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Computer Arts and Animation (Year 2 Direct Entry) HND

(SCQF level 8)

Computing and Digital Technologies, Creative Industries

Mode of Study

Full-time

Start Date

25th Aug 2025, 2 years

Location

City Campus

  • Applications from International Students Welcome
    •

    Overview

    This creative course is an opportunity to explore a range of art disciplines and provides a foundation for you to develop your creative potential within the context of emerging technologies.   You will have the opportunity to develop art and design skills through a range of, art, animation, 3D modelling, digital video, digital sound and computer art projects.   

    The primary focus of the course is to give you the knowledge and skills to move onto further study at art school and university.  This will include an understanding of the role that research plays in art and design and is reflective of your own creative practice.  On the course, we continually underpin the importance of developing an individual art process rather than copying existing styles and ideas.

    View samples of our students work.

    Entry requirements

    Minimum entry requirements

    Year two entry:
    • An HNC in Computer Arts and Design or an equivalent level qualification.

    Additional selection requirements

    Submit a portfolio of art and design work that contains:

    • 2 examples of finished art or design work.
    • 2 examples of research for art or design work.
    • 2 examples of development work for art or design work.
    • In addition, include at least 5 examples of observational drawing and sketching.

    This may be uploaded along with your application or linked to as part of an online portfolio of work. Successful candidates will be invited for a course information session.  

    ESOL entry requirements

    Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 5 or equivalent for NC/NQ courses and ESOL Higher or equivalent for HNC/D courses.

    What you study

    Year 2:

    • Personal Projects.
    • History of Creative Practice
    • Compositing and Motion Graphics.
    • 3D Animation Motion Studies.
    • Portfolio Building.
    • Art and Design Presentation.
    • Professional Studies.

    After the course

    Careers

    Students who complete their HND can progress to a career in motion graphics as an animator, storyboard artist, layout artist, character developer, compositor, VFX designer and other-related specialist.

    There are opportunities for employment in-house or as a self-employed freelancer working for animation studios, VFX companies, BBC, STV, TV production companies, web design studios, advertising agencies, and other clients requiring animation or motion graphics sequences.

    Continuing Study

    Due to the on-going success of the course many of our graduates move onto a diverse range of art school courses, including: -  

    • Interaction Design, Environmental Art, Product Design and Fine Art Photography, Games and Virtual Reality at the Glasgow School of Art.   
    • Animation, Fine Art, Art & Philosophy, and Interior & Environmental Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.  
    • Animation, Graphic Design at Edinburgh College of Art. 

    In addition, students have moved on to Film Making at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, New Media at UWS and because of the interdisciplinary nature of the course many graduates 

    Teaching

    How the course is taught

    The course is taught through a series of practical studio-based projects. There are opportunities to work on live projects and take part in national student competitions. Throughout the year there are visits to exhibitions and professional studios. In addition, we have a robust programme of visiting professionals and guest speakers, providing insight into the real-world aspects of working in the creative industries.

    Assessment methods

    Coursework is continually assessed throughout the academic year. The year is divided into two semesters and so assessment is spread evenly throughout the course. There are opportunities for re-assessment throughout the year. There are no end-of-term exams.

    Additional Information

    Materials

    You'll be expected to provide your own basic materials including a USB pen drive or other storage devices; A3 sketchbooks; b&w fine liner pens and colour markers; steel ruler; craft knife & blades; glue stick; scissors; pencils & eraser: masking tape; brushes; inks and paints.

    • Mode of Study:
      Full-time
    • Start Date:
      25th Aug 2025, 2 years
    • Location:
      City Campus
    • Applications from International Students Welcome