3D Computer Animation HND

Course overview

This stimulating studio-based HND allows students to embark on a thrilling journey to build a strong foundation to launch an exciting career in 3D Animation.

Our first-year curriculum focuses on elevating your 2D drawing skills, providing you with the artistic prowess needed to bring your ideas to life. Diving into a world of creativity enables you to master the essential techniques for animation success. Suitable for budding storytellers with a keen eye for composition the course is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of crafting compelling narratives, ensuring that your animations resonate with audiences on a profound level.

Explore the core principles of animation through hands-on exercises in 2D, timing and spacing to squash and stretch, you'll acquire the fundamental skills that serve as the bedrock for all your future animation endeavours. Students regularly engage with Scotland's vibrant animation community with a visit to Move Summit to connect with professionals, attend workshops, and soak in the creativity that defines Scotland's animation scene.

In the second year, we elevate your skills to new heights with a focus on 3D animation modelling and rigging in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya. Visual effects take centre stage with hands-on experience in After Effects, Davinci, Embergen Blender, and ZBrush. You will use Unreal Engine 5 to seamlessly integrate your work, allowing for fast real-time rendering that mirrors industry standards.  Students work on individual and group projects to replicate and prepare for further study and employment and the course encourages and supports your creative endeavours, fostering a culture of innovation and individual expression.

Our 3D Computer Animation students are very successful and receive advanced entry offers on to prestigious degree-level programmes across the UK and become successful 3D Animators. 

What you will learn

• Working within a Project Team
• Developmental Drawing
• 3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Intermediate
• 3D Computer Modelling and Animation: An Introduction
• 3D Animation: Drawing Skills
• 3D Animation: Environmental Modelling
• 3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Intermediate
• 3D Animation: Lighting
• Creative Industries: An Introduction
• Life Drawing
• 3D Computer Animation: Surface Texturing and Shading
• 3D Animation: Special Effects
• 3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Advanced
• 3D Computer Animation: Graded Unit 2
• 3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Advanced
• Editing: An Introduction
• Compositing and Motion Graphics
• Digital Imaging: Bitmap Techniques
• Creating a Showreel and Portfolio

How the course is assessed

• This a practical studio-based course where your work is assessed by portfolio submission throughout the year.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• Year one: Minimum of two Highers or UAL Level 2/3 or Foundation Diploma or SQA NC at SCQF Level 6.
• Year two: Pass all 15 credits available at HNC Level.
• You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your advanced art and design skills and an understanding of the creative process.
• Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.

Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.

For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses.

Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

The HND 3D Computer Animation course at Edinburgh College has a strong reputation for progressing students onto Degree programmes across the UK with advanced entry.

Recognised entry to second and third-year Scottish Degrees dependant on each institution’s specific entry requirements, for example:

• Animation BDes (Hons) DJCAD
• Animation BA (Hons) ECA Second-year entry
• 3D Modelling BSc (Hons) GSA
• Animation for Games BSc (Hons) Edinburgh Napier
• Computer Arts BA (Hons) Abertay
• Interactive Media BSc (Hons) UHI third year entry
• Recognised second or third-year entry to the Rest of the U.K 3 year Degrees dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements

Career options

• Computer games animation
• 3D Animation
• Visual effects
• CGI