Certificate in Animation

Program Overview

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Certificate in Animation

Overview

This Degree in Animation (QQI Level 6) is taught by leaders in creative media education, Pulse College, and allows students to take their first steps to becoming professional animators.

Why study Animation at Griffith College?

Our partnered Certificate in Animation is available on both a full, and part-time basis over a one or two-year period and is taught on campus at Pulse College. This course covers the full range of topics from pre-production, production, and post-production in 2D and 3D animation, as well as the theory behind animation to create an in-depth understanding of the work you do and give you the best opportunity to break into the dynamic, and creative animation industry.

• Students will gain experience in all the fundamentals of animation from 2D animation techniques to 3D modelling to storyboarding to Comic Books and Sequential Art.
• You will receive hands-on training from professionals vastly experienced within the animation industry.
• Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
• The practical nature of the course, including the development of a polished and exciting portfolio, will prepare learners for work in the sector.
• You will be introduced to valuable professional workflows and teach you everything from the basics of animation through to full 3D modelling.
• Small class sizes ensure that you get the one-on-one attention needed to perfect your technical and creative skills.
• Our flexible study modes offer part-time Animation courses.

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 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.

Modules

Animation Studio 1

• Explore the history and development of animation
• Introduction to the 12 principles of animation
• Create simple biped 3D characters for animation
• Texture, rig, and animate 3D characters
• Visual Culture & Theory 1

Life Drawing

• Line and contour drawing techniques
• Tonal value in creating the human form
• Gesture drawing
• Skeletal and muscular structure

Narrative and Storytelling

• Creating a consistent narrative
• Theories and methods of storytelling
• Constructing and evolving a story

Animation Studio 2

• Rigging 3D characters for use in animation
• Topology and weight painting
• Keyframe animation and the graph editor
• Create biped and quadruped 2D characters for animation
• Use animation principles to augment 2D animation

Storyboarding and Layout

• Defining a storyboard
• Explore the different types of storyboards, techniques, and methodologies
• Designing storyboards for animation

Texturing and Unwrapping

• Unwrapping different types of 3D models
• Creating multiple texture maps
• Explore a variety of map types and their purposes
• Texturing characters and scenes

Timetables

Timetables TBC

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

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

English Language

Students who do not satisfy Pulse College’s English language requirements for direct entry will be required to take an English language preparatory course before commencing studies.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.

How to Apply

Applicants under 23 years of age:

Entry onto our programme is based upon a course interview and achieving a minimum of:

5 O6/H7 grades, to include maths and a language (English, Irish or another language) in your Leaving Certificate

Or FETAC Level 6 / HETAC Level 7 in Film/Media or similar field.

We will assess on a case by case basis applicants from Level 4 or above BTEC awards for advanced entry.

Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility. All applicants will have to complete an interview with Pulse College.

Applicants under 23 years of age will need to upload a copy of the following;

• Photo I.D. (passport/driving licence)
• GNIB card if applicable
• Leaving Certificate/High School Diploma Results

Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):

Will be asked for a copy of the following;

• Photo I.D (passport/driving licence)
• GNIB card if applicable

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.

Please note that not all If you have any questions about fees, please contact Pulse College directly.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

Tuition Fees

Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin: EUR 8,950.00

Irish/EU citizens, living abroad

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

International

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin

Non-EU Living in Ireland or abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: aMedical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee ofEUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

A 2%****Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Progression

Academic Progression

In line with national policy, graduates from the level 6 programme would be eligible to progress to Level 7 or 8 programmes.

Graduates may wish to further extend their industry-based professional qualifications as new technologies and developments emerge.

Career Progression

Through the Certificate 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

Program Outline

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become professional animators.
• Provide hands-on experience in all aspects of animation, including 2D animation, 3D animation, storyboarding, and comic book art.
• Foster creativity and innovation in students.
• Prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic and exciting animation industry.

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Description:

• Delivered by Pulse College, a leader in creative media education.
• Available on both full-time and part-time basis over one or two years.
• Includes the development of a polished and exciting portfolio.
• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• 2D animation techniques
• 3D modelling
• Storyboarding
• Comic book art
• Visual effects
• Industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud

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Structure:

• The program is structured as follows:
• Year 1: Focuses on foundational skills and techniques in 2D and 3D animation.
• Year 2 (optional): Allows students to specialize in specific areas of animation, such as character animation or visual effects.

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Course Schedule:

• The course schedule is available upon request from Pulse College.

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Modules:

• The program consists of various modules, each with its specific focus and learning outcomes.
• Some examples of modules include:
• Animation Studio 1 & 2
• Life Drawing
• Narrative and Storytelling
• Texturing and Unwrapping
• Storyboarding and Layout

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods may include:

• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• Portfolios
• Examinations

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Project-based learning

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by experienced professionals in the animation industry.
• Faculty members have extensive knowledge and expertise in various areas of animation.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience.
• Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects and receive feedback from industry professionals.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for various careers in the animation industry, such as:
• 3D Production Artist
• 3D Light Assistant
• Graphic Designer
• 3D Modeller
• Animator
• Video Games Designer
• Flash Animator
• Character designer for games
• Concept artist
• VFX animator

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates can find employment in various sectors, including:
• Film and television production companies
• Advertising agencies
• Video game development studios
• Animation studios
• Design firms

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Other:

• Full access to Adobe Creative Cloud for all students, providing over 20 cutting-edge creative tools.
• Industry-leading guest lectures from professionals at companies like EA Games and Brown Bag Films.
• State-of-the-art software and facilities for a comprehensive learning experience.
• Flexible study modes to accommodate various needs and schedules.

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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: Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.