Digital Arts Top-up

Why study with us?

This course allows you the time to explore and develop your skills and practices while producing a major project. Taking such a project from the initial development idea to production will give you confidence in your own ability and a range of skills, difficult to replicate outside industry.

In particular, you will focus on an area of study to produce a project over the year. A core adviser will support your area of study which can include: web design, 3D modelling, 2D/3D animation, concept art, digital art, design, motion graphics, digital video and interactive installations.

The teaching staff are passionate about the work they do and the subjects they teach. We also care about the students on the course. As a result this gives you an environment to work in that is friendly and supportive but at the same time will challenge you to push your work to the next level.

What can this course lead to?

Our graduates have gone on to work for leading companies. Peter Roe now works for Pixar and is currently working on The Bear. Ian Wharton is a creative partner in Zolmo who developed the Jamie Oliver Cooking Application for the iPhone. Michael Malinowski works for Lionhead Studios and Uisdean Ross is at TT Games.

Some have gone on to win major awards including eight regional and national Royal Television Society Awards. Some were part of the teams that made video games including Fable III, Killzone 2, and Crackdown 2.

Resources and facilities

During your studies you have access to the latest industry software and hardware, giving you a technical advantage when entering the workplace. Students have access to software which includes 3ds Max, Maya, XSI and Zbrush.

Students have primary access to three computer labs to work on your projects and attend classes. These are all equipped with the relevant hardware to enable them to produce high quality work in a timely manner .

Students also have access to other dedicated resources including Waccom Tablets, Nikon D80s, HD Video cameras and all current major video game consoles.

Student work 'The Pied Piper', Jessica Lucas

Videos of our students work are available here.

Entry requirements Successful completion of a related foundation degree or HND.

Applicants from courses based at institutions other than University of Cumbria will be assessed on their suitability depending upon the modules they have studied.

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 240 credits UCAS code: W281 Selection criteria

Potential students are asked for interview and to bring a portfolio of work. This should include example of current work done during your current course, whether this be a FdA or if you are transferring from a BA to do our final year.

The actual interview is quite informal. You'll be asked a few questions to help us get to know you and your portfolio reviewed. You will also have to give an indication of what area of specialisation you are interested in studying. You'll also have the opportunity to ask us questions, view student work and tour our welcoming campus. Feel free to bring family and friends, they are welcome. Additional contact information

Maxwell Robertson
Senior Lecturer/ Programme Leader

Tel: 01228 400354
Email: maxwell.robertson@cumbria.ac.uk

UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Modules

Students can specialise in any of the following areas of study: 3D Modelling; Advanced Web Design; Animation; Digital Video; Games Level Design; Immersive Installations; Interactive Multimedia Design; Motion Graphics; Lighting and Texturing; Rigging; Visual Effects; or Web Based Media.

Note: Your choice of options might be limited depending on previous qualifications or experience.

For detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course (PDF).

Course summary

This top-up course enables you to focus on an area of study and produce a project of your choice over the course of the year. You are supported by a core adviser who meets with you regularly. Areas of study can include web design, 3D modelling, 2D/3D animation, concept art, digital art, design, motion graphics, digital video and interactive installations.

This project is only one of the core modules covered. Other core modules allow for study in other fields such as visualisation, theory and personal development, all backed up with technical support and tuition. You also have the option to collaborate with other students on the course or with students from other departments, in media, performance or music.

Case studies

I'm now working as a Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios in San Francisco.

I've wanted to work at Pixar since I was 15 and actually getting to work alongside all the big-names here like John Lasseter, Ed Catmul, Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton and Brad Bird is pretty surreal!
Peter Roe, Games Design