Best Universities for Computer Graphics/Animation?
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Original post by KHill
Hi guys,
I keep changing my mind about whether or not I should do an art foundation diploma before my degree course. I've been accepted for 3D animation at Bournemouth and Hertfordshire, but I've been told that I would benefit from doing a foundation course and I like the idea of spending a year focusing purely on art. Any advice would be great because I'm so torn!
Also I'd like to ask moid and sofranis: If I get good enough grades this year will I be able to simply defer my place on the course or will I have to reapply next year if I do a foundation?
I keep changing my mind about whether or not I should do an art foundation diploma before my degree course. I've been accepted for 3D animation at Bournemouth and Hertfordshire, but I've been told that I would benefit from doing a foundation course and I like the idea of spending a year focusing purely on art. Any advice would be great because I'm so torn!
Also I'd like to ask moid and sofranis: If I get good enough grades this year will I be able to simply defer my place on the course or will I have to reapply next year if I do a foundation?
Hey,
I'm sure you can defer, to be honest I'm not sure. I would contact the admissions team and see what they say. Otherwise email Ari Sarafopoulos ([email protected]) who is the Framework leader, he can help.
Regarding the foundation course; I did a foundation course before I did my BSc at St Martins, but I wanted to experiment,develop and broaden my knowledge of the arts; and to be honest, at that time I was never sure what I wanted to do within the field.
I think if you have been accepted on the courses; your portfolio and technical ability must be very good - you should be able to develop your aesthetic understanding further on either course. It depends how confident you feel in entering these degrees. I'd ask myself what the foundation is going to add to your work and knowledge and go from there. What's the added value? If you think you are going to get something worthwhile from the experience then go for it. Make sure you go to a reputable college though - for me the University of the Arts London are excellent (St. Martins, Chelsea, Wimbledon etc) as is Falmouth and Arts University Bournemouth.
Hope that helps
Saf
You can defer for Hertfordshire (as far as I know it's still possible, I've helped a student do that who wanted to take a year out to go travelling last year).
Regarding the Foundation course I agree with Sofronis - if you got offered a place at both Hertfordshire and Bournemouth, you don't need a foundation course
Having said that, if you are unsure that animation is the path you wish to take, Foundation is a wild exposure to a very broad selection of arts, and it does help you find out if you like certain things that you were unsure about. I don't think you'd experience much animation in a Foundation course though... I studied a Foundation course (at St Martins, a long time ago) and it helped me decide the route that I wanted to take. If you pick a Foundation course, do find out if they actually teach life drawing, some have dropped it to save money, or only offer it as a separate additional cost course, which is terrible. I've interviewed good foundation students from UAL foundation courses and also from AU Bournemouth, I don't recall if I've interviewed anyone from Falmouth.
Good luck!
Regarding the Foundation course I agree with Sofronis - if you got offered a place at both Hertfordshire and Bournemouth, you don't need a foundation course
Having said that, if you are unsure that animation is the path you wish to take, Foundation is a wild exposure to a very broad selection of arts, and it does help you find out if you like certain things that you were unsure about. I don't think you'd experience much animation in a Foundation course though... I studied a Foundation course (at St Martins, a long time ago) and it helped me decide the route that I wanted to take. If you pick a Foundation course, do find out if they actually teach life drawing, some have dropped it to save money, or only offer it as a separate additional cost course, which is terrible. I've interviewed good foundation students from UAL foundation courses and also from AU Bournemouth, I don't recall if I've interviewed anyone from Falmouth. Good luck!
Original post by jackeaves
Thank you Moid for your reply and the kind words!
Yes the concept art job role is really tough
I've been speaking to my contacts in the industry and they say the exact same thing. They recommended getting a job as a 3D artist to get a foot in the door.. but i'm really hoping that i won't have to resort to that. Thanks for the information aswell, i really do need to do much more interiors and orthographic views etc. Unfortunately the course i'm on at the moment really gives us no direction, our briefs just say 'draw a character, draw an environment' it's really not very helpful at all.
This morning i received a reply back from Neil Galagher about the Game Arts course at Hertfordshire (your a teacher there i think?) he really likes my work and is trying to contact the admin people, i think i may have a good shot at getting into that course.
However my main issue is that all of the work coming from HU seems to be 3D, would you happen to know if i can focus more on 2D on the course and if i would receive much help on that aspect? It seems like a really amazing place for industry contacts and the work that graduates are producing, but i'd rather not be forced to go down the 3D route.
Thanks again!
Yes the concept art job role is really tough
I've been speaking to my contacts in the industry and they say the exact same thing. They recommended getting a job as a 3D artist to get a foot in the door.. but i'm really hoping that i won't have to resort to that. Thanks for the information aswell, i really do need to do much more interiors and orthographic views etc. Unfortunately the course i'm on at the moment really gives us no direction, our briefs just say 'draw a character, draw an environment' it's really not very helpful at all.
This morning i received a reply back from Neil Galagher about the Game Arts course at Hertfordshire (your a teacher there i think?) he really likes my work and is trying to contact the admin people, i think i may have a good shot at getting into that course.
However my main issue is that all of the work coming from HU seems to be 3D, would you happen to know if i can focus more on 2D on the course and if i would receive much help on that aspect? It seems like a really amazing place for industry contacts and the work that graduates are producing, but i'd rather not be forced to go down the 3D route.
Thanks again!
If it's any help, I started in 3D and then made concept art later on. You have to think about concept art from a company position - the concept artist decides the look of the game, something which is absolutely vital to get right (so the public like it and the publishers fund it), so if you were a game developer, would you trust a graduate/student to do this work?
Nope, I wouldn't either
So the most likely route into this is to get work as a 3D artist and show that you can make great concept art. Once you can be trusted not to kill other staff members, burn the office or eat the server, you'll find it's a lot easier to branch out into other directions.
I teach with Neil (he runs Games Art), he will get back to you soon, he's just desperately trying to finish all his semester A marking. I'll nudge him as soon as he re surfaces from underneath the tidal wave of artwork that is currently swamping his desk
Yes the course is focused towards 3D - we do expect a lot of 2D from the students as well, and some modules have a much higher requirement of 2D than 3D work, but to do well you would hopefully be able to excel in both areas. The games companies that hire our students are constantly telling us that they want artists who have 3D and 2D skills. Obviously if you don't want to touch 3D, that's your decision, and maybe you will get a concept art position without it. However I think it will be very much the hardest route to take. Good luck!
Hi, i was just wondering would it be possible to do a software engineering course and branch into animations?
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
(edited 12 years ago)
Hi everyone,
I have multiple interviews in the coming weeks for animation courses.
I was asking as to the details of what the require portfolio-wise.
How many pieces should be in the portfolio? Do I print off digital work or keep them as image files?
Some of my work can be viewed here ;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75132365@N05/
I have multiple interviews in the coming weeks for animation courses.
I was asking as to the details of what the require portfolio-wise.
How many pieces should be in the portfolio? Do I print off digital work or keep them as image files?
Some of my work can be viewed here ;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75132365@N05/
(edited 12 years ago)
sorry, link went bad ;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75132365@N05/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75132365@N05/
Hey Stuart, I took a variety of traditional and digital work. Having life drawing is a huge plus and seems to be something everyone's looking for. For my interviews I had a lot of work I wanted to show and some of it was huge so I took photographs and scans of my work and printed them into a physical portfolio I think its better to print your work off, it has a lot more impact as a physical object. I think most people take 10-15 pieces, I went overkill at took about 35 haha but they were condensed down onto a3 sheets. When a friend of mine was interviewed she was asked to only show 6 pieces out of her entire portfolio.
Where are you applying for?
Goodluck - Azora
Where are you applying for?
Goodluck - Azora
Hi Azora, Thanks for the info, it's just that im on my own to compose my portfolio. I applied to Bournemouth Uni, Arts college Bournemouth, Ravensbourne, Glamorgan and UWE. Oh thats great, I have quite a few life drawings in my sketchbook. Crit on my work is always welcome too.
Thanks
Thanks
Original post by omarshu
Hi, i was just wondering would it be possible to do a software engineering course and branch into animations?
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
Hey, have you looked at the Software development course at Bournemouth. Its quite new but its exactly what you described. Physics and maths but for animation...
I am current second year student on the CAA but I know people doing the STAGE (BSc (Hons) Software Development for Animation, Games and Effects) course.
(edited 12 years ago)
Greetings, everyone. I've been checking this thread but I still can't make up my mind about what's best for me.
I'm a Computer Science graduate who's interested on pursuing a career on Computer Graphics and/or Animation. I've taken short courses on Life drawing and photography, as well as some amateurish practice on Photoshop and Digital Painting in general; but my skills are far from being strong enough to have a decent portfolio. Therefore, I guess a more software-oriented approach would be better suited for me. I'm not that good on maths either, but having been on Computer Science already, I've already gone through several Math courses. So I should be able to manage, somehow.
Based on this, would you people be able to suggest good programs or schools for me? Thanks in advance!
I'm a Computer Science graduate who's interested on pursuing a career on Computer Graphics and/or Animation. I've taken short courses on Life drawing and photography, as well as some amateurish practice on Photoshop and Digital Painting in general; but my skills are far from being strong enough to have a decent portfolio. Therefore, I guess a more software-oriented approach would be better suited for me. I'm not that good on maths either, but having been on Computer Science already, I've already gone through several Math courses. So I should be able to manage, somehow.
Based on this, would you people be able to suggest good programs or schools for me? Thanks in advance!
If you are thinking about going to Bournemouth for animation, all the NCCA computers all have dropbox installed. Its like a virtual memory stick. All free.
http://db.tt/1poPFWZ
http://db.tt/1poPFWZ
Original post by omarshu
Hi, i was just wondering would it be possible to do a software engineering course and branch into animations?
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
or would it be better to just do an animation course?
i would like to maintain my maths and physics but i also have a strong interest in art.
Hi,
As suggested, take a look at the Bsc SDAGE course offered by the NCCA at Bournemouth University. Its software Development for Computer Animation, so may be what you are looking for. Its great that you want to keep the science and the art alive - this course offers you opportunity to collaborate with artists and TD's; as well as other software engineers.
Hope that helps.
Saf
Original post by Sofronis
Hi,
As suggested, take a look at the Bsc SDAGE course offered by the NCCA at Bournemouth University. Its software Development for Computer Animation, so may be what you are looking for. Its great that you want to keep the science and the art alive - this course offers you opportunity to collaborate with artists and TD's; as well as other software engineers.
Hope that helps.
Saf
As suggested, take a look at the Bsc SDAGE course offered by the NCCA at Bournemouth University. Its software Development for Computer Animation, so may be what you are looking for. Its great that you want to keep the science and the art alive - this course offers you opportunity to collaborate with artists and TD's; as well as other software engineers.
Hope that helps.
Saf
Sofronis do you think i could take a software engineering course but teach myself animations at the same time to build up a portfolio and then take a Msc at bournemouth?
would this be possible?
Original post by omarshu
Sofronis do you think i could take a software engineering course but teach myself animations at the same time to build up a portfolio and then take a Msc at Bournemouth?
would this be possible?
would this be possible?
Well the BSc has some Creative units within it, so you would be exposed to those types of lectures and assignments; but you would have less workshops in that area (esp Character Animation). Have you considered the BA in Computer Visualisation and Animation course (CVA) which has elements of animation and computer programming? It allows you to do be more of a Technical Director and Technical Artist role. I'd then suggest a MSc as a Masters afterwards (its sometimes beneficial to have a BA/MSc or MSc/MA mix).
Or you could do SDAGE and look at doing the MA in 3D computer Animation, although this will require a strong art portfolio for entry, possible if you attend life drawing and try to keep up with your art.
Personally i think it would wonderful to have someone who is a strong software engineering background with a flair for art.
Does that answer your questions? May be useful to visit the Uni and ask the tutors/students as well.
Cheers
Saf
Original post by angie1409
Greetings, everyone. I've been checking this thread but I still can't make up my mind about what's best for me.
I'm a Computer Science graduate who's interested on pursuing a career on Computer Graphics and/or Animation. I've taken short courses on Life drawing and photography, as well as some amateurish practice on Photoshop and Digital Painting in general; but my skills are far from being strong enough to have a decent portfolio. Therefore, I guess a more software-oriented approach would be better suited for me. I'm not that good on maths either, but having been on Computer Science already, I've already gone through several Math courses. So I should be able to manage, somehow.
Based on this, would you people be able to suggest good programs or schools for me? Thanks in advance!
I'm a Computer Science graduate who's interested on pursuing a career on Computer Graphics and/or Animation. I've taken short courses on Life drawing and photography, as well as some amateurish practice on Photoshop and Digital Painting in general; but my skills are far from being strong enough to have a decent portfolio. Therefore, I guess a more software-oriented approach would be better suited for me. I'm not that good on maths either, but having been on Computer Science already, I've already gone through several Math courses. So I should be able to manage, somehow.
Based on this, would you people be able to suggest good programs or schools for me? Thanks in advance!
Angie,
See my posts above. Bournemouth is one of very few institutions that offer a courses which are created with both the arts and sciences at its foundation. Have a look at the NESTA report here http://www.nesta.org.uk/events/assets/features/next_gen which talk about how we need more courses like this in the UK. The accompanying video is pretty good as well - http://www.nesta.org.uk/areas_of_work/creative_economy/skills_review or http://vimeo.com/nestauk/nextgen
So I guess what I'm saying is that the NCCA has a variety of courses that may be suitable. I'd suggest you come to an open day and talk to staff. Your looking to under take a Masters course right?
Cheers
Cheers
(edited 12 years ago)
No one's really mentioned it on here but a great University is the internet. More resources here for Graphics/Animation than any Uni will ever have. ^^
In case anyone's considering what animation courses they should apply to for next year (or the year after), 3DWorld magazine's April 2012 edition has a section about Animation in Higher Education around the world, and I'm very happy to say that Hertfordshire (alongside Bournemouth and Teesside) are the only universities from the UK rated as being the best in the world for Animation and VFX by 3DWorld.
3D World's opinion of Animation at Hertfordshire is:
"The University of Hertfordshire is becoming more and more recognised for its excellence in animation training. The undergraduate animation degree offered at the university is a specialist three-year course that focuses on the technical and creative skills needed to become a professional 3D artist. Situated in North London, the school has excellent training facilities featuring the latest software and up-to-date hardware, making it one of the UK's major media villages.
The School has a long history of work placements in industry, supplementing the taught university curriculum with real-life on-the-job experience. This is actively encouraged throughout the student's degree period. The teaching approach focuses mainly on project work and learning the software with art-based workshops and lectures. Students can also expect to carry out regular assessed presentations throughout their studies."
Fill those UCAS forms out carefully
3D World's opinion of Animation at Hertfordshire is:
"The University of Hertfordshire is becoming more and more recognised for its excellence in animation training. The undergraduate animation degree offered at the university is a specialist three-year course that focuses on the technical and creative skills needed to become a professional 3D artist. Situated in North London, the school has excellent training facilities featuring the latest software and up-to-date hardware, making it one of the UK's major media villages.
The School has a long history of work placements in industry, supplementing the taught university curriculum with real-life on-the-job experience. This is actively encouraged throughout the student's degree period. The teaching approach focuses mainly on project work and learning the software with art-based workshops and lectures. Students can also expect to carry out regular assessed presentations throughout their studies."
Fill those UCAS forms out carefully
Just a quick note regarding some News regarding the NCCA - its been a busy week with Queens Anniversary award and loads of Oscar news.
We found out this Monday, no fewer that 70 students worked on Oscar nominated films in the categories of VFX and animation. These included Hugo, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
Former students have also contributed to animated films Kung Fu Panda 2, Rango and A Morning Stroll. Take a look on the BBC site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-17180974
Also, on Friday we visited Buckingham Palace to collect the Queens Anniversary Award where we were recognised for “world-class computer animation teaching with wide creative and scientific applications”.
http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/newsandevents/News/2012/feb/ne014-bu-buckingham-palace.html
I guess that makes us the Queens animators? :0)
I'll upload a 20 year retrospect in a few days, so you can see how the NCCA evolved over the years - as well as look at some odd CG which was cutting edge at the time (but hilarious now).
It goes to show that the UK film and games industry is very much alive and kicking and needs talent like yourselves to grow and continue being a success.
Cheers
We found out this Monday, no fewer that 70 students worked on Oscar nominated films in the categories of VFX and animation. These included Hugo, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
Former students have also contributed to animated films Kung Fu Panda 2, Rango and A Morning Stroll. Take a look on the BBC site:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-17180974
Also, on Friday we visited Buckingham Palace to collect the Queens Anniversary Award where we were recognised for “world-class computer animation teaching with wide creative and scientific applications”.
http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/newsandevents/News/2012/feb/ne014-bu-buckingham-palace.html
I guess that makes us the Queens animators? :0)
I'll upload a 20 year retrospect in a few days, so you can see how the NCCA evolved over the years - as well as look at some odd CG which was cutting edge at the time (but hilarious now).
It goes to show that the UK film and games industry is very much alive and kicking and needs talent like yourselves to grow and continue being a success.
Cheers
Hello everybody, i'm in a bit of a pickle. I have a conditional offer for computer animation arts at bournemouth and that was going to be my firm choice. Now I also have a conditional offer for animation at falmouth. And I really really really really like falmouth and considering putting as my firm but at the same time bournemouth has a brilliant track record. Has anybody got any advice?
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but a short video here gives an insight into careers in vfx, and what artists studied to get where they are.
http://www.dneg.com/careers_video_for_pupils_aged_15+yrs_444.html
http://www.dneg.com/careers_video_for_pupils_aged_15+yrs_444.html
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