Program Overview

Animation and Visual Effects at Lincoln offers an introduction to the innovative world of animation and visual effects through moving image, digital visualisation, and contemporary narrative. The course enables students to develop into creative animators and artists with the flexibility to practise their craft in a variety of media.

The degree aims to ensure employability, research-led teaching, industry practices, creativity, student-led intellectual inquiry and technical expertise are at the heart of its teaching and learning environment. The Lincoln School of Film and Media has had success at the Royal Television Society awards. In 2019, student film Papier won Best Animation at the awards. The animation was made by students Tabitha Lay, Emily Leaning, Katie Thomas, Natasha Ray, and Charlie Bartlett. Student animations Harlem Nocturne and Uplifted were also nominated in the Best Animation category at the awards.

How You Study

This course aims to provide a thorough grounding in classical animation principles as well as an introduction to digital techniques for animation and visual effects. Life drawing forms an integral part of the programme, combined with developing narrative, character design, and animation techniques. Students are encouraged to participate in various stages of production, such as character animation, art direction and lighting, digital compositing and effects, post-production techniques, and production management.

Features

Students on this course have the opportunity to take part in study trips and overseas visits. Recent destinations have included the Anime Festival in Tokyo; Annecy International Animated Film Festival in France; the Walt Disney Studios and Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles; NBC; the University of California; and Warner Bros. Studios. Those who choose to participate in optional field trips are expected to cover the cost of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses. Any trips included within a compulsory module, such as a visit to an animation or VFX studio in previous years, are fully-funded.

Placements

Some courses offer students the opportunity to undertake placements. When students are on an optional placement in the UK or overseas or studying abroad, they will be required to cover their own transport and accommodation and meals costs. Placements can range from a few weeks to a full year if students choose to undertake an optional sandwich year in industry (where available). Students are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process.

Your Future Career

This degree aims to equip graduates for careers in animation and computer games artistry, and as 3D artists who work in visual effects, broadcast, commercial production, and visualisation. Our graduates have secured jobs with leading practitioners across the animation industries including TT Games, Tandem Films, Lupus Films, Double Negative, Cinesite and Framestore CFC. Lincoln graduates have worked on films such as Ethel and Ernest, The Snowman and the Snowdog, The Jungle Book, Man of Steel, Inception, Wonder Woman and the featurette We're Going on a Bear Hunt.