Program Overview

Digital Animation – BSc (Hons)

Course Overview

On this programme, students learn to design, create and animate for both 2D and 3D platforms such as TV, Film and Games. There is a focus on developing students’ core skills in the traditional disciplines of drawing, illustration and animation asset design with a strong emphasis on the principles of animation.

Building on this foundation, students continue to develop their creative voice while training in industry standard software, processes and technologies with the aim of bringing their ideas and concepts to life on screen.

TUS Clonmel Digital Campus is a Toon Boon Centre of Excellence (COE). This qualification provides graduating students an advantage by being in high demand for world recognised studio careers that value a deep knowledge of Toon Boom 2D animation and software.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish.
• QQI FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study.
• Mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
• International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process.
• Portfolio assessment: The portfolio is scored out of 600 with a minimum score of 240 required to pass.

Course Modules

Year 1

• Introduction to Animation
• Digital Technology Fundamentals
• Drawing Principles 1
• Visual Design for Animation 1
• Audio Storytelling
• Animation 1 – Basic Fundamentals
• Professional Culture and Communication
• Drawing Principles 2
• Visual Design for Animation 2
• Creative Coding 1
• Visual Storytelling, Animation 2 – Body Mechanics

Year 2

• Drawing Principles III
• Illustration for Animation 1- Character Design
• 2D Rigged Animation Techniques
• Animation 3 – Pantomime
• Media Writing for Animation
• Short Film I
• Compositing 1
• 2D Rigging for Animation
• Animation 4 – Acting and Performance
• Film Studies 1
• Team Psychology

Year 3

• Portfolio
• Animation 5 – 3D Animation
• Animation 6 – Studio Practice
• Film Studies 2
• Professional Career Skills
• Illustration for Animation 2 – Production Design
• Short Film 2
• Compositing 2
• Project Management for Animation
• Narrative
• Employment Placement

Year 4

• 2D Effects
• Studio Project Preparation
• Background Painting and Environmental Concepts (Elective 1)
• Animation 7- Animal and Creature Locomotion (Elective 1)
• Extended Research Essay
• Emerging Technologies and Trends
• Animation Psychology (Elective 2)
• Business Acumen (Elective 2)
• Studio Project (Elective 3)
• Industry-Based Internship Programme (Elective 3)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course have worked in the following positions:

• Rigged Animator (2D & 3D)
• Hand-drawn Animator
• FX Animator
• Rigger (2D)
• Compositor
• Technical Artist
• Storyboard Artist
• Background Painter
• Layout Artist
• Scene Prep
• Art Director
• Animation Director
• Production

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS and/or elsewhere.