New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5)

Program Overview

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) is a one-year program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to express their creativity through animation. The program emphasizes collaborative practices, critical problem-solving, and the use of industry-standard techniques in 2D and stop-motion animation. Graduates are prepared for careers in the screen and animation industries, including roles such as 2D animators, digital artists, storyboarders, and animators.

Program Outline

New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5)

Degree Overview:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) is a one-year program that allows students to express their creativity using the latest animation techniques and technology. The program emphasizes collaborative practices and creative problem-solving, preparing students for careers in the screen and animation industries. Students will develop practical skills in 2D and stop-motion animation, focusing on developing rich storytelling experiences for diverse audiences. Additionally, the program allows students to build critical creative problem-solving skills and collaborate with others to achieve shared goals.

Outline:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) consists of seven courses, each providing students with a distinct set of skills and knowledge. The following outlines the program structure and content:

Semester 1:

• BSA503 Cross-Disciplinary Workshops 1: Introduces students to real-world creative industry practices and communication, including industry-specific techniques and teamwork.
Students will learn to identify and demonstrate historical and theoretical practice through research and documentation.
• BSA542 Studio Digital 1: introduces the fundamentals of design within the creative industries.
Historical and contemporary digital design practices will be investigated.
• BSA524 Stop-Motion Animation: Equips students with the skills and knowledge to produce a small stop-motion animation film.
Students will learn storytelling, design, character and environment building, and animation principles within a collaborative team environment. Basic camera skills (shooting, lighting, editing) will be applied according to industry best practices.
• BSA529 Storyboarding: Introduces the process of drafting and planning short-form screen arts projects.
Students will create a character with a biography, expressions, and poses, using industry-standard software to bring their character to life through paperless 2D animation techniques. Students will discuss relevant existing practices and document their project progress.
• BSA527 2D Animation: Combines visual storytelling skills and animation principles to produce a short 2D animated project with a defined purpose, narrative, and target audience.
Students will apply 2D animation techniques and implement a production pipeline, discussing relevant practices and documenting their project progress.
• BSA515 Studio Drawing 1: Develops fundamental drawing skills through various methods like life drawing, mural design, and prompt illustrations.
Students will use visual storytelling skills to produce a narrative-driven short, illustrated project, discussing relevant existing and emerging practices and documenting their project progress.

Assessment:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) employs various assessment methods to evaluate student learning. These methods include:

• Formative assessments: Regular tests, quizzes, and assignments designed to provide feedback and help students identify areas for improvement.
• Summative assessments: End-of-course projects, presentations, and exams used to evaluate student understanding of the course content and achievement of learning outcomes.
• Individual and group projects: Collaborative and individual projects allow students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a practical context.
• Written assignments: Essays, reports, and essays assess students' analytical and written communication skills.
• Peer feedback and self-evaluation: Students actively participate in peer feedback and self-evaluation, gaining valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses.
Passing grades are required for successful completion of the program.

Teaching:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure effective knowledge transfer. These methods include:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures introduce key concepts and theories, encouraging active participation and discussion.
• Small-group tutorials: Intimate classes allow students to receive personalized attention, ask questions, and engage in deeper discussions.
• Practical workshops: Hands-on workshops provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world projects and develop practical skills.
• Guest lectures and industry visits: Experts from the animation industry share their knowledge and experience, providing students with valuable insights into the current industry landscape.
• Technology-enhanced learning: Technology is effectively utilized to enhance the learning experience, including online resources, collaborative platforms, and industry-standard software.
The program involves a dedicated team of experienced and passionate instructors with extensive industry experience. These instructors provide support and guidance to students throughout their learning journey.

Careers:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) prepares graduates for a range of careers in the animation and screen industries. Potential career paths include:

• 2D Animators: Design and create 2D characters, environments, and animations for various projects, including films, television shows, video games, and commercials.
• 2D Digital Artists: Create visual assets, layouts, and character designs for animation projects, video games, and other interactive media.
• Stop-motion animation artists: Build and animate physical characters and objects, bringing them to life through stop-motion animation techniques.
• Storyboarders: Develop visual narratives for animation projects, films, and television series, outlining the sequence of events and shots.
• Animators: Bring characters and stories to life through animation using various techniques and software.
In addition to these specific career paths, graduates may also pursue further education in animation or related fields, such as film production, visual effects, or game design. The program equips students with transferable skills, including creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication, enhancing their employability in various industries beyond animation.

Other:

The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) is offered both on-site and through a flexible distance learning model. The on-site program requires students to attend classes on campus, while the distance learning option allows students to study online at their own pace. Both options provide students with the same learning outcomes and access to the same resources.