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NRC Logo

Course Code
PFFN02078
Level
Level 3
Course Type
Further Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
2 Years
Start & End
1 September 2025 - 4 June 2027
Location
Newtownabbey
Interview Required?
Yes

This course is Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice.  The main aim is to develop students creatively and entrepreneurially to the point where they can either enter the Animation employment market directly or apply to a specialist university course.

Professional animators and media workers lecturing on the course, with specialist software and good industrial links.

There are NO examinations. All assessment is completed through coursework.

Animation is a rapidly-expanding sector in Ireland North and South, with companies selling home-grown programmes all over the world in TV, Film and Games.

We are offering students an exciting new course, where they will specialise in Story development, 2D and 3D Animation Production, Character Creation, 3D Modelling, Illustration and Digital Graphics, Visual Effects and Stop Motion animation.

Students will have excellent opportunities working on industry projects during their time on the course, getting their work recognised in animation film festivals, whilst gaining confidence in networking and promoting their skills to progress onto University or industry on completion.

Could you create the next Adventure Time, Big Hero 6 or The Nightmare Before Christmas?

Students will have the opportunity to study:

  • Character and Environment Design
  • How to create stories for animation
  • 2D animation
  • 3D modelling and animation
  • Concept art and storyboarding
  • Set design and character puppet building
  • Stop motion animation
  • How to research, produce and pitch ideas

Students will be able to explore the local employment market when they achieve this qualification, and / or progress to university in Northern Ireland or beyond.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1 July in the year of proposed entry to the course and should have at least 4 GCSE's at Grade C or above or other relevant qualifications.

Course Fees

This course is free of charge.

Further Education (Level 1-3) full-time courses including Apprenticeships have no course fees for most students:

Level 3 Further Education (full-time)

There are no tuition fees for Level 1 - 3 full-time students aged between 16 and 18.

If you are aged 19-24 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, fees will apply. Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

If you are aged 25 or older, fees will apply unless in receipt of a FE grant. (If you are aged 25 or older, admission to a full-time Further Education course will be considered on an individual basis at the College's discretion).

Level 3 Access Courses (full-time)

If you are in receipt of a FE grant, no fees apply.

If you are aged 19 or older and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (3 A Level equivalent), fees will apply.

Details of fees are available from any campus reception.

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