Postgraduate Diploma Character Animation – July 2009 – page 1
Central Saint Martins
College of Art and Design
Postgraduate Diploma
Character Animation
Course Information
Course Codes
2D Animation
3D Animation
Course Director
Birgitta Hosea
Course Length
1 year full time (30 weeks)
Course Starts
September
Course Location
London Animation Studio, Catton Street
Postgraduate Diploma Character Animation – July 2009 – page 2
Course Content
The animation industry needs skilled animators in both 2D and 3D computer
animation. This intensive course offers hands-on training in the core skills that this
challenging field requires. We cover motion analysis and performance based
animation, from the simplest bouncing ball techniques to movement in animals,
acting in humans and the representation of speech.
Located in central London, we can provide a unique industry-based mentoring
programme that gives students continuous external input and ensures that they
graduate fully-equippedfor work and familiar with industry practices. There are also
regular visits from practitioners in all aspects of production.
Pathway details
The course has two pathways: 2D Animation and 3D Animation.
While students followonly one pathway, the course ensures that everyone learns the
same core skills. Each student completes traditionally drawn animation exercises and
follows the same curriculum. All students have access to a dedicated Windows
workstation and a light box. The 2D students also use Flash, Animo, Photoshop and
After Effects. The 3D students use Maya.
Although we teach animation with computers, it should be noted that this is not a
training course in software. Consequently we do not cover all aspects of the software,
only the main animation tools. The focus is on the skills of character animation and
creating personalities that can move convincingly and perform engagingly.
Course Structure
At the start of the week all students do paper and pencil exercises. For the rest of the
week the 2D Animation students will elaborate this exercise thro