Program Overview

BA in Animation

Overview

The BA in Animation is a three-year, full-time undergraduate program that introduces students to the fundamentals of animation, from 2D animation techniques to 3D modeling. The program is delivered in partnership with Pulse College and is taught on campus at Pulse College.

Course Highlights

• Computer Game specialisation
• Creating 3D Characters
• Examining Comic Book Art and Production
• Industry leading guest lectures (EA Games / Brown Bag Films)
• State-of-the-art software

Intake Dates

• Dublin: Full-Time - September 2025

Related Courses

• BA (Hons) in Design Communications
• BA in Interior Architecture & Design
• Certificate in Animation

Course Details

This course is delivered on the Pulse Games and Animation Campus on Halston St. in The Market Studios in Dublin 7.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Animation Principles & History: This module introduces learners to the history and development of animation from technological, and psychological perspectives.
• 2D Digital Imaging 1: This module builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in Module 1, Animation Principles & History, and has learners work with industry standard 2D animation software to animate more progressively complex objects and characters.
• Life Drawing: This module introduces the learner to the fundamental basics of life drawing, including basic drawing techniques such as line and contour, gesture, form and volume.
• Storyboarding and Layout: This module introduces learners to storyboarding techniques and develops their skills and knowledge-bases in utilising storyboards in the animation pipeline.
• 3D Modelling 1 (Characters and environments): This module introduces learners to the basic concepts of 3D modeling, including character modeling and developing original designs.
• 3D Rigging & Animation: This module builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in Module 1, Animation Principles & History, and Module 2, 3D Modelling 1, and has learners work with industry standard 3D animation software to develop the learner’s understanding of 3D character rigging and weight mapping.
• Texturing & Unwrapping: This module takes a specialised approach to texturing and unwrapping, having already covered the fundamentals, and learners will learn unwrapping principles and how to apply them to props, buildings and characters.
• Visual Culture & Theory 1: This module enables learners to develop a conceptual framework that will enable them to analyse the visual world within a cultural, historical and political context.

Year 2

• 2D Digital Imaging 2: This module builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in 2D Digital Imaging 1, and has learners work with industry standard 2D animation software to animate more progressively complex objects and characters.
• Narrative & Storytelling: This module introduces learners to the role of narrative design and writing in animation, and learners will develop skills and knowledge in narrative development, dialogue creation, communication, teamwork, project planning and scriptwriting.
• Life Drawing for Animation: This module further develops the life drawing skills learned in Module 2- Life Drawing, applying the techniques and theories directly to animation.
• 3D Modelling 2 (Characters & Video Games): This module builds upon the work previously carried out and further develops the learners’ expertise in 3D modelling, increasing the learners’ capacity for critically reflecting on practice.
• 3D Advanced Rigging & Animation: This module provides learners with knowledge and skills in advanced rigging and animation techniques, and learners will develop skills in rigging, skinning and animating a high detail character.
• Special Effects, Compositing & Motion Graphics: This module introduces learners to the principles of special effects, compositing and motion graphics, and learners will develop skills in creating visual effects using industry standard software.
• Sequential Art Design and Production (Comic Art and Production): This module builds on Module 3 Visual Culture and Theory 1, and extends the learners’ examination of modernist art and design movements tracing their evolution towards postmodern visual culture.
• Visual Culture & Theory 2: This module builds on Module 3 Visual Culture and Theory 1, and extends the learners’ examination of modernist art and design movements tracing their evolution towards postmodern visual culture.

Year 3

• Final Project: The aim of the Major Project capstone module is to enable the learner to synthesise the knowledge base and skill set they have developed over the course of the programme and develop a professional standard piece for inclusion in their portfolio.
• 3D Sculpting & Modelling: This module advances the learners’ modelling techniques and knowledge base to a professional standard, enabling them to create professionally finished pieces that are industry ready.
• Videogames Tools & Environments: This module builds upon the learners’ skills in 2D and 3D modelling developed in earlier modules, and applies the knowledge base and skillset acquired to videogames.
• Audio Production: This module provides learners with the knowledge-base and skillset required to create sound effects and dialogue recordings for animation, and learners will develop skills in creating and editing audio using industry standard software.
• Entrepreneurship (Marketing for business): This module gives learners key skills required to start a business, and learners will develop skills in creativity and innovation, feasibility projects and business plans.

Entry Requirements

• All applicants must undergo an interview with Pulse College.
• For applicants under 23 years of age, entry onto our Degree Programme is based upon an interview and achieving a minimum of:
  • 5x O6/H7s (O6 = 40 – 55% in a Leaving Certificate Ordinary subject / H7 = 30-40% in a Leaving Certificate Higher Level subject)
  • To include O6 or higher in Ordinary Leaving Certificate Maths and a Language subject
• Or: FETAC Level 5/6 / HETAC Level 7 in Film/Media or similar

Additional Criteria

• Applications from those (including visiting students) whose first language is not English should include an original or certified true copy of one of the following:
  • TOEFL Paper based 570 with a TWE (test of written English) score of 4.5.
  • Computer based 233 with a score of 4.5 in the essay.
  • Internet based 90 with a written score of 21.
  • Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.
  • Cambridge Advanced Grade A.
  • IELTS Academic Version 6.5 with no individual band below 6

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland: EUR 8,950.00
• Irish/EU citizens, living abroad: Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Progression

• Academic Progression: In line with national policy, graduates from the level 7 programme would be eligible to progress to Level 8 programmes.
• Career Progression: Through the BA in Animation, you will have gained valuable design experience, built a strong foundation of creative skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
  • 3D Production Artist
  • 3D Light Assistant
  • Graphic Designer
  • 3d Modeler
  • Animator
  • Video Games Designer
  • Flash Animator
  • Character designer for games
  • Concept artist
  • VFX animator
  • Motion Designer
  • Illustrator