The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

This is a portfolio preparation and general art course for students who wish to gain entry to a third level art college in Ireland or abroad.

The emphasis will be placed on the preparation of a balanced portfolio as well as developing skills in the art, craft and design areas.

The portfolio, showing the student’s individual sense of design and pattern, can use a wide variety of the modules covered on the course as well as the student’s own interpretation of colour and design.

Depending on the combination of modules a student can achieve a qualification in Fine Art or Design/2D. This course had 100% progression in 2021 and 2022.

This course had 100% progression in both 2021 and 2022.

Graduates may pursue an art diploma or degree in NCAD, TUD, IADT, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick and Athlone, South East Technological University Carlow, Atlantic Technological University Sligo and Galway/ Mayo, Munster Technological University Cork, UCC, Dun Laoghaire, Marino Institute of Education, Marino College, Ulster University.

They can also access level 7 courses in other areas in many of the Technological Universities around the country. Alternatively, a graduate may seek immediate employment in a range of art, design, craft or community arts type projects. Many students progress to QQI Level 6 or Higher National Diploma and degree programmes in Graphic Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design and so on.

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

• Animation Layout Design
• Design Skills
• Animation Drawing Studies
• Animation
• Painting
• Drawing
• Sculpture
• Communications
• Figure Studies
• Work Experience

Students who wish to learn the fundamentals of creation for 2D animated productions, will enjoy the practical and creative elements of this course.

Students will gain skills around character design, animation and creative development through specialist software. Focusing on both drawing and computer skills, students will understand what is required to develop a complete and successful portfolio.

Graduates of the Art QQI Award can progress to the Higher National Diploma in Animation at Dunboyne College.
Many degree courses are also available to progress to, including; Animation, Art, Film and Television, Graphic Design, Illustration and Production. These can be accessed at several universities and technological universities or private college such as TUD, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone and Limerick, Munster Technological University, Tralee, Atlantic Technological University, Letterkenny, IADT, NCAD, DCU, Maynooth University and Ulster University.

There are several courses at QQI Level 6 or HND that students can access. Many graduates seek direct employment within the sector.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHER NATIONALS IN ANIMATION?

From Cartoon Saloon to Brown Bag Films, from Boulder Media to Giant Animation, Irish studios have made Ireland a go-to destination for animation on an international stage. Irish animators not only boast box-office success, but also multiple nominations and wins at the Academy Awards.

According to Screen Ireland, the animation sector has nearly quadrupled in size in the past decade and accounts for a significant proportion of the €500 million spent in the Irish screen industry in 2021.

If there is one thing that is certain, this sector is calling for new home-grown talent to help support Irelands continuing success on the global stage.

This qualification has been designed for the Irish and global animation sector.

Through guest lectures and masterclasses, you will have a unique opportunity to learn from the leading Irish animation studios that have produced award-winning TV shows, films, games and visual effects for millions of viewers worldwide. You will gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques, work on real projects with industry mentors, and network with the best talent in the Irish animation sector.

Whether you want to create your own stories, characters and worlds, or work on existing franchises and properties, this course will prepare you for a successful career in animation.

WHY STUDY HIGHER NATIONALS IN ANIMATION AT DCFE?

The Higher National in the Animation Industry is designed to help you

These qualifications will help you to:

• Gain the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to excel in the international animation environment, whether you want to work for an established studio or start your own business.
• Develop your critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills and learn how to work effectively across different animation functions and manage change and complexity.
• Acquire the core skills required for a range of animation careers, such as, management, operations, production and design.
• Balance your employability skills with the academic knowledge that will enable you to pursue further studies or entrepreneurial ventures in animation.
• Understand the impact of new digital technologies on the animation industry and how to leverage them for innovation and competitive advantage.
• Gain insight into the global animation market and the opportunities and challenges it presents, as well as, the cultural diversity and values of different animation organisations and audiences.
• Choose from various flexible study options that suit your local and specialist needs and interests.

COURSE CONTENT YEAR 1 DESCRIPTION

In the first year of our course, you will learn the principles of 2D animation, such as, timing, spacing, squash and stretch, anticipation and exaggeration. You will practice character animation, using both digital and traditional tools and develop your own style and personality. You will also improve your drawing skills, with a focus on life drawing for animation and learn how to use anatomy, gesture and expression to convey emotion and movement.

You will also learn how to design and model your own characters and environments for animation, using industry standard software. You will learn how to create layouts and storyboards that communicate your vision and narrative effectively. You will also learn how to write scripts for animation, using dialogue, action and structure to craft compelling stories. Finally, you will learn about the history and styles of animation, from the pioneers of the medium to the current industry leaders and discover how animation has evolved over time and across cultures.

By the end of the first year of our course, you will have a solid foundation in 2D animation, a portfolio of your own work and a passion for the art form. You will be ready to take on more advanced modules in the second year of our course, where you will explore 3D animation, visual effects, game design and more.

YEAR 1 MODULES

The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:

• Principles of 2D Animation

• Character Animation

• Life Drawing for Animation

• Design and Modelling for Animation

• Layout and Storyboarding

• Script Writing for Animation

• History and Styles of Animation

  ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  At least one of the following:

  • Leaving Certificate or Leaving Certificate Applied or;

  • QQI level 5 major award;

  • Mature Students or;

  • Other equivalent qualifications Additional entry requirements may apply.

    All applicants will be interviewed regardless of previous qualifications.

YEAR 2 DESCRIPTION

In the second year of our course, you will build on the foundation you acquired in the first year and learn advanced skills and techniques in 2D and 3D animation. You will enhance your character animation skills, using industry standard software and learn how to create realistic and expressive movements and emotions. You will also improve your life drawing skills, with a focus on anatomy, perspective and composition and learn how to apply them to your animation work.

You will also learn how to create advanced 2D and 3D models for animation. You will learn how to create detailed and realistic textures, lighting and shading for your models. You will also learn how to create advanced layouts and designs for animation. You will learn how to edit, composite and render your animation projects.

You will also gain production practice in animation, working on group projects that simulate real-world scenarios. You will learn how to plan, manage and execute your animation projects, from pre-production to post- production. You will also learn how to pitch, present

and market your animation work. Finally, you will learn how to develop your own concept design for animation using industry-standard software. You will learn how to generate ideas, research and develop your own style and vision for animation.

By the end of the second year of our course, you will have advanced skills in 2D and 3D animation, a portfolio of professional-quality work and a creative identity as an animator. You will be ready to take on more challenging modules in the third year of our course, where you will specialise in your chosen area of animation.

YEAR 2 MODULES

• The following modules will be offered subject to availability or demand and are subject to change:

• Advanced character Animation

• Advanced Life Drawing for Animation

• Advanced 2D and 3D Modelling for Animation

• Advanced Layout and Design

• Production Practice

• Concept Design for Animation

• Storyboarding and Editing for Animation

  CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  The Higher National Diploma’s more extensive coursework and advanced skillset make its graduates more competitive in the job market and better prepared for various creative media roles. The two-year duration and deep focus of the Higher National Diploma at DCFE often leads to stronger connections with industry professionals and organisations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and a better understanding of the media production landscape.

  In addition, students will build an extensive portfolio
  of work to secure employment. Such is the practical nature of our course, it can lead directly to a range of
  job opportunities in the animation and creative media industry. Possible career paths include animator, script writer, technical artist, art director, layout artist and media engineer.

CERTIFICATION

• YEAR 1: Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in The Animation Industry

• YEAR 2: Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in The Animation Industry

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

This one-year course aims to offer students an introduction to the world of graphic design and digital media, which is one of the fastest growing areas in the industry.
Graphic design is a means of communication, as well as, self-expression. It is about communicating visually in order to inform, educate, entertain or persuade.

Project work allows students to combine these essential skills with professional standard multimedia to explore logo design, concept development, image and much more.

This course will provide the introduction to careers in the graphic design and digital media industry but will also provide an important stepping-stone to third level courses leading to exciting careers in the computer design area.

Future Opportunities

There are many opportunities for employment
in areas like graphic designer, illustrator, visual merchandiser, freelance designer or web designer.

There is now a large number of places in computer courses in universities and in many technological universities
for students who hold a QQI qualification in Graphic Design. There are also places in DCU, TUD, Dublin, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, South East Technological University, Carlow, Dundalk Institute

of Technology, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo and Letterkenny, Munster Technological University and Dun Laoghaire IADT.

There are many opportunities for employment in areas like graphic designer, illustrator, visual merchandiser, freelance designer, web designer and so on. There are also many further study opportunities in QQI Level 6 or HND courses.

The following modules are subject to change due to availability and demand:

•  Architectural Drawing
• Computer Aided Draughting (2D)
• Design Skills
• Safety and Health at Work
• Mathematics
• Combined Materials
• Drawing
• Communications
• Work Experience

This one-year course is designed to provide students with the valuable skills needed to work in the architecture
and design sectors or to progress to third level options. Students will gain a firm foundation in Computer Aided Design (CAD), which is used to create graphics and make calculations needed in the production of drawings, three- dimensional simulations, models and other design work.

Students will be given the opportunity to prepare a portfolio in architecture or architectural technology to further aid their progression. Students will gain skills in the areas of building design and sustainability.

Future Opportunities

Graduates of this course can progress onto the Post Primary Teacher – Technology, Graphics and Engineering Level 8 degree in DCU.

Graduates may pursue degree courses such as Architectural Technology or Architecture at TUD South East Technological University, Waterford and Carlow, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo and Galway Mayo, Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick.

Graduates may also progress onto many other degrees at level 7 and level 8 in universities and technological universities or private colleges around the country, along with, progression options to the UK.

Alternatively, students may progress directly into employment.