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Creative Arts and Digital Media
3D Modelling and Animation for Games and Media
Foundation Degree (FdA)
Leaflet Code: HA0022
Overview
Got a passion for video games and want to be part of game design, or the CGI movie industry? Get a taste of what it’s like to work in this sector, use the tools and assets of CGI design, and build the skills and knowledge to bring your ideas to life and succeed in the industry, with this Foundation Degree 3D Modelling & Animation for Games and Media.
Explore the skills within concept and 3D development during your first year, experiencing several different roles as a 3D artist and discovering your own strengths and interests. Then expand your creative and technical knowledge in 3D development, using it in a professional industry environment as you work with clients on a set project.
Through specialised classes, one to one tutorials and workshops, supported by industry-experienced staff and guest speakers, you’ll develop your own creative ideas and projects, and prepare yourself with the essential qualities to follow an exciting career in this sector.
- Location
- Fielden Campus
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Duration
- 2 years
- Start
- September 2021
Awarding Partner:
Staff profile
Lee Jackson is the course lead for 3D Modelling and Animation for Games and Media as well as a freelance technical artist.
Lee has been creating games for over 25 years. He has worked in various technical roles and managed his own 3D studio, after completing his BA (Hons) in Virtual Reality and Animation. Lee has guest-lectured in a range of universities as well leading on the 3D Games course at UCEN Manchester for 10 years.
Lee loves all aspects of game development and VFX, with specific interests in virtual reality content and VFX for film. He takes great pride in technical problem solving and teaching others to work on their own challenges. In his own time, Lee develops his own games, as part of a team and for solo projects.
Lee has been creating games for over 25 years. He has worked in various technical roles and managed his own 3D studio, after completing his BA (Hons) in Virtual Reality and Animation. Lee has guest-lectured in a range of universities as well leading on the 3D Games course at UCEN Manchester for 10 years.
Lee loves all aspects of game development and VFX, with specific interests in virtual reality content and VFX for film. He takes great pride in technical problem solving and teaching others to work on their own challenges. In his own time, Lee develops his own games, as part of a team and for solo projects.
Academic Entry requirements
• 64 UCAS Tariff Points
• Students that have passed a recognised Access programme will also be considered
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics A* to C or 9 to 4 where numeric grades are being awarded
Non-academic entry Requirements
Suitability for Foundation Degree study may be assessed by interview.
Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
Mature applicants (aged 21 or over) who are able to demonstrate relevant skills or knowledge gained in employment or vocational activity will be considered and may be invited to interview.
What will I be studying?
Year 1: 3D Modelling and Concept Design (30 credits)
Explore the combination of concept design methods and 3D modelling techniques using specialised 3D software in order to learn the art of modellin
Year 1: 3D Texturing (30 credits)
Discover the use and application of texture design within the 3D design process, covering a wide range of texturing skills and developing a significant industry workflow such as research and design, optimisation of 3D assets, and application of textur
Year 1: Animation (30 credits)
Examine a range of theoretical animation methods, research and technical development using specific 3D software, learning how the key theoretical principles of animation are used in existing practice to add realism and life to a 3D model
Year 1: Professional and Academic Development (30 credits)
Year 2: 3D Project Management (30 credits)
Year 2: Practice Based Research Project (30 credits)
Year 2: Self Directed Project (30 credits)
Year 2: Subject Specialist Area (30 credits)
Reading List
Murdock, K. (2011) 3ds Max 2012 Bible
Derakhshani, R. and Derakhshani, D. (2011) Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Essentials: Autodesk Official Training Guide
Webster, C. (2005) Animation: The Mechanics of Motion
Williams, R. (2009) The Animator's Survival Kit
Wyatt, A. (2010) The Complete Digital Animation Course: The Principles, Practice, and Techniques of Successful Digital Animation.
Derakhshani, R. and Derakhshani, D. (2011) Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Essentials: Autodesk Official Training Guide
Webster, C. (2005) Animation: The Mechanics of Motion
Williams, R. (2009) The Animator's Survival Kit
Wyatt, A. (2010) The Complete Digital Animation Course: The Principles, Practice, and Techniques of Successful Digital Animation.
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed with one assignment per module.
You’re encouraged to be creative through all assignments but must meet a certain criteria given by the tutor.
Development of report writing and self-awareness / evaluation of own skills are built into assignments to help you to develop yourself.
You could be assessed via a range of methods, including:
• Interview
• Review / Tutorials
• Group Assessment / Crit
• Portfolio of project work
• Project presentations
• Personal Development / Digital Diary
• Research
You’re encouraged to be creative through all assignments but must meet a certain criteria given by the tutor.
Development of report writing and self-awareness / evaluation of own skills are built into assignments to help you to develop yourself.
You could be assessed via a range of methods, including:
• Interview
• Review / Tutorials
• Group Assessment / Crit
• Portfolio of project work
• Project presentations
• Personal Development / Digital Diary
• Research
What are the careers that this will lead to?
You’ll have the skills and knowledge to start a rewarding career in the game design and visualisation industries, and can apply for a wide range of jobs such as: 3D modeller, concept designer, key animator, technical designer, effects artist and many more.
Fees, Finance and Funding
There are two main costs you will have whilst studying and if you are a home student studying on a full-time course, you can apply for student finance to cover both of these:
Your tuition fees for each year of your course.
Help with your living costs e.g. rent, food, clothing, course materials, entertainment.
You can find more details, including the actual tuition fee charged on our Fees, Funding and Finance Page.
Learn more
Your tuition fees for each year of your course.
Help with your living costs e.g. rent, food, clothing, course materials, entertainment.
You can find more details, including the actual tuition fee charged on our Fees, Funding and Finance Page.
Course Associated Costs
We recommend you have a desktop or laptop to run the Autodesk suite of programmes.
You may also need to print assignments/documents. Campus printing starts from 5p per page.
You may also need to print assignments/documents. Campus printing starts from 5p per page.
All students are subject to UCEN Manchester’s Terms and Conditions from the date they accept an offer to study here, full details of which can be found here. The UCEN Manchester Admissions Policy and Procedure can be found here.
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