HND in Classical and Computer Animation, BCFE |
Ballyfermot College of Further Education (BCFE) offers a range of courses in Film, Animation, Multimedia and TV production and is home to the Irish School of Animation.
For the aspiring animator BCFE provides a course focusing solely on animated computer generated images. The Higher National Diploma in Classical and Computer Animation is firmly rooted in the skills of classical drawing and the course applies these skills to development of images in modern imaging packages including 3DSMAX and Photoshop. The course lasts 2 years and has no part-time option.
Mark Byrne, who teaches on the course, emphasizes that the art skills, particularly life-drawing, are integral in the philosophy and subject matter of the course which was built with games development in mind. Students learn to incorporate these traditional art skills in 3-D images through production practices including the scripting and storyboarding stages.
The course has healthy industry links with a lot of production companies in the U.K. Graduates have been hired by Rare, Lionhead and Codemasters the latter of these hired 20 new employees in 2001, 12 of whom were BCFE graduates. However, the course is not to be confused with a game development course – there is no programming content nor theory of game development covered.
Entry
Pre-requisites for the course include a portfolio presentation and some art qualification; a higher C3 in Leaving Certificate Art or FETAC level 2 award (obtainable through BCFE’s Animation Studies course) will suffice.
Mature students are welcome to apply and details of application procedure, fees etc. are all available from the college website. There are 36 places on the HND course every year. The course holds an open day in May each year which those interested in applying should attend.
Course Content:
Animation, Computer Animation and Modelling, Visual Language, Layout, Design History Theory and Practice (with Film Studies), Life Drawing, Studio Practice, Design History Theory and Practice (with Script Writing).
Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate / LCVP with a minimum of two HC3s one of which must be in Art and three passes at ordinary level or FETAC level 5 Certificate in Art with a merit profile. The academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).
Certification:
Higher National Diploma in Classical and Computer Animation - Edexcel (BTEC Level 4).
Progression:
Graduates may apply for the Advanced Diploma in Animation / BA Honours Degree in Animation in BCFE. The BA Honours Degree in Animation is certified by the University of Dundee Scotland.
Portfolio Guidelines:
Students applying for Animation Courses should bring to the interview a portfolio of artwork completed within the past year demonstrating drawing skills and interests.
This portfolio should contain: Four A3 size drawings from life or the human figure displaying emotion (anger, happiness, love, sadness etc). It is suggested that you ask a friend or family member to pose for these drawings and that you spend no more than 2 hours on this exercise. Quick sketches are better than finished pieces.
*Approximately twelve pieces of artwork (sketches and more finished work) including observational drawings (life drawing/still life), perspective drawing, some colour work and work of personal interest.
*A sketchbook of quick, 5 to 10 minutes, drawings from life (people, animals, still life, buildings interior or exterior).
Please bring only original work. The drawings of established cartoon characters and work copied from books should not be included.
Essentials:
Location: Ballyfermot College of Further Education, Ballyfermot Road, Dublin 10.
Course: Higher National Diploma (HND) in 3-D Computer Modeling and Animation.
Duration: 2 Years
More info: http://applications.bcfe.ie/course-CCH-Higher_National_Diploma_In_Classical_And_Computer_Animation.html
Contact: Main Office 01 626 9421 or info@bcfe.cdvec.ie
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