BSc (Hons) Computer Animation - FAQs

Is this the right course for me?
This course is popular with technically minded people who are interested in the implementation issues concerned with multimedia systems; including images, animations, web presentation, streaming, digital video and audio, illustration, etc.

Which specific skills do I need?
Students are not expected to have any specific skills when they start the course above those normally acquired during secondary and tertiary education. Particularly useful skills are those of basic numeracy and literacy. In addition basic IT skills such as familiarity with the computer keyboard, word processing, drawing package, whilst not being essential, would put the student in a stronger position.
The course is distinguished from its Bachelor of Arts (BA) counterpart by its focus on the technical aspects of the subject rather than the creative one. Students should ideally be comfortable with the idea of studying and understanding what might loosely be called "technical material". This does not necessarily mean "difficult" or "complex" though.

What sort of supporting evidence do I need?
At present you don't need a portfolio of your work and we will not be interviewing candidates for a place. This may change in future. Decisions concerning entry will be based on the UCAS entry requirements (as outlined above).

How do I change course after I have started?
We make every effort to accommodate change based on clear and informed decisions concerning career concerns or ideas. There are formal mechanisms in place for achieving course transfer in as smooth a way (administratively) as possible. However, in general, changing course is not something that should be undertaken lightly for obvious reasons. It is very difficult to change course in mid year because of the work already missed. Students would have to demonstrate existing qualifications or skills that match the requirements of that missed work. Students are normally encouraged to restart on a newly chosen course. Finally unit credits from one course may not count on another and students may not begin a course if they are failing units from their original course: they have to withdraw and be reconsidered for another degree. However, this course has been designed along with BSc Digital Media and BSc. Computer Games Technology to make transfer between these courses feasible either mid way through or at the end of the first year providing there is space on the chosen course.

How do I gain entry to the course at level 2 or level 3?
You must have 120 level 1 credits or equivalent. You must also be able to show that you have appropriate proficiency in a variety of software packages (those currently studied at level 1 of the course) and in basic scripting.

What will I study?
You will study a range of material relevant to achieving the aims of the course. These include:

• At level 1 - a range of software packages covering 3D modelling and animation, web site design, 2D animation, multimedia production, etc. as well as scripting and drawing.
• At level 2 - Programming in C++, Further 3D modelling, 2D animation and rendering, Texture and Lighting, the dynamics of moving objects, preparation for a career, etc.
• At level 3 - working on projects in a team, major application of techniques in the form of an individual project, realtime animation.

After studying in the course, what will I be able to do/make/create?
You will be able to use software packages to model virtual 3D worlds and you will be able to apply textures and lighting and be able to animate these models. You will have the programming skill and the requisite knowledge of real world dynamics to be able to implement custom 3D animations. More generally, you will be able to produce 2D and 3D digital media for less specific purposes. In addition you will have the skills to manage and produce artefacts within a large project working on your own and within a larger group.

What is the workload like?
The material studied in each year of the course is worth 120 credits (students need to obtain 360 credits overall to obtain the degree) and the nominal study hours expected from students is 100 per 10 credits. This works out to approximately 40 hours per week for the study period. Some of these hours are timetabled events such as lectures, tutorials, etc. but most of them are not; they represent time when you will be expected to study in your own time.

What equipment/software will I need on my home system?
The University of Portsmouth provides well-equipped, up to date labs. There is no expectation that a student will have his or her own PC/software. However, it makes life very much easier if you have. It is useful to have the basic Microsoft Office facilities (word processing). Specialist software such as 3D Studio Max, Premiere, and Dreamweaver would be a bonus.

What equipment/software will I use at University?
The work is virtually 100% PC based. We have state-of-the-art multimedia PCs that are open access to Digital Media students when not being used for timetabled classes. You will use a very wide range of software. The precise packages vary from year to year so it is not possible to be too specific. As an example these might include Premiere, Dreamweaver, Flash, Director, Visual C++, Photoshop, 3D Studio Max.

Which buildings/rooms will I use?
You will use the multimedia labs, lecture theatres and tutorial rooms. Laboratories have an ongoing update programme ensuring the latest hardware and software versions are available. The vast majority of lecture theatres are equipped with data projectors, PCs, visualisers, microphones. Some have video and audio equipment.

Can I take a year off to get some work experience? Is it a good idea to do this and what support will I receive to arrange this? It is possible to take a year's study break. Although not an intrinsic part of the course it is possible to take a study break to gain relevant industrial experience. This would certainly be of benefit to subsequent study on the course and would help in gaining employment.

Will I get a job?
Employability is one of the first and most important considerations when a new course is created. This is a relatively new course; market need has been recently researched with positive results so the expectation is that students will find relevant employment after graduation. The course is not yet old enough to have graduates so no employment statistics are available.

What will I earn?
This varies widely from job to job and year to year depending on the market and the supply of skilled practitioners. Good money has been made creating 3D computer models and in converting animation specifications into animations for example.

Is it going to be worthwhile to do this course?
Yes, because, although you are specialising in computer animation technology, knowledge and skills, these skills are transferable and will help establish you as a life long learner. You will also acquire more general skills which will be of value in an even wider context.

What opportunities exist for post graduate study and further research?
The Department of Creative Technologies offers an MSc in Computer Animation.

Is there any special advice for applicants?
You will get out of it what you put into it. Everything worthwhile comes at a price. Be prepared to work hard, be well motivated and well organised and you will reap the benefit.