Digital Design (Games, Art & Animation) BTEC HNC (part-time)
The Higher National Certificate in Digital Design is a broad diagnostic introduction to digital design where you will be able to develop 2D and 3D digital skills for concept art, character animation and interface design. You will work in a purpose built studio equipped with industry standard software tools such as: Adobe Animate, Adobe Photoshop, Autodesk Maya and Maxon Cinema 4D, Unity and Unreal 4. The course offers you the opportunity to explore digital art, animation, 3D modelling and an introduction to the process of designing a game: from concept to visual demonstration. The course is supported by a series of workshops and offers cultural visits abroad to European cities. On completion of the HNC you will have the opportunity to progress to the one year Higher National Diploma in Digital Design.
Entry requirements
You will need:
- 32-48 UCAS points with some art, design and media element OR
- Art & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma OR
- Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree) OR
- Equivalent Level 3 qualification
Entry is subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to bring along a portfolio of your existing work. Applicants from A-Level courses displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered. We welcome applications from mature students who will considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.
Course content
You will be introduced to animation principles, develop rig and animate character, investigate environmental designs (for animations or games), basic programming concepts as well as video editing. Students will be working to professional expectations within the course and will also undertake live project for external clients.
Modules may include:
- Visual Communication in Art and Design
- Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design
- Contextual and Cultural Referencing in Art and Design
- Professional Practice in art and Design
- Project Design, Implementation and evaluation
- Interactive Media Design and Prototyping
- Animation Techniques for Interactive in Art and Design
- 3D Computer Modelling and Animation
- Computer Programming Principles
- Interactive Media Technology
- Computing Fundamentals
- 2D, 3D and Time-Based Digital Applications
- Digital Media in Art and Design
- Digital Image Creation and Development
- Drawing Techniques and Processes in Art and Design
- Communication with Images in Art and Design.
Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (Digital Design)Further study and career options
On completion of this course, you will be focused on gaining art development work within games or animation companies. This may be on a freelance basis or direct employment on long or short-term contracts. You will be working in the field of 3D modelling/animation as an animator, environmental artist, character artist, concept artist or other affiliated role. Graduates can work as animators, producers, modellers and effect designers working in TV, games, commercials and film.
Additional information
You will need to study six hours per week, Thu-Fri 9.15am-4.30pm. The days and times will depend upon the units you choose study.
Example list of software that you will be exposed to on this course:
- Autodesk Maya, Mudbox, Matchmover
- Adobe; Photoshop, Illustrator, Aftereffects, Premier
- Maxon Cinema 4D
- Unity
Additional costs
- Resource fee of £150 to cover an animation related trip/visit and specialist animation paper.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for our HE courses starting in September / October 2020 will open later this month.