BA (Hons) Animation (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will introduce you to the key elements of art and design. You will explore the creative thought process relating to various art and design disciplines, developing your ability to put ideas down on paper quickly.  There will be a range of practice assignments that will increase your recognition of strong ideas and original concepts.

MODULES

• Study Skills for Success (Core): This module will equip you with the essential skills needed to thrive in a digital learning environment. It covers time management, research techniques, academic writing, and digital literacy, ensuring that you can navigate online platforms, organise projects, and communicate ideas effectively in higher education.
• Arts Engagement (Core): You will actively explore and respond to art, developing observational and analytical skills. Through hands-on experiences, discussions, and research, you will learn to interpret different artistic styles, techniques, and meanings. This module fosters confidence in engaging with art both critically and creatively.
• Visual Language (Core): This module introduces the fundamental principles of creative thinking in art and design. It explores how elements like composition, colour, and form contribute to visual communication. You will experiment with different media and approaches to develop your own artistic voice.
• Creative Reasoning (Core): Focusing on the practical application of ideas, this module encourages you to consider space, materials, and audience when creating art. You will develop problem-solving skills, refine your decision-making, and experiment with techniques to enhance your creative process.
• Arts in Context (Core): You will examine how art connects to history, culture, and society. By studying artistic movements and influences, you will learn to analyse and interpret artworks within their broader contexts, gaining a deeper understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around us.
• Progression Project (Core): In this module, you will display your work at a public gallery exhibition, allowing you to celebrate your achievements and develop your confidence.
• Welsh for First Time Learners (Optional): This module provides an introduction to the Welsh language for those taking their first steps.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4) 

MODULES

• History & Context
• Visual Communication
• Digital Communication
• Social Design
• Story Telling: Theory and Practice
• Interactive Design

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5) 

MODULES

• Motion Design
• Print and Production
• Critical thinking
• Creative Futures: Making a Living
• Design Project: Animation

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6) 

MODULES

• Specialist Project: Animation
• Research Project
• Creative Futures: Professional Practice
• Live Brief

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Our general entry requirement for the foundation year is 48-72 UCAS tariff points but all applications are considered individually and we consider work experience, vocational training/qualifications as well as motivation and potential to succeed.

The programme welcomes applications from anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the subject and the potential to complete their chosen programme successfully. This can be established by showing appropriate academic achievements or by demonstrating that they possess the knowledge and ability equivalent to the academic qualifications.

Candidates may be interviewed and asked to display a portfolio of their work. Experience may also be taken into consideration depending on the extent and depth of such subject knowledge. Students from overseas, or who are unable to attend an interview, are asked to send their portfolio of work digitally for consideration.

An admissions tutor considers each application individually. Different qualifications are considered, including Scottish Higher, Irish Leaving Certificate, the Welsh Baccalaureate, the International Baccalaureate, Access courses, BTEC, VCE, GNVQ, A and AS levels as well as other overseas qualifications.

Teaching & Assessment

There are no set exams. Assessment is continuous and relates to all aspects of the programme, providing more carefully defined emphasis on formative assessment and feedback on your coursework throughout the academic year. We will advise you on your level of attainment and direct you towards a strategy for further progression as you complete assignments and modules.

There are varied formats of assessment to encourage your learning through group seminars, critiques and tutorials. This can be through group interaction with critical analysis where you will submit a range of work including sketchbooks, design sheets, finished artwork, screen-based work, technical/ production files, journals, essays and audio-visual presentations. There are reviews of work at key points before Christmas and before Easter and this provides time for you to reflect on your progress prior to a final or summative year end assessment.

On this course teaching and learning is designed to support students from a variety of backgrounds with diverse needs and to promote the supportive learning environment and pastoral care the School of Art and Design provides. Timetabling is developed to help learning teaching and assessment methodologies and provide clear and effective feedback to students. Contact hours are 16 per week in year 1, 14 per week in year 2 and 12 per week in year 3.

The programme is structured to enable you to work in a multidisciplinary manner, to be flexible and enable you to develop individually. This is supported by a personal tutor / tutorials system that provides you with guidance throughout all aspects of the programme.

Teaching and Learning

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments.

Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Career prospects

Emphasis is placed on your personal and professional development, communication and entrepreneurial skills, so that you are well equipped to enter a diverse and rapidly changing industry. Our graduates have gone on to work for companies like the BBC, Channel 4, S4C, and Disney, working on titles such as A Bug’s Life, The Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie and the Harry Potter series games. 

Career opportunities exist in all areas of animation, including: 

• Senior designers 
• VFX artist/animators 
• Concept artists  
• Storyboard artists 
• Assistant animators 
• Freelance animators 
• Character designers 
• Game artists 
• Interactive developers 
• Environment and background artists 
• Freelance visualisers 
• Model making 
• Set design 
• Digital media texture art 
• Digital painting 
• Compositing 
• Lighting, rigging, visual effects and post-production

This degree also allows you to gain a range of transferable skills that can lead to a variety of employment opportunities. Further study opportunities are also available at MDes / MA or PGCE level.

Our Careers and Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.