BA in Graphic Design & Animation

Program Overview

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BA in Graphic Design & Animation

This Program is accredited by the MFHEA

Degree Overview for Graphic Design

This course addresses the continually growing market needs of the internet, video game, television, and movie industries. These industries require visual artists who are trained in highly technical specializations and prepared for a wide variety of media.

Entry Requirements for this Program

• Completion of application.
• Submission of official transcripts showing that the student will have successfully completed a course of study of MQF level 5 (e.g. US or international high school or equivalent course of study) by the time he or she enrols at AUM.
• High school or MQF level 5 course of study GPA (minimum GPA required 2.5 out of 4.0).
• Personal essay, addressing personal goals and expectations.
• Scores on standardised test (ACT and/or SAT).
• AUM may consider eliminating this requirement moving forward, once a substantial body of faculty has been established.

Program Details

Program length:

4 years / Full-Time

GPA needed to earn the degree:

2.0 or higher

Credits needed to earn the degree:

118 US credits / 237 ECTS

Degree level:

MQF Level 6

Overall Course Objectives

The BA in Graphic Design and Animation is a professionally oriented degree that provides students with a strong foundation in visual art and design for a broad range of media, including print, interactive media, film, and television. The program offers the student a chance to create an interdisciplinary program of study that will enrich the knowledge and skills the graduate takes into the constantly evolving industry. During the senior year Thesis Stage, students are able to explore their specific areas of interest in-depth in a self-directed project.

Knowledge Gained

• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of visual arts.
• Knowledge of electronic equipment and computer hardware and software, including applications.

Skills Gained

• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Demonstrate the principles of graphic design communication, showcasing the creative and technical abilities that produce successful innovative graphic design projects in a variety of media.
• Demonstrate a solid foundation in design and traditional studio art, and will be able to use these skills in order to communicate effectively through visual means.
• Understand and utilize a broad range of digital design and animation tools.
• Acquire animation skills necessary for careers in motion graphics, game development, 3d and 2D animated films, television or effects animation.
• Utilize self-management skills to work with a high level of autonomy on self-directed creative projects.
• Implement the use of pre-visualization, storyboarding, and essential pre-production techniques to develop complex inventive concepts.
• Apply creative problem solving skills to a variety of abstract problems.
• Produce a professional and original design and animation portfolio and reel.

Competences Gained

• Create unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
• Create visual media using computer hardware and software.
• Create innovative designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
• Create graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
• Create complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
• Create objects or characters that appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
• Be responsible to apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
• Be responsible to develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters and slide shows.
• Collaborate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design and progress tracking.

Learning Outcomes

Communication Skills for the whole course

• Define and focus on a purpose or purposes
• Interpret and respond to different audiences
• Employ writing, reading, and visuals for inquiry, thinking, and communicating
• Integrate their own ideas with those of others
• Critique their own and others’ works
• Communicate ideas convincingly to groups and individuals.

Learning Outcomes for Learning Skills for the whole course

• Proceed to graduate work in graphic design and/or animation

General Pedagogical Methods used for this Program

In general, the Graphic Design and Animation modules are taught with a mixture of theory and applied practice. However, pedagogical approaches vary substantially form module to module and are described in detail in the description of each module.

Most modules in the course should be taught using the traditional project-based learning critique method common to most art, film, and animation courses. Students work on projects that are limited by constraints and that address criteria designed around the module learning goals.

The students engage in group critiques of the finished project, which builds their vocabulary in the subject and their ability to analyse and improve their own work. Most of the modules should be taught in studio spaces or computer labs. Students must be senior GDA majors (successfully completed 180 ECTS) before being allowed to enter the Thesis Stage of the course.

General Assessment Policy and Procedures

Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the course. Failure to maintain such standard results in academic probation.

A student in academic probation can continue to enrol in new modules for two semesters, while the student is strongly encouraged to retake modules in which grades were unsatisfactory. If the GPA does not reach the required threshold after two semesters of academic probation, the student may be dismissed from the program.

Students are required to obtain a grade of C- or better in each of the course modules outside of the General Education Component. If a student receives a grade below C-, the students must retake the module in order to graduate.

The grading in the majority of the Graphic Design and Animation specific modules will be assessed based on projects. Instructors should set up a rubric for each project that describes what is expected from the student, and the grade should be determined by how effective the student was in approaching the goal.

There may be quizzes to encourage and evaluate the student to learn terms and definitions, but most modules don’t use written papers, midterm, or final exams. Instead, there is often a final critique of a project that demonstrates the knowledge and skills developed through the module.

More specific assessment methods and criteria are described in each module.

Course Structure Sample

Semester 1 (16 weeks)

• English Composition 1
• Intro to Statistics
• Introduction to Visual Design
• General Education (Elective)
• General Education (Elective)

Semester 2 (16 weeks)

• English Composition 2
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• Drawing and Visualisation
• General Education Courses (Elective)

Semester 3 (16 weeks)

• General Education Courses (compulsory)
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• Figure Drawing and Anatomy

Semester 4 (16 weeks)

• General Education Courses (Elective)
• General Education Courses (Elective)
• World Art history
• Digital Art Tools
• Elementary Surveying

Semester 5 (16 weeks)

• Time, Image, Sound
• Painting and Colour
• Design and Modelling
• Animation I: Motion and Methods
• General Education Courses (compulsory)

Semester 6 (16 weeks)

• 3D Character Animation
• Animation II: Production
• Graphic Design I: Typography
• Storyboarding and Narrative

Semester 7 (16 weeks)

• Graphic Design II: Visual Problem Solving
• Motion Graphics
• Visual Design for Games
• Thesis Project I

Semester 8 (16 weeks)

• Graphic Design III: Web Design
• Interdisciplinary Game Project
• Thesis Project II

Total contact hours: 1999

Supervised practice hours: 15

Self-Study hours: 681

Assessment hours: 3241

Total hours: 237 ECTS

Delivery mode: face-to-face; online; and blended

Mode of attendance: Full time at AUM premises. Online via MS Teams, and Moodle.

Duration: 4 years

Pass rate: 73%

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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This BA program offers a comprehensive foundation in visual arts and design for various media, including:

• Print
• Interactive media
• Film
• Television

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The program's objectives are:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in graphic design and animation.
• Provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and exploring individual areas of interest.

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Key features include:

• A strong emphasis on visual communication and storytelling through design.
• A combination of theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience.
• A focus on developing essential technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
• The opportunity to create a professional portfolio and animation reel showcasing individual talents.
## Outline:

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The program structure consists of 8 semesters spread over 4 years:

• Semester 1: Focuses on foundational skills with courses like English Composition, Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Visual Design, and two general education electives.
• Semester 2: Continues building foundational skills with English Composition 2, two additional general education electives, Drawing and Visualisation.
• Semester 3: Introduces more specialized courses, including General Education, Figure Drawing and Anatomy.
• Semester 4: Includes General Education, World Art History, Digital Art Tools, and Elementary Surveying.
• Semester 5: Delves deeper into animation and design principles with Time, Image, Sound, Painting and Colour, Design and Modelling, and Animation I: Motion and Methods.
• Semester 6: Focuses on advanced animation and design techniques through 3D Character Animation, Animation II: Production, Graphic Design I: Typography, and Storyboarding and Narrative.
• Semester 7: Continues with advanced design skills in Graphic Design II: Visual Problem Solving, Motion Graphics, Visual Design for Games, and Thesis Project I.
• Semester 8: Concludes with Graphic Design III: Web Design, Interdisciplinary Game Project, and Thesis Project II.

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The program offers a total of 237 ECTS credits and comprises:

• 1999 contact hours: This includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and studio sessions.
• 15 supervised practice hours: Dedicated to individual practice and receiving guidance from instructors.
• 681 self-study hours: Time for independent learning, completing assignments, and research.
• 324 assessment hours: Dedicated to coursework assessments, exams, and project presentations.
## Assessment:

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Assessment methods vary across modules and typically include:

• Project-based assessments: Students create design and animation projects based on specific criteria and rubrics.
• Group critiques: Engaging in constructive feedback and analysis of projects to improve individual and group work.
• Quizzes: Assessing understanding of key terms, concepts, and definitions related to the modules.
• Final critiques: Comprehensive evaluation of projects demonstrating acquired knowledge and skills throughout the module.

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Grading:

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 throughout the program.
• A C- or better is required in all modules outside the General Education Component for graduation.
• Specific assessment methods and criteria for each module are provided in detailed module descriptions.
## Teaching:

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The program utilizes various teaching methods, including:

• Project-based learning critiques: Encouraging active learning, collaboration, and critical analysis through project development.
• Lectures and tutorials: Providing theoretical knowledge and guidance on specific topics and techniques.
• Studio work: Offering dedicated spaces for hands-on practice, experimentation, and individual creative development.
• Computer labs: Providing access to industry-standard software and equipment for digital design and animation.
## Careers:

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The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the creative industries, including:

• Graphic Designer
• Web Designer
• Animator
• Motion Graphics Artist
• 3D Artist
• Game Designer
• Visual Effects Artist
• Illustrator
• Multimedia Artist
• Art Director

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Graduates can find opportunities in various sectors:

• Advertising agencies
• Design studios
• Animation studios
• Film and television production companies
• Game development companies
• Multimedia and web development agencies
• Educational institutions
• Freelancing
## Other:
• The program is delivered through face-to-face, online, and blended learning methods.
• Students can attend classes full-time at AUM premises or access them online through MS Teams and Moodle platforms.
• The program boasts a 73% pass rate, indicating a high success rate for graduates.
• AUM is located in Malta, offering an international learning environment and cultural immersion for students.
• The program emphasizes developing essential skills for lifelong learning and adaptability in the evolving creative industries.