FdA in Animation and Games Art
Run by a professional team with involvement from industry
partners this course offers you great opportunities to work in an
inspiring and realistic environment using industry standard
equipment and software. This course aims to replicate, as closely
as possible, the attitude, environment and practices found in
professional studios. The focus is on transferable, traditional
creative skills working hand in hand with high technology.
You will explore illustration, animation and games art using
traditional art techniques and state of the art software such as
Academy Award winning Maya® and Adobe Creative Suite® as well as a
whole host of other industry standard applications.
- Acquire advanced professional skills leading to a specialist
path.
- Develop and produce a portfolio of creative and professional
work.
- Work on live projects and industrial placements. Identify a
chosen specialist area and develop your portfolio accordingly.
If you have a burning passion for creative work which embraces
both traditional and digital technologies and want to develop your
skills towards employment then Doncaster is the place to be.
Course Content and Structure
Industry involvement
Employers currently connected with the course:
- Blitz Game Studios
- Artworks, London
- The Apple Agency Ltd
- KJA-Artists, London
- Finger Industries, Sheffield
- British Design & Art Direction (D&AD)
- The Association of Illustrators
- The Chartered Society of Designers
Year one (Level 4)
Year one is skills acquisition and training. Focusing on the
development of skills in the following modules:
- Art and Animation for Games
- 3D Digital Practices
- Digital Illustration and Design
- Drawing and Concept Art
- Visual Communication in Context
All of these areas can be developed during year two through
specialist projects, industrial practice and a major project.
Year two (Level 5)
Year two concentrates on the application of skills and the
development of creativity from year one within illustration,
animation, game art, effects and concept art. You can determine
your own specialist pathway towards employment or further study.
All students undertake a work experience programme, either through
a placement in industry or through a live project. Both can be
aligned to a particular area of interest. Modules studied
include:
- Professional Practice
- Work Based Learning 1
- Work Based Learning 2
- Illustrated Essay
- Major Project
Assessment
Student progress is assessed via formal critiques with written
feedback provided. Two formal assessments take place at key stages
within the academic year with the final one determining the
student’s summative classification. Assessment is carried out using
a variety of methods:
- Learning Portfolios (Portfolio of Artwork)
- Design Tasks (Research and background material)
- Presentation
- Essay
- Exhibition
- Work Based Assessment
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
- 160 UCAS Tariff Points- from at least 2 GCE A Levels or BTEC
National qualifications or a Foundation Diploma
- Access to HE Diploma in an art related programme with at least
45 credits at Level 3
- Art & Design GNVQ- Pass
- AVCE, Art & Design- Grade C
- Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from people of any age who might not
meet the standard entry criteria, but we would expect to see
evidence of continuing academic and/or professional development and
a capacity to pursue the course successfully.
If your application is successful, you may be invited to attend
an interview with a portfolio of design related work to demonstrate
your ability and suitability for the course.
Progression Routes
Potential careers
| Potential jobs |
Expected salary |
| Junior Concept Artist |
£15,000 + |
| Junior Animator |
£15,000 + |
| Freelance Illustrator |
£15,000 + |
| Children's Book Illustrator |
£15,000 + |
| Character Artist / Designer |
£15,000 + |
| Junior 3D Artist |
£15,000 + |
| Junior Technical Illustrator / Artist |
£15,000 + |
| Visual Effects Artist |
£15,000 + |
| Environment Modeller / Artist |
£15,000 + |
| Advertising Illustrator / Visualiser / 3D Artist |
£15,000 + |
On completion of this course you will have the necessary skills
and professional portfolio to allow you to gain employment in a
variety of areas.
Alternatively, you may choose to further your studies with the
one year top up course BA (Hons) Illustration and Animation.
Student comments
“It’s good to have tutors that have actually worked in
industry as it means they can teach what employers are looking for
etc. rather than a student being taught from a book.” TC,
Year 1 Student
“I think the structure and tempo has been fantastic so
far, the assignments are challenging and the workload is
manageable. The skills and techniques taught by tutors are
excellent and really inspiring, most importantly they are what
industry is looking for from graduates.” RB, Year 2
Student
“The best choice I have ever made. The tutors are
always willing to help and each day I go into the class, I know
that I will come out with something I never knew before.” MH,
Year 1 Student
Previous FdA Animation and Games Art graduate Darren
Watford, who now works at Blitz says “The FdA Animation & Games
Art and BA (Hons) Illustration & Animation courses at Doncaster
focuses not only on digital skills, but also on traditional art and
animation techniques which are essential to the games industry."
Darren Watford, Concept Artist, Blitz Games
Studios
If you are unsure which course is the right one for you, please contact us further information and guidance.