characters.
The animation skills, critical understanding and contextual studies will also be framed through lectures that illustrate how animation is used in the industry as a prime method of communication, along with discussion of current and forward-looking practices and processes that the contemporary character animation industry is developing and pioneering.
Compositing for Animation (Core,20 Credits)
On this module you will learn the fundamental principles of compositing for animation. Compositing is a crucial skill within the animation industry and can open up employment opportunities within the TV, Film and VFX industries. Contemporary animation is often comprised of images from different sources, be it live action, hand drawn or computer generated. You will gain technical knowledge of how to composite 2D, 3D and live action elements, using a range of industry techniques. This will include channel operations, masks, rotoscoping, tracking, green screen, keying and matte painting. Following on from the visual scripting aspect of the 3D Games module, you will learn node-based compositing, and how this is helpful for non-destructive workflows. These processes are crucial for live projects in which the client requires last minute changes.
You will continue to develop an overview of how different software packages relate to each other and how to capitalise on the strengths of each package to support the creative use of technology in the animation process. Compositing processes can be utilised in order to generate unique visual styles, which you will be asked to explore throughout the module.
You will learn how to plan animation in a more optimal way, using compositing strategies to save time and build editable projects. The module is underpinned by a critical approach to thinking about hybrid animation aesthetics and what it means for multiple image sources to be combined in the production of a single animation.
Experimental Motion Graphics (Core,20 Credits)
Building on the level 4 module, Introduction to Motion Graphics, this module will consider the communication of information and ideas through the application of experimental motion graphic design principles.
You will consider several areas of communication such as information design, branding and advertising. By combining these divergent fields into one module, it is anticipated that you will learn how to intellectually and practically negotiate the challenging communication continuum between informing and manipulating an audience.
Through a project brief you will be introduced to an issue that requires a coherent design solution that may encompass information design, branding and advertising. Central to this design solution will be a significant piece of motion graphics design, which will be developed through an experimental approach to design.
You will be supported through lectures, and group discussions within workshop activity in both the areas of communication design, (information design, branding and advertising), and the practical motion graphics software.
MP5022 -
Cultural Identities on Screen (Core,20 Credits)
The module will focus on the televisual representation and articulation of cultural identities in Britain and the US. We will look at how gender, ethnicity, national and regional identities are constructed through an examination of different genres and areas of screen media, such as drama, comedy and current affairs. We will explore issues such as class, gender and racial stereotypes, visibility of minority groups and integration. Throughout the course we will also consider the function of television, considering what its role might be in the construction of cultural identities.
AD5001 -
Arts Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
The Work Placement Year module is a 120 credit year-long module available on degree courses which include a work placement year, taken as an additional year of study at level 5 and before level 6 (the length of the placement(s) will be determined by your programme but it can be no less than 30 weeks). You will undertake a guided work placement at a host organisation. This is a Pass/Fail module and so does not contribute to classification. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate in the format – "Degree title (with Work Placement Year)". The learning and teaching on your placement will be recorded in the work placement agreement signed by the placement provider, the student, and the University.
Specific learning will depend on the nature of the employer and the placement secured. In general terms, this module is an opportunity to gain significant experience of industry practice, and to learn professional, role-specific skills 'on the job'. It's also a great opportunity to improve transferable skills such as communication, interpersonal skills, personal organisation, time management, presentation, commercial awareness, entrepreneurial skills, branding, and professional conduct generally; and to enhance your CV and personal portfolio. Students who have carried out placements in previous years often describe it as a transformative experience; they report greatly increased personal confidence both in terms of launching their future careers, and in returning to their final year of study. Your employer will agree in advance what your learning is likely to include, and will help you reflect on this learning at the end of your placement.
Note: Subject to placement clearance; this is a competitive process and a place on the module cannot be guaranteed.
Arts Study Abroad Year (Optional,120 Credits)
The Study Abroad Year module is a full year 120 credit module which is available on degree courses which include a study abroad year which is taken as an additional year of study at level 5 and before level 6. You will undertake a year abroad at a partner university equivalent to 120 UK credits. This gives you access to modules from your discipline taught in a different learning culture and so broadens your overall experience of learning. The course of study abroad will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria). Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, if you pass, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad Module and on your degree certificate in the format – "Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)".
AT5004 -
Year in International Business (This is made up of 5 modules studied in Newcastle (Semester 1) & Amsterdam (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
This overarching module descriptor covers the Year in International Business which is made up of 5 modules which students study in Newcastle (semester 1) and Amsterdam (semester 2).
This additional year of studies has been designed to develop students' business awareness and their soft skills through a semester of study in the UK followed by engagement in studying in Amsterdam and working on real business projects to further enhance and develop this knowledge, skills and attributes.
Semester 1 in the UK comprises three 20-credit modules aimed at students new to business and management, which also equips the students for a semester in Amsterdam, working in teams on a "real-world", client facing project. Of the modules studies in Semester 1 provide students with the "soft", "analytical" and "project management" skills necessary to embark on a "real-world" client-centred consultancy project in Semester 2. In Semester 2, students will work move to Amsterdam and study two modules on Northumbria licensed premises. The first module, Group Business Consultancy Project, is a Level 5 40 credit Consultancy Project providing a supported and challenging experience with real business supervised by Northumbria and possibly Dutch academics. The final module complements the development of business knowledge and application through a contextualised consideration of International Business. This will also add to the Business Consultancy experience, thereby guaranteeing a coherent business experience.
The modules are outlined below:
HR9505 Managing People at Work (20 credits)
SM9511 Global Business Environment (20 credits)
AF5022 Financial Decision Making (20 credits)
AT5000 Digital Business (20)
AT5001 Group Business Consultancy Project (40 credits)
In semester 1, students will learn in an environment aligned to that of business students on full time programmes. A mixture of large group and small group sessions will take place. In semester 2, in accordance with the experiential learning pedagogical approach in the Business Clinic operated at Newcastle Business School, the group consultancy work will involve students working in groups, facilitated by academics but also independently and amongst their peers in collaborative project work to provide real business consultancy. Assessment has been developed in accordance with Northumbria's Assessment for Learning principles including a broad mix of assessment appropriate to the learning outcomes being assessed and with opportunities for formative feedback.
A student who passes all modules will, on successful completion of their undergraduate programme of study, have the title "(Year in International Business UK and Amsterdam)" added to their degree award title. Students who do not pass 120 credits will have those modules that have been completed recorded on their transcript.
Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation (4 modules studied in Amsterdam (Semester 1) & Newcastle (Semester 2) (Optional,120 Credits)
What will I learn on this module?
This overarching module descriptor covers the Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation which is made up of 4 modules that the students will study in Amsterdam (semester 1) and Newcastle (semester 2).
This additional year of studies has been designed to develop students' creative thinking and practical problem-solving skills in the context of design thinking approaches, all of which will significantly development academic and research skills and so strengthen employability on graduation. This year of study enhances your employability by unlocking and developing your creative problem-solving skills, knowledge, and expertise to make you more employment and industry-ready when you graduate through in multidisciplinary teams throughout your year of study in Amsterdam and Newcastle to creatively tackle and solve real-world challenges.
Semester 1 in Amsterdam comprises of two 20-credit modules aimed at students new to design thinking which also equips them for a semester in Newcastle, working in creative teams on a series of real-world projects that enhance creative thinking skills and attributes and multidisciplinary working practices. The modules studied in Semester 1, Innovative Design Practices and Tools and Multidisciplinary Exploration and Value Creation provide students with analytical design-inspired tools that enable students to examine real-world case studies that require multidisciplinary professional team-based responses and solution formation and implementation. In Semester 2, students will move to Newcastle to study two modules at Northumbria University. The first module, Design-Inspired Research Methods enables students to critically investigate key social, cultural, and technological challenges that modern urban spaces, cities, and professions. The final module, Creative Cities, enables students to engage in the creative comparative research of problems, challenges and potential innovative developments between Amsterdam and Newcastle (in terms of mobility, sustainable practices, energy provision, smart and digital technologies, urban design, or the role of cultural and humanities-oriented institutions).
AT5005 Innovative Design Practices and Tools (20 credits)
AT5006 Multidisciplinary Exploration and Value Creation (40 credits)
DE5012 Design-Inspired Research Methods (20 credits)
DE5013 Creative Cities (40 credits)
In semester 1, students will learn in a creative environment in the Amsterdam campus dedicated to full time programmes. A mixture of large group and small group sessions will take place in sessions and workshops that bring together AUAS and Northumbria students and staff. The focus of the teaching and learning is on creative interdisciplinary team activities that develop creative thinking and address real-world issues and problems. In semester 2, students engage in comparative city-based research to identify differing challenges facing Amsterdam and Newcastle. Students will approach a range of real-world issues from the perspective of their academic discipline and work with students from other perspectives to see how differing knowledges and skillsets can combine to address challenges in innovative and creative ways. These can include cultural institutions, design, technology, IT, and engineering, architecture, history, and the social sciences. Therefore, the programme is relevant for students from a range academic disciplines who will work together to stress how differing disciplines combine to provide solutions to challenges. Assessment has been developed in accordance with Northumbria's Assessment for Learning principles including a broad mix of assessment appropriate to the learning outcomes being assessed and with opportunities for formative feedback.
A student who passes all modules will, on successful completion of their undergraduate programme of study, have the title "(Year in International Multidisciplinary Innovation UK and Amsterdam)" added to their degree award title. Students who do not pass 120 credits will have those modules that have been completed recorded on their transcript.
Professional Creative Production 1 (Core,20 Credits)
You will undertake a set of challenging projects, including briefs set in conjunction with external institutions, which will directly support your future employment opportunities. These projects will allow you to develop industry focussed and conceptually challenging projects that demonstrate both your intellectual and creative ability and your employability in the Animation and Design fields.
A portfolio of work is a key asset developed during Level 6 and this module gives you an opportunity to refine your portfolio in a commercially focussed way.
You will be able to present research, demonstrate creative thinking and produce professional design and animation to meet the brief.
You will manage research analysis and develop ideas based on your chosen problem.
You will deliver the designs, based on appropriate production methods, which meet client needs.
Final Project Realisation and Presentation (Core,40 Credits)
This module provides the platform for you to produce a substantial, creative Final Project showcasing your animation skills, vision and technical production knowledge. It supports you in learning how to set a self-directed project and practice time-management skills to realise your project, with support from academic staff.
Your project comprises the production and presentation of an industry standard short form animated film or equivalent production such as a game or installation and the content becomes the core of your final show-reel. You will document your development of your project and critically reflect on the creation and production process through a 'scene breakdown' short film and a blog. This will reveal your iterative process, ability to create original work to a timeframe and manage a large scale final project.
This project will give you the opportunity to exhibit high levels of understanding and skill of all the areas of animation that the programme covers and use the technological resources on campus to produce industry standard production finish. With consistent mentorship, support and feedback from academic and technical staff, you will be supported in producing a final project and presentation, which helps you to polish your professional skills, ready for graduation and entry into industry or further studies at a higher level.
Final Project: Research and Development (Core,40 Credits)
This module forms the first part of an exciting opportunity to develop a personal project from start to finish over the course of a year.
The aims of this project are to establish the industry standard pre-production processes for short-form animated projects.
The direction of each project will be different, and as such you are required to apply your independent learning skills to tailoring content learned in class to your own work. You will learn how to develop original, personally motivated animation and game projects, how to pitch these ideas to funders, clients and peers and how to independently lead and manage a project of significant duration and depth. You will also be given training on Renderman and networked rendering, in preparation for the production stage of the project. The critical, contextual part of the module will give you the knowledge and confidence to discuss your work in relation to animation theory and practice. It will provide you with ways of thinking about your work that help you become a more reflective practitioner.
At the end of this module you will have completed the research, development and created the assets for your final project. In MI6015: Final Project Realisation and Presentation, you will be able to focus on animation, production and post-production of your project.
Collaboration & Professional Associations 02 (Core,20 Credits)
You will participate in a live project or set brief and learn how to deliver a solution to professional standards. In the process you will gain greater experience of collaborative working either through playing a key role in a team, working co-operatively with others or through co-designing a solution with end users.
Personal and Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)
This module aims to provide you with a range of academic and professional practice skills, and an awareness of a range of professional contexts in which the knowledge of your degree study may be applied.
The module begins with a series of sessions dealing with generic and subject-specific research skills, including how to do presentations, literature reviews, e-learning and writing in different contexts (i.e. essays, portfolios, reports, criticism). These skills will allow you to become independent learners and will then be put into practice through the first assessment task, which is a recorded presentation. The second half of the module is themed around professional development. Through attendance at class, individual tutorials and directed and independent learning, you will explore a variety of professional contexts for your degree study. This will include visiting speakers and training sessions in relevant skills such as podcasting. This will culminate in the second assessment task, a podcast.
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All information on this course page is accurate at the time of viewing.
Courses starting in 2021 are offered as a mix of face to face and online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future.
Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.
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