3D Computer Animation HND

HND - Edinburgh College

Course overview

This stimulating studio-based HND allows you to embark on a thrilling journey to build a strong foundation to launch an exciting career in 3D Animation.

Our first-year curriculum focuses on elevating your 2D drawing skills, providing you with the artistic prowess needed to bring your ideas to life. Diving into a world of creativity enables you to master the essential techniques for animation success. Suitable for budding storytellers with a keen eye for composition the course is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of crafting compelling narratives, ensuring that your animations resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Explore the core principles of animation through hands-on exercises in 2D, timing and spacing to squash and stretch, you'll acquire the fundamental skills that serve as the bedrock for all your future animation endeavours. Students regularly engage with Scotland's vibrant animation community with a visit to Move Summit to connect with professionals, attend workshops, and soak in the creativity that defines Scotland's animation scene.

In the second year, we elevate your skills to new heights focusing on 3D animation modelling and rigging in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya. Visual effects take centre stage with hands-on experience in After Effects, Davinci, Embergen Blender, and ZBrush. You will use Unreal Engine 5 to seamlessly integrate your work, allowing for fast real-time rendering that mirrors industry standards. Students work on individual and group projects to replicate and prepare for further study and employment. The course encourages and supports your creative endeavours, fostering a culture of innovation and expression.

Our 3D Computer Animation students are very successful, receive advanced entry offers to prestigious degree-level programmes across the UK and become successful 3D Animators.

Course description

What you will learn

Working within a Project Team
Developmental Drawing
3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Intermediate
3D Computer Modelling and Animation: An Introduction
3D Animation: Drawing Skills
3D Animation: Environmental Modelling
3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Intermediate
3D Animation: Lighting
Creative Industries: An Introduction
Life Drawing
3D Computer Animation: Surface Texturing and Shading
3D Animation: Special Effects
3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Advanced
3D Computer Animation: Graded Unit 2
3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Advanced
Editing: An Introduction
Compositing and Motion Graphics
Digital Imaging: Bitmap Techniques
Creating a Showreel and Portfolio

Entry requirements

Year one: Minimum of two Highers or UAL Level 2/3 or Foundation Diploma or SQA NC at SCQF Level 6.
Year two: Pass all 15 credits available at HNC Level.
You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your advanced art and design skills and an understanding of the creative process.
Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course.

Progression

The HND 3D Computer Animation course at Edinburgh College has a strong reputation for progressing students onto Degree programmes across the UK with advanced entry.

Recognised entry to second and third-year Scottish Degrees dependant on each institution’s specific entry requirements, for example:

Animation BDes (Hons) DJCAD
Animation BA (Hons) ECA Second-year entry
3D Modelling BSc (Hons) GSA
Animation for Games BSc (Hons) Edinburgh Napier
Computer Arts BA (Hons) Abertay
Interactive Media BSc (Hons) UHI third year entry
Recognised second or third-year entry to the Rest of the U.K 3 year Degrees dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements

Career opportunities