Design & Creative Media @ LYIT

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
What will I study?

In semester 1, students are taught planning, research and traditional scuplting which underpins their studies in digital modelling, sculpting and environment design.

The second semester adds Rigging and Animation skills and students are provided with opportunities to get industrial work experience. The semester's work concludes with a major project and exhibition.

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
What will I study? Semester 1

Concept Art for 3d
Students are taught the importance of planning and research as well as key techniques for concepting for 3d. Traditional art is covered here, as is traditional sculpting using polymer clays. Digital painting and the use of concepts in 3d production are also some of the of the key components.

3d Modelling and Sculpting
In this module the student is introduced to key industry tools for digital modelling and sculpting. Key areas of study are topology, mesh density and polygonal modelling. Projects include hard edged modelling and organic modelling to ensure a range of ability and knowledge for use across character, environment and object based modelling.

Texturing and Rendering
Techniques and technologies for texturing and rendering is the focus of this module. Hand made textures, photographic textures and procedural textures are introduced to the student. Different rendering platforms both realtime and offline are also introduced with projects based around technology including games engines, digital compositing and augmented reality platforms.

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
What will I study? Semester 2

Rigging and Animation
This module covers the basics of rigging and animation using 3d software. Simple rigs for mechanical based simulation as well as character based IK/FK rigs are embedded in projects in this module. The students are also introduced to the key rules of animation.

Work Based Learning
Embedded in the course is the opportunity to work in the industry or work within the college on short group based projects. The student can take up to a day each week throughout the semester or take a block of 2 weeks to achieve this. In the past games companies, architectural companies, illustration projects and animation companies have all taken on students for work experience and the feedback has been excellent

Final Project
The final project is completely student driven and runs for the entire second semester. These are generally solo projects and the students are encouraged to develop their project around industries or key areas of interest that they may want to work in when the course is complete.

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
Career Opportunities

Career prospects for graduates skilled in 3D design and production are currently strong. There is a need for 3D designers in the gaming, film, animation, advertising and architectural industries to name but a few. The employability of quality 3d content creators is growing every day and as new platforms such as Augmented Reality and VR increase in popularity, so too will the content needed to keep it fresh.

Typical careers

Animation Production
Multimedia, Augmented Reality (AR) and Viruual Reality (VR)
Production and Post-production houses for Animation, Film and Television
Game character and environment design
Architectural modelling
Freelance independent work.

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
Graduate Testimonials

Katie Hughes
Higher diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation 2017
Current: CGi Artist at Urban 3d
I had been working part-time when I saw this course and what attracted me originally to this programme was the 3D Modelling element of the programme. I had previously studied 3D Modelling at undergraduate level and I felt that this would benefit me. Before applying to the course, I had applied for many jobs in this industry, mainly in Belfast and Dublin, but with little success. The work placement element of this programme really appealed to me and I thought I’d give it go.

I was very fortunate that one of my former lecturers in UU, Mark Cullen, was now lecturing on this programme, and his encouragement further spurred me along the way. The students in my class were fantastic; so many of them had virtually no experience in 3D Modelling, but the course delivery made it easy to comprehend, and this meant that everyone grew their strengths in this area along the way.

I personally gained in confidence, I found myself refining my techniques, and when I entered my work placement with Urban 3D Design in Derry, I went from strength to strength. Urban 3D Design agency specialises in 3D visualisation, architectural and graphic design. Following completion of my studies I secured permanent employment with Urban 3D and I couldn’t be happier. If I had to start over, I’d do it all again.

Gemma Burke
Higher diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation2017
Current: Graphic Designer/Animator at Meta Compliance
The first thing that attracted me to this was that it was the only creative course available on springboard for 2016/2017 but after reading up about the course the aspect of 3D intrigued me and it was something out of my comfort zone. I'd already done 4 years at LYIT prior to this programme so I knew LYIT pretty well at this point. There's not a bad word I can say about the place or the programme.

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone with any interest in 3D animation, if you don't to know much about the technical side you'll learn that along the way but if the interest is there it will add something to your experience.

This programme got the job I have now. My experience with 3D even though it was only a year's worth seemed to impress my now current employer. The work I'm doing at the moment is mainly 2D animation but the skills I learned from animating 3D characters apply to 2D. But when a 3D project comes around I have enough knowledge to know what I'm doing and I'm still learning new techniques as I go.

Ailish Haughey
Higher diploma in 3D Modelling and Animation2017
Current Position: Freelance Digital Design Generalist
I wanted to gain skills and learn more about 3d Modelling and the animation process. I had done one module in it in a previous course and wanted to explore it further.

The experience was brilliant. The course was intensive and there was ample support from the two tutors, Mark Cullen and Joshua McNutt. We had our own room, which enabled us to come in, outside of class time and work on our projects. There was also online support at all times, and excellent resources such as detailed notes and video tutorials by the tutors.

I would recommend this course if someone has an interest in 3d modelling and animation, games or even VR and AR technologies. If you have a flare for creativity or a knack for illustration and some experience with software such as Photoshop and Premiere, I would highly recommend this course. Having completed this course I have project work for my portfolio and a qualification that has opened up 3d Animation as an industry in which I can seek work. It has also given me an advantage in the graphic design area with ability to produce 3d graphics, and models of products etc.

During the year my work experience let me work with a guitar manufacturing company to produce augmented reality models of their products for example. This edge is enabling me to set up as a freelance designer and secure both private and contract work.

HDip in 3D Modelling and Animation:
How do I apply?

Entry to the course is by direct entry.
Click here to download the direct entry application form.
(Applicants may be called for interview or portfolio assessment based on experience and application).
Closing date for applications is 1^st of June.