Advanced Diploma in Animation

Course details

This programme provides an in-depth education in multimedia, software skills and project expertise required in the Animation industry. By using 2D, 3D and emulative tools and the latest software, students will be able to create high quality movies and consider critical business elements in their video design and development projects. Our industry driven modules would also give them a competitive edge over other animators. Our graduates will be animation design and production professionals who are able to create innovative and market–driven videos for the new-media economy.

Course Outline

• ADA2011 – Life Drawing: This subject offer students the opportunity to develop their skills of observation and drawing by introducing them to the study of human. They will examine the construction of the human body, in order to understand the topology of the human form. This module will also equip them with a good understanding of the human proportion. Students can apply this knowledge in 3D modeling and key poses for animation.
• ADA2012 – Animation Cycles: This subject introduces students to generic walk cycle, and walk cycle with personality. They will learn how to create the animation cycles with a 3D character in Maya, and apply the principles of animation to make the animation cycles look interesting and believable.
• ADA2013 – Environment Look Development: This module focuses on to creating believable form and texture for 3D environments. The course covers advanced topics in set creation, modeling, texturing and lighting with an emphasis on reference-based structures as applied to predetermined content requirements.
• ADA2014 – Advanced Rigging: This subject continues with a focus on moving beyond simple characters to more realistic detailed rigs. Topics including control of clothing, muscular deformation systems. Through the use of advanced tools, rigs incorporating advanced facial controls, surfaces that dynamically react to both external/environmental and muscular forces will be reviewed and discussed.
• ADA2015 – Body Mechanics: This subject introduces students to body mechanics. They will learn how to animate a 3D character doing complex action sequences such as running, jumping and climbing over obstacles
• ADA2016 – Character Animation Studio I: This module explores the background of naturalistic character movement and advancing key-frame animation techniques Students will learn how to add personality and life to their creations. Topics also covered include subtle character gesture and advanced action timing with emphasis on observation.
• ADA2017 – Character Animation Studio II: This module covers the fundamentals of quadruped animation. Using Pre-built rigs students produce a series of naturalistic animal motion exercises. Students will also learn how to animate facial expressions and eye movements to produce dynamic character performances.
• ADA2018 – Portfolio Development: This Module begins with a review of portfolio worthy projects produced in other modules and will be taught the process of creating an effective demo reel. Interviewing and presentation techniques will be introduced, along with strategies for developing an effective résumé, cover letter, and self-promotional campaign.
• ADA202 – Specialization in 3D Modeling
• ADA2021 – Life Drawing: This subject offer students the opportunity to develop their skills of observation and drawing by introducing them to the study of human anatomy. They will examine the construction of the human body, in order to understand the topology of the human form. This module will also equip them with a good understanding of the human proportion. Students can apply this knowledge in 3D modeling and key poses for animation.
• ADA2022 – Hard Surface and Organic Modeling: This course covers advanced modeling/Texturing techniques used for building organic objects and Hard Surfaces. Techniques include complex curves & surfaces. The students are exposed to technical workflow in creating a Hi and low poly model for CG Production.
• ADA2023 – Environment Look Development: This module focuses on to creating believable form and texture for 3D environments. The course covers advanced topics in set creation, modeling, texturing and lighting with an emphasis on reference-based structures as applied to predetermined content requirements.
• ADA2024 – Character Modeling: In this module, Students learn how to produce a stylized and realistic 3D character. This module assumes knowledge of the fundamentals of 3D modeling, shading, texturing and lighting in Maya. Students will also learn about all the stages of character production, from taking a reference and building into a character model.
• ADA2025 – Digital Sculpting: This subject introduces students to detailed application of the skills required to create realistic 3D human and creature models. Student will be introduced to Zbrush, and learn techniques for digital sculpting.
• ADA2026 – Portfolio Development: This Module begins with a review of portfolio worthy projects produced in other modules and will be taught the process of creating an effective demo reel. Interviewing and presentation techniques will be introduced, along with strategies for developing an effective résumé, cover letter, and self-promotional campaign.
• ADA203 – Specialization in Visual Effects
• ADA2031 – Visual effects theory and practices: This module introduces students to the history and development of visual effects through lectures, readings and screenings of important work. Students examine the various ways in which artistic and technological tools have been used to create convincing visual effects for film, television and games. Other concepts, such as shot definition, framing and timing, are addressed.
• ADA2032- Matte Painting: This subject teaches students how to digitally paint and manipulate existing photographs, to create a landscape or environment that can be used as a matt painting.
• ADA2033 – Environment Look Development: This module focuses on to creating believable form and texture for 3D environments. The course covers advanced topics in set creation, modeling, texturing and lighting with an emphasis on reference-based structures as applied to predetermined content requirements.
• ADA2034 – Particles Effects and Dynamics: This module focuses on 3D effects animation pertaining to VFX. The course will expose the students with all aspects of digital effects animation, including particles, dynamics, and uids. They will learn to make use of the effects animation in Maya as well as compositing software to create the final look.
• ADA2035 – Principles of Motion Graphics: This module introduces the theories, techniques, and practices of motion graphics, students will also deal with the process of integrating images from multiple sources into a single, seamless imagery. This module also explores Matte creation and keying Green and Blue screen.
• ADA2036– Digital Compositing: This course introduces high-end digital multi-layering. Techniques and aesthetic issues are explored to produce time-based imagery. Students acquire and integrate aesthetically driven live-action imagery into broadcast or visual effects projects utilizing a wide range of media formats.
• ADA2037 – Lighting for Visual Effects: This subject introduces students to lighting for visual effects. They will learn how to light a 3D model to match the lighting of a live-action footage.
• ADA2038 – Matchmoving: This module introduces students to 3D tracking over live-action footage. Students will learn how to use software to track the movement of the camera in a video, and then composite a 3D model to match the movement of the camera.
• ADA2039 – Portfolio Development: This Module begins with a review of portfolio worthy projects produced in other modules and will be taught the process of creating an effective demo reel. Interviewing and presentation techniques will be introduced, along with strategies for developing an effective résumé, cover letter, and self-promotional campaign.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a passion for creation, a love for media and entertainment, and willingness to strive for good results.

Academic Quaifications:

• GCE ‘A’ Level Pass or
• Students who have passed 12 years of education (Senior High School level) with an average score of 65% for all subjects, and proof of passing in English or
• Student who have graduated from MAGES, Diploma in Animation or
• Students who have other qualifications similar to MAGES, Diploma in Animation. (MAGES may require these students to study some modules from the MAGES Diploma before gaining entry into Advanced Diploma) or
• Diploma (Animation related study) or
• Higher NITEC (Animation related study)

English Proficiency:

• GCE ‘O’ Level English grade D7 required for IT and Gaming programmes related courses or
• Other programmes require a minimum of C6 English grade or
• For all students who have not studied English up to senior high level would need to have completed IELTS 5.5

If student does not meet any of the above English Requirements, then the following apply:

• Other equivalent qualifications where the medium of instruction is English or
• Student may attend additional English classes and pass at the equivalent of Upper Intermediate Level or
• Pass interview with the Academic Director and assessment by the Academic Board on a case by case basis