Bachelor of Arts in Motion Design and Animation

Purpose

The qualification is designed to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the art of performance and storytelling within animation. It emphasises creativity, imagination, design thinking and critical thinking with the aim of giving its learners the conceptual and creative tools necessary for their development as world-class animators. The qualification provides comprehensive artistic and technical training to help each learner to develop as a well-rounded animation artist within both the traditional and Computer-Generated (CG) animation environments.

Qualified learners will be capable of animating characters, modelling objects and characters, texturing and lighting objects, characters and backgrounds, drawing characters and objects, storyboarding scripts, managing own projects, compositing layers, managing electronic files, rigging models, rendering files, formats and outputting, designing backgrounds.

Rationale

The South African animation and visual effects industry has grown exponentially over the past decade, and animation and visual effect-related skills are increasingly in demand as the information and entertainment capital/economy develops. Animation and visual effects skills are progressively required in many sectors of media including film, advertising, merchandising, branding, marketing and advertising, gaming, the web and mobiles.

The qualification Bachelor of Arts Motion Design and Animation envisions a cognitively sound qualification, while also supporting future learners to nurture their refined passion in the fields of animation, computer graphics, motion and visual design. They will gather important information on the process of communication, and will address vital life skills such as media literacy and collaboration in the workplace to assist them in prospering in the work area. This qualification has been designed to develop left- and right-brained development and skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who do not have an NQF Level 4 qualification but who have worked in a relevant field and wish to further their education will be assessed individually according to the Prior Learning Requirements and guidelines.

The institution offers opportunities for prospective learners with considerable industry experience and/or previous academic qualifications to apply for recognition of prior learning. The precise nature of advanced standing will vary according to individual circumstances and will be dependent on the nature of the course being applied for.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsements.

Or,

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor studies.

Or,

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

This qualification consists of 24 modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

NQF Level 5 modules (8 modules totalling 120 credits)

• Communication and Design, 15 Credits.
• Motion Design I, 15 Credits.
• Fine Arts and Drawing, 15 Credits.
• Interactive Audience Design, 15 Credits.
• 2D Animation I, 15 Credits.
• 3D Animation I, 15 Credits.
• Storyboarding and Illustration, 15 Credits.
• Screenwriting and Visual Narrative Design, 15 Credits.

NQF Level 6 modules (8 modules totalling 120 Credits)

• Business Communication and Project Design, 15 Credits.
• Motion Design II, 15 Credits.
• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking, 15 Credits.
• 2D Animation II, 15 Credits.
• 3D Animation II, 15 Credits.
• Applied Design Thinking, 15 Credits.
• Creative Practical Project, 15 Credits.
• Creative Practical Project, 15 Credits.

NQF Level 7 modules (8 modules totalling 120 Credits)

• Applied Communication and Writing, 15 Credits.
• 3D Animation III, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Motion Graphic Design III, 15 Credits.
• Motion-based Web Design, 15 Credits.
• Creative Project, 15 Credits.
• Creative Project, 15 Credits.
• Creative Project, 15 Credits.
• Creative Project, 15 Credits.

1. Apply acquired communication and media theory, knowledge and skills to design effective messages and communication skills in various media, for audiences and for various purposes.
2. Refine artistic and drawing skills vital for animation and storyboard, and draw credible characters for animation and moving images.
3. Think critically and conduct and analytical, creative discourse about the role of media in society; popular culture as well as with messages to audiences who have been exposed to its effects.
4. Conduct good professional communication codes to use in the workplace and be able to conduct professional business communication with consideration of life skills such as research and referencing.
5. Collaborate and work with teams to ideate and apply the steps of design thinking to innovative and creative motion designer and animated projects.
6. Understand the theories and apply the theories and skills needed for 2D and 3D animation, motion-design and/or visual effects/VFX.
7. Develop concepts and storyboards with thumbnails for the production of animated and motion design products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The important role of the media in society and the profit-making principles driving them is understood.
• Audiences are identified in order to design optimal messages for them and elementary audience analysis to verify the sharing of meaning is conducted.
• The creative brief to establish and produce the drawing specifications is interpreted and layout drawings for animated productions is produced.
• Concepts and methodologies of drawing using a variety of media are understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• In fluid drawing and sketching the right artistic side of the brain is developed.
• Well-defined characters, gesture, the human form for 2D and 3D animation are drawn.
• Concepts and composition for purpose of motion design and animation are designed.
• Basic backgrounds and production themes are sketched and designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The effects, purposes and impact of the media are understood by becoming cognisant with audience effect theories and models.
• A critical discourse of various popular culture messages and messages is conducted.
• The concepts of semiotics, discourse and hegemony are understood as these are used by the media.
• The basic parts of narrative structure is recognised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The demands of professional communication and sharing of meaning in the workplace are understood and displayed.
• A professional and basic business plan for an animation or motion design production with elementary requirements for branding and marketing is formulated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The steps of ideation and prototyping to design animated and motion-designed products are applied.
• Techniques such as brainstorming to stimulate creativity are used.
• Production processes for successful completion of the specific stages within the work-flow are correctly applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The theories and skills as well as software management for 2D animation and motion design (including character design, storyboards, scripts, walk-cycles, gestures, background and lighting, context and environment in right format and industry standards) are assimilated.
• The knowledge gathered in Motion Design I, II and III, 2D Animation I, II and III, and 3D Animation I, II and III to design, develop and produce full-scale productions across the board for various platforms and media through the production pipelines is used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Story-boards according to various requirements and frames are developed.
• The basic drawing and sketching skills gathered in Fine Art and Drawing to design thumbnail-sketches are used.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative types of assessment are used during the process of learning. Traditionally, assessment of theoretical work will involve coursework, written tests, examinations and seminar contribution. As this degree is very focused on practical skills development, the use of standardised tests and exams are minimally applied. Learners may be required to complete a series of practical assignments utilising the institution's practical resources. Marks will be awarded for these assignments which are normally weighted in accordance with the unit outlines.