Bachelor of Arts of Interactive Animation

Overview
Subject Overview
Dates & Fees

The degree will consolidate the students knowledge already gained during the first year of the interactive animation course and further their academic skills. The degree broadens the learning experience beyond the purely vocational type training, by including a wider knowledge base and research-based educational experience. The Bachelor of Interactive Animation programme can only be taken at the various approved SAE degree centres. SAE Dubai is an approved degree center.

Aims

The Bachelor of Arts of Interactive Animation comprises the first year of interactive animation course plus a second year of degree level studies. This degree is taught and administered by SAE Institute and validated by Middlesex University, London. The degree can be taken over a period of two years as an intensive programme. In these courses students acquire comprehensive skills in computer-generated 3D graphics and animation using the industry’s most widely used 3D software packages.

SAE provides an understanding of the systems and equipment used for creating animation and the practical experience in production techniques and design concepts. Students can also go onto gain expertise in digital animation production and business management, marketing and communications and knowledge of the contemporary ‘infotainment’ industry.

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) of Interactive Animation

Degree Entry Requirements

Note: If you are applying from outside the UAE please contact the SAE Institute in your country to confirm your equivalent educational standing or contact SAE directly.

minimum age 17;
completion of year 12 high school certificate (HSC) or its equivalent ; or
mature age students over 21 years; or
on receipt of suitable evidence, SAE shall seek to admit all prospective students (via special entry) who are considered to have a reasonable chance of success in the programme.

Degree Duration

24 months full-time (accelerated learning)

Assessment method and award

Practical

Will involve progressive assessment and the submission of studio logs; and

Theoretical

All BA students must undertake a specialist written
research project; and
Pass and complete all individual degree modules

Award

In order to qualify for the Bachelor degree, candidates need to reach an overall mark of 240 credit points.

Second year direct entry

Graduates who have successfully completed the 1st Year Bachelor of Interactive Animation from other SAE Institutes can continue with the degree at SAE approved degree centers. Graduates with similar qualifications from other Institutions can apply for advanced standing in the degree programme.

The list below shows only the main topics covered during the course. For a complete list please see our curriculums displayed at each SAE location.

TRIMESTER 1 - First Year

DES1101 – Principles of Design

A foundation course in the application of design principles and elements that is fundamental to all design activities. Students will enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively apply these principles and elements as well as critically evaluate their design processes.

BIA1103: Anatomy Movement and Acting

This unit aims to show students the basics of anatomy and acting in relation to their use in creating animation that is lifelike and believable. Students will study anatomy of creatures to learn to create realistic models while acting will be used as a practical demonstration of movement and character interaction.

MED1101- Digital Audio and Video Production

In this course, the theoretical and practical implications of the use of digital video and audio are examined. Students will be provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for the production of digital video and audio.

MED1103: Principles of 3D Modelling

MED1103 is an introductory course in 3D modelling. In this course, will be exposed to a wide range of tools used in 3D modelling, and will develop skills in the construction and manipulation of 3D models.

TRIMESTER 2 - First Year

MED1102: Principles of 2D Animation

This is an introductory course in 2D animation. Students will study the historical context of 2D animation, its current applications, animation principles, and styles and methods of animation- with emphasis on 2D digital animation.

ANI2202: Advanced Character Modelling

This course builds on MED1103: Principles of 3D Modelling and focuses on the design of 3D character set-ups, the fundamentals of lighting, lip-synching and composition and advances the traditional animation principles as applied to 3D animation.

ANI2203: Advanced Character Setup

This course explores the creation of interactive animation for games and simulations. It examines user expectations and human-computer interaction, looking at the most effective methods of creating animation event base.

INT2202 - Scripting & Storyboarding

This course will introduce students to the concepts and practices of developing and actualising scripts and storyboards for projects in many media. The use of scripts, storyboards and animatics for different purposes and outcomes will also be examined and applied.

TRIMESTER 3 - First Year

ANI2204: Modelling Digital Environments

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices used in creating digital environments for use in computer games and film and television. Students will create complete animated interior/exterior set walkthrough using animation techniques and define relationship between characters and their environment .

ANI3302: Compositing

This course introduces students to the concepts and practices used in creating Special Effects, Animation, and Compositing for Film & TV. Students will study the history of the visual effects medium, as well as examine the theory and practice used in creating complex visual effects for film and television

ANI3306: Advanced Character Animation

This course builds on ANI2201: Advanced 2D Animation, and ANI2202: Advanced 3D Animation, and INT1201: Narrative and Character Development, and emphasizes acting as a tool of studying and creating animated performances. Theories on character personality, expression, emotional responses, empathy, motivation and non-verbal acting will be studied through classroom exercises and the examination of classic animated and live action films, and then applied to an animated character. Further exploration of the twelve principles of animation will also be demonstrated and discussed. The underlying psychology and physiology of emotional responses will be explored in depth.

BCM2200: Research and development

A unit focused on creative project development in the creative media industry. The combines theoretical and practical approaches to the production process. Students are introduced to research and writing strategies for documenting creative media practice.

2nd Year Bachelor of Interactive Animation

TRIMESTER 4 - Second year

SAE2000: Creative Media Practice

This unit will guide students through investigation of the structure and operations of the cultural industries. Students will explore relationships between culture and consumers of culture and the implications for the marketing of creative media products in an aim to adapt the student’s skill set to the wider industry.

TRIMESTER 5 - Second year

SAE3140

This unit will provide a structured opportunity for students to undertake a large-scale self-directed creative based practical or investigative project that displays the depth and breadth of their abilities. During this process students will establish methodologies, skills and attitudes essential to undertaking successful research in the field. This will give students a chance to explore and reflect on the professional as well as the relevant theoretical, creative and logistical considerations within a project of this scale.

TRIMESTER 6 - Second year

SAE3210: Major Project (BA)

NEM3305: New Media Internship

Enables students to examine and analyse first-hand the business methodologies, communication models, production work-flows and design strategies used specifically in the New Media industry. Students will also gain an understanding of the concepts that underlie successful business and marketing strategies, with a particular emphasis placed on professional practice..