Section 2

Programme Specification: Foundation Degree (Arts)

Computer Visualisation and Animation
1. Awarding Institution
2. Teaching Institution
3. Programme Accredited by
4. Name of Final Award
5. UCAS Code
6. Total Number of Credits
7. Subject Benchmark
Statement
8. Points of Reference
University of Sussex
Ravensbourne College of Design and
Communication
N/A
Foundation Degree (Arts) Computer Visualisation
and Animation
W615/E615
240 (120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2)
Skillset, Art and design, Communication, media,
film and cultural studies
External
QAA - The framework for higher education
qualifications in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland
QAA Foundation Degree Qualification Benchmark
QAA Code of Practice
Skillset National Occupational Standards – Sound
Skillset: Focus on animation
University of Sussex Code of Practice for
Validation

Internal
College Learning and Teaching Strategy
College Academic Plan
College Procedure for Course Development
Approval and Validation
Academic Regulations for the Awards of
Foundation Degree and Certificate in Higher
Education
9. Date of Production October 2005
10. Overview

The Foundation Degree (Arts) Computer Visualisation and Animation is a vocational

programme offering students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, craft and
technical skills suited to a variety of career paths in animation.

Students will develop skills in drawing, 2D and 3D animation, modelling, texturing,

lighting and rendering. The acquisition of these skills will be reinforced by a
comprehensive grounding in animation theory and technology. Throughout the course
the application of creativity forms the backbone of learning.

Students will work in an environment that mirrors industry practice and much of the
learning on the course is delivered through the simulation of real work based activity.
The course incorporates opportunities for collaborations with students on other
course within the College. Working alongside these other programmes will give
students access to the culture, skills and attitudes of practitioners in a number of

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related areas.

Level 1 of the course consists of seven units (amounting to 120 credits). Students are
offered a broad based introduction to the field of animation. Students are introduced
to the basic animation and drawing skills that lie at the heart of the field of animation.
They then develop technical skills in character animation, texturing and lighting.
Students engage with the role of narrative, performance and dialogue in animation.
Across all three terms the students will engage with units in Contextual Studies and
Personal and Professional Development. They will develop knowledge and
understanding of the historical, intellectual and industrial contexts of animation and
the creative industry. They will learn to reflect on their own learning needs and the
development of their own professional practice. At the end of Level 1 and before the
beginning of Level 2, students are encouraged and supported in applying for short
work experience placements by the College’s dedicated Employability Unit.

Level 2 consists of eight units (amounting to 120 credits) in which students develop
their knowledge of computer visualisation and animation, become familiar with the
workings of the animation studio workflow, and gain a thorough understanding of the
creative, professional and industry contexts of animation.

The level extends and develops the range of skills delivered in the first level.
Students learn how to analyse real environments and simulate them. They integrate
their academic and practical understanding of the employment world they will enter
through a study of an industry employer, studio or practice. They gain a basic
understanding of the post production processes involved in taking raw content and
creating a cohesive whole ready for an audience. In two practice-based units,
students engage with a series of exercises which replicate common animation
working practices and develop their skills to the level necessary for entry to the
profession. The output of these units forms the heart of the student’s ‘showreel’,
which will demonstrate the range and level of their skills. In the final unit of the level,
students learn how to post produce and present this material professionally for future
employers.

As in Level 1, across the three terms, students engage with units in Contextual
Studies and Personal and Professional Development. The former is focused on
developing their academic skills and expanding the frameworks within which they can
contextualise their own practice. The latter is focused on reflection on professional
development and career planning.

Graduates who have passed the foundation degree and achieve a grade C profile
across the second level units have the opportunity to apply to progress to the BA
(Hons) Animation, subject to completion of the required bridging programme.

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11. Educational Aims of the Programme

Through the integration of academic and work-based learning, this programme aims
to:

1. Provide students with a balance of intellectual and practical skills necessary to

enter the field of animation;

2. Develop a range of creative, critical and technical skills in a variety of

specialist disciplines related to animation;

3. Encourage independent and critical thinking and develop transferable skills

and competencies as preparation for work in a freelance market and enabling
life-long learning;

4. Develop experience and knowledge of collaborative working methods and

processes within an industrially focused multidisciplinary environment.

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12. Intended Learning Outcomes - This programme provides opportunities for
students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities
and other attributes in the following areas:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the established principles and skills used
in professional animation and visualisation
2. the workflows and processes which
characterise contemporary animation
production
3. the nature of forms and space, and their
depiction and construction in two and three
dimensional media and digital form
4. the nature of human movement and its
interpretation in two and three dimensional
media and digital form
5. the role of narrative in the animation
process
6. the role of performance and its relevance
to the animation process
7. the business sectors, practices and
organisations operating in the computer
visualisation and animation industry in the
UK and globally
8. the main technologies used in computer
visualisation and animation
9. the main historical and contemporary
contexts of animation and computer
visualisation practice
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Learning and teaching on the course tends
to be primarily project based (see
Practical and Professional Skills below).
This is supported though the development
of the student’s knowledge and
understanding by varied learning and
teaching methods which may include as
appropriate: project briefings, lectures,
(staff and student led) group seminars,
technical or practical workshops,
demonstrations, critiques, individual or
group tutorials and self directed study
by the student.
Learning is facilitated by a well qualified
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. Traditional modes of delivery may
be supported where appropriate by e
learning and/or resource based learning.
Assessment Methods
Knowledge and understanding is assessed
through short essays, tests, reports, critical
analysis, and individual and group
presentations and through its application in
practical projects in a manner appropriate
to each unit of delivery.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able
To:
1. produce work which demonstrates a
critical understanding of computer
visualisation and animation techniques and
skills
2. produce work which demonstrates an
understanding of the technical and
professional requirements of animation
related industries
3. competently and creatively use digital
animation technology
4. critically assess an animation task or
problem and adapt animation techniques
appropriately in its solution
5. plan and schedule computer visualisation
and animation tasks
6. use sound and dialogue in the animation
process
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Professional and practical skills are gained
primarily through project based learning.
This often involves the simulation of
activities which take place in industry.
Supported by staff, students work on
project briefs designed to foster creative,
technical and academic skills while
progressively introducing professional
contexts and real world constraints. This
approach is student centred, encourages
deep learning, builds problem solving
ability, and integrates academic with
professional learning. Students learn to
take responsibility for their own learning
progressively. Some projects are
intentionally collaborative encouraging
team working and peer learning and may
involve students from other courses.
Projects are supported by briefings,
studio lectures, workshops, critiques,
group seminars and student self
directed study. Learning is facilitated by
permanent teaching staff and by sessional
staff and visiting speakers who are
practising professionals and bring an
important industry perspective to the
course. These methods may be supported
where appropriate by e-learning and/or
resource based learning. The project
based approach culminates in
independent negotiated project work in the
final level of the course.
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed primarily through
the submission of practical materials.
Students undertake a variety of skills and
technology tests. Students may also be
required to submit reflective logs
explaining key points in both the technical
and creative process and justifying
decisions made with respect to the brief.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. consider and analyse their own work with
reference to academic and work related
frameworks
2. locate their work critically and stylistically
in relation to contemporary practice
3. apply underlying concepts and principles
outside the context in which they were first
studied, and in a work related context
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are gained primarily
through lectures, seminars, workshops,
individual tutorials and self-directed
study but the delivery of some elements
will be integrated with practical and
professional skills in project based
learning. In particular, project based
learning stimulates analysis, contextual,
problem solving, creative thinking, and
personal reflection.
Students are introduced through the
contextual elements of the course to
theoretical and critical frameworks in which
they can locate their practice.
Assessment Methods
Students are primarily assessed through a
variety of means including essays, reports
and presentations. Some elements are
assessed through their application in
submitted project materials. This may
include rationales, background research,
development materials and/or evidence of
reflection on the process of development in
addition to practical material.
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SKILLS AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES (Continued)
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. take responsibility for own learning with a
minimum direction
2. interact effectively within a team, giving
and receiving information and ideas and
modifying responses appropriately
3. manage information in a range of media,
selecting and using a variety of sources and
technologies as appropriate
4. communicate ideas and information in
visual, oral and written forms effectively to a
variety of audiences, including technical
and non-technical audiences
5. identify key areas of problems and
choose appropriate tools/methods for their
resolution
6. evaluate own strengths and weaknesses,
and develop own criteria and judgement
7. produce work that is literate, numerate
and coherent
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
Teaching and Learning Methods
Students develop transferable skills
primarily through self-directed project
activity which progressively introduces
professional contexts.
Though most learning takes place during
the projects and through students’ critical
and reflective response to these, this
aspect of learning is supports by a
Personal and Professional Development
unit at each of the course levels. The first
level concentrates on ensuring that
students ‘learn how to learn’. The unit also
prepares students for work experience (or
equivalent) and encourages them to start
to explore professional and career
development. The second level focuses on
the development of professional
transferable skills to enable the transition
to employment and/or further study.
Assessment Methods
Transferable skills are assessed within
appropriate units throughout the course,
and in particular through the submission of
Personal and Professional Development
Files. These files (containing a learning
plan, reflective commentary and evidence-
base) are developed within the Personal
and Professional Development unit and
provide evidence of work and learning
carried out across the course. For
instance, evidence of personal
development achieved through research,
design development and realisation;
responses to briefs; and evidence of
project management. Students are also
assessed through peer, group and self-
assessment.
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13. Admission Criteria

Foundation degree applicants will come from a wide range of backgrounds and
applications are positively welcomed from mature students, those with relevant work
experience, those who may not necessarily possess the formal entry qualifications, or
who have qualifications other than those listed below.

Students will normally be expected to possess four GCSEs (grade C or above) or

equivalent (preferably including English, Media/Technology) and also hold at least
one of the following or equivalent:

• 1 A-Level or BTEC National Diploma;

• AVCE or GNVQ Advanced (Level 3);
• NVQ3 in relevant subject(s).

Applicants will normally be expected to attend for interview and submit a portfolio of
examples of work.

Students will be selected according to the criteria set out in the College Procedure
for the Admission of Students and Guidance Notes for Selecting Candidates for
interview.

When appropriate the College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure
will be used to assess applicants at interview. The key criterion for entry is evidence
of commitment and motivation to study in the subject area.

14. Assessment Regulations and Principles

This course is subject to the Academic Regulations for the Awards of Foundation
Degree and Certificate in Higher Education.

In summary, in order to complete a unit, a student must successfully complete all the
assessment specified for that unit. In order to progress from level one of the course
to level two, a student must successfully complete all the units in that level of the
course. In order to achieve the award, a student (having completed level one of the
course) must successfully complete all the units in level two. In certain
circumstances, the Examination Board may at its discretion choose to permit
performance in one area to compensate for underachievement in another subject to
the provisions of the Academic Regulations for the Awards of Foundation Degree
and Certificate in Higher Education. However, there is no automatic right to such
compensation.

Foundation degrees are not classified. However, students wishing to progress to

honours level study must achieve at least a grade C profile across the units of the
second level of the course.

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15. Articulation with Honours Degree

This Foundation Degree is articulated with the BA (Hons) Animation.

Students wishing to progress to the BA (Hons) must successfully complete their

Foundation Degree, achieve the prerequisites for the BA (Hons) and complete a
required bridging programme. Application is through UCAS and acceptance is subject
to the course running and places being available.

Normally the prerequisites for the BA (Hons) are:

• Foundation Degree (Arts) Computer Visualisation and Animation pass with

minimum 2.2 profile (Grade C) at Level 2;
• Pass all ‘bridging’ units:
• Management and Organisations;
• Understanding Media;
• Research Preparation.
• Normally a maximum of 5 years expired since Foundation Degree (Arts)
Computer Visualisation and Animation completion.

16. Support for Student Learning

Much of the learning on the course takes place through resource based project work.
In order to support student learning the following resources and services are
available:

• College Wide General Computer Resource (Word Processing, Spreadsheets,

Graphics etc);
• Blue ICT production facility;
• Purple ICT production facility;
• Animation Lab:
• Animation Production (digital) facility A014;
• Room A020 (traditional) facility;
• Room A012 seminar/lecture room.

Support for students with learning difficulties and study support needs are in place
through the College Student Support Services.

17. E Learning

In addition to the aspects of the curriculum delivered in the traditional manner through
lectures, workshops and other face to face delivery methods, learning will also be
supported by the developing ‘Moodle’ Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Course
Handbooks, project briefs and other course materials will be stored for retrieval and
access on or off campus. Similarly students are able to apply themselves to on-line
group forums and critiques and tasks at the time and place most suitable to their
personal schedules and commitments.

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18. Indicators of Quality and Standards

The course operates within a College quality assurance framework which ensures
that the standards set at validation are maintained and enhanced and the quality of
the student learning experience is good. As part of this framework the course is
subject to the following processes:

• Course Review;
• Mapping against FHEQ and Foundation Degree Benchmark Statement during
development;
• Integration of Occupational Standards during development;
• College Internal Validation;
• External Validation by the University of Sussex;
• External Examiner Reports;
• Annual Course Monitoring;
• Student Feedback;
• Student Representation;
• Peer Observation of Staff;
• Staff Training Programme;
• Industry Benchmarking (for specific projects).

19. Multidisciplinary Environment

Collaborative and multidisciplinary working is a fundamental part of the

Ravensbourne ethos. All courses incorporate formal and informal opportunities for
cross course collaboration. Students on this course are likely to work with BA (Hons)
Animation, BA (Hons) Design for Interaction, BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment
Architectures and to a lesser extent the BA (Hons) Design for Moving Image and FdA
Creative Sound Design.

20. External contexts

In line with the College’s aim of ensuring the continued commercial relevance of our
academic provision, the course from time to time will consult industry partners in the
development of projects both to ensure an ‘appropriate simulation of current practice’
and to ensure that there is a close match of skills demonstrated by students
graduating from the course and the requirements of the industry. Partners include
production companies such as Jonathan Hills, Escape Studios and Passion Pictures
and facilities houses such as Big Buoy. The course also drew heavily on the Skillset
(Sector Skills Council) accreditation guidelines in designing the course.

The Vocational Case Study in the second level facilitates a thorough engagement
with the industry through the medium of a specific case study or a voluntary
placement.

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21. Unit List

Unit code Unit title Credit Value

Level 1
CVA101 Animation Principles 20
CVA102 Visual Studies 10
CVA103 Storyboarding and Layout 20
CVA104 Bipedal Walk Cycle 20
CVA105 Character Animation 20
CVA106/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 20
CVA107/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 10
TOTAL 120

Level 2
CVA201 Digital Environments 20
CVA202 Vocational Case Study 10
CVA203 Post Production Operations 10
CVA204 Industry Exercises 1 20
CVA205 Industry Exercises 2 20
CVA206 Presentation Techniques and Technologies 10
CVA207/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 20
CVA208/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 10
TOTAL 120

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22. Unit Map

FdA Computer Visualisation and Animation - Level 1

CVA103 Storyboarding and

Layout
20 Credits
CVA101 Animation Principles CVA105 Character Animation
20 Credits 20 Credits

CVA104 Bipedal Walk Cycle

20 Credits

CVA102 Visual Studies

10 Credits

CVA106/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1

20 Credits

CVA107/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1

10 Credits

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

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FdA Computer Visualisation and Animation - Level 2

CVA203 Post Production

Operations
CVA201 Digital Environments 10 Credits CVA205 Industry Exercises 2
20 Credits 20 Credits

CVA204 Industry Exercises 1

CVA202 Vocational Case 20 Credits CVA206 Presentation
Study Techniques and Technologies
10 Credits 10 Credits

CVA207/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2

20 Credits

CVA208/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2

10 Credits

TERM 1 TERM 2 TERM 3

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23. Outcome Map A = Knowledge and Understanding D = Transferable Skills
B = Practical/Professional Skills X = Assessed and Delivered
C = Intellectual Skills d = Delivered

A A A A A A A A A B B B B B B C C C D D D D D D D
LEVEL 1 Unit
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CVA101 Animation Principles d X X d
CVA102 Visual Studies d d d
CVA103 Storyboarding and Layout d X X d
CVA104 Bipedal Walk Cycle d X d
CVA105 Character Animation d X X X d d d
CVA106/FDC102 Contextual Studies 1 d d d d d X
CVA107/FDC103 Personal and Professional Development 1 d d d d

LEVEL 2
CVA201 Digital Environments X X X X X X
CVA202 Vocational Case Study X X X X X X
CVA203 Post Production Operations X X X X
CVA204 Industry Exercises 1 X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CVA205 Industry Exercises 2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
CVA206 Presentation Techniques and Technologies X X X X X X X X
CVA207/FDC202 Contextual Studies 2 X X X X X
CVA208/FDC203 Personal and Professional Development 2 X X X X X

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A - Knowledge and Understanding of:
1. the established principles and skills used in professional animation and
visualisation
2. the workflows and processes which characterise contemporary animation
production
3. the nature of forms and space, and their depiction and construction in two
and three dimensional media and digital form
4. the nature of human movement and its interpretation in two and three
dimensional media and digital form
5. the role of narrative in the animation process
6. the role of performance and its relevance to the animation process
7. the business sectors, practices and organisations operating in the
computer visualisation and animation industry in the UK and globally
8. the main technologies used in computer visualisation and animation
9. the main historical and contemporary contexts of animation and computer
visualisation practice
C - Intellectual Skills – Able To:
1. consider and analyse their own work with reference to academic and
work related frameworks
2. locate their work critically and stylistically in relation to contemporary
practice
3. apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which
they were first studied, and in a work related context
Faculty of Communication Media
Section 2
B - Practical/Professional Skills – Able To:
1. produce work which demonstrates a critical understanding of computer
visualisation and animation techniques and skills
2. produce work which demonstrates an understanding of the technical and
professional requirements of animation related industries
3. competently and creatively use digital animation technology
4. critically assess an animation task or problem and adapt animation
techniques appropriately in its solution
5. plan and schedule computer visualisation and animation tasks
6. use sound and dialogue in the animation process
D - Transferable Skills – Able To:
1. take responsibility for own learning with a minimum direction
2. interact effectively within a team, giving and receiving information and
ideas and modifying responses appropriately
3. manage information in a range of media, selecting and using a variety of
sources and technologies as appropriate
4. communicate ideas and information in visual, oral and written forms
effectively to a variety of audiences, including technical and non-technical
audiences
5. identify key areas of problems and choose appropriate tools/methods for
their resolution
6. evaluate own strengths and weaknesses, and develop own criteria and
judgement
7. produce work that is literate, numerate and coherent
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Please note, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and
the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate
if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information
on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each unit can be
found in the Course Handbook, Unit Descriptors and Project Briefs. The accuracy of the information
contained in this document is reviewed by the College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education.

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