UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
UCLan
2. Teaching Institution and
Location of Delivery
SSR Manchester, SSR London
3. University School/Centre
School of Film, Media and Performance
4. External Accreditation
N/A
5. Title of Final Award
FdSc Digital Video and Animation
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full time and Part time
7. UCAS Code
W615
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
The QAA benchmark statement for Communication, Media,
Film and Cultural Studies is a key reference point.
9. Other external influences
Industry Practitioners
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
July 2013
11. Aims of the Programme
To provide a broad critical, analytical and contextual understanding that will equip the graduate
with knowledge and practical skills that can be directly transferred into the workplace.
 To develop intellectual capabilities of research, problem-solving, evaluation, independent thinking
and synthesis, as well as creative abilities and personal development.
 To provide current industry-specific training, incorporating industry-recognised guest lectures and
field trips.
 To prepare students for employment, as well as further study, through the development of a range
of practical competencies relevant to the Video, Film and Animation industry, as well as academic
skills, industry software accreditations, and transferable knowledge and skills, while providing
opportunities for work placement as an integral part of the programme to gain first-hand relevant
industry experience.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.
Knowledge and Understanding
A1.
A2.
A3.
A4.
A5.
Describe the process of production and the roles of key production personnel
Identify and apply relevant industry standards for audio/video capture to practical work
Describe the roles and responsibilities of production and directorial personnel
Select and explain 2D and 3D visual effects and colour grading
Identify and discuss roles and responsibilities, and production values within the film/animation
industry
A6. Demonstrate an understanding of rendering and rendered elements
A7. Document the process of problem solving based on experimentation
A8. Interpret a brief or script and produce work that is an appropriate creative response in a chosen
specialist area
B. Subject-specific skills
B1. Demonstrate technical competency in capturing moving images
B2. Utilise relevant parameters of audio/video equipment and formats
B3. Devise a short script
B4. Plan and develop a programme from a given script
B5. Execute a range of agreed production development tasks
B6. Originate, capture and manipulate images for inclusion within a composited sequence
B7. Utilise industry standard compositing software at a basic level
B8. Create a basic animatic
B9. Utilise effectively industry standard editing software
B10. Apply effective camera and lighting skills in a virtual 3D environment
B11. Capture video and sound with reference to composition, lighting and relevant emotional content
B12. Demonstrate effective technical skills in a specialist production area
B13. Utilise industry standard 3D software for animation
B14. Apply effective animation principles in 3D modelling and motion graphics
B15. Apply effective compositing techniques for animated 3D artefacts
B16. Operate industry standard hardware and software to professional standards
B17. Employ effective editing techniques to complement the scene and storyline
C. Thinking Skills
C1.
C2.
C3.
C4.
C5.
Evaluate personal performance
Analyse and appraise industry techniques and personal performance in practical tasks
Appraise relevant concepts and ideas obtained from a variety of sources
Assess personal skills and develop short/medium and long term aims for self-management
Research techniques, concepts and aesthetics employed in a range of historical and
contemporary examples, and draw on them to inform your own production work
C6. Analyse and evaluate group task and personal performance within the group
C7. Critically evaluate working processes, the effect of final product and the strengths of individual
technical ability
C8. Resolve technical and creative issues in lighting and camera work
C9. Analyse and evaluate lighting styles and techniques in contemporary production
C10. Analyse and evaluate personal development needs
D.
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1.
D2.
Employ effective research strategies to inform design outcome
Propose areas of personal development with relation to specific roles and responsibilities in the
industry
D3. Apply appropriate research techniques and employ academic conventions
D4. Present information effectively using ICT
D5. Work effectively and collaboratively in a professional manner
D6. Manage and administrate work with reference to industry standards
D7. Apply negotiating skills to resolve technical, creative and personal issues
D8. Apply professional values to all aspects of the production process and presentation
D9. Undertake a period of appropriate work placement and evaluate personal performance
D10. Propose and appraise a negotiated management or business issue and offer recommendations
for improvement
D11. Discuss and appraise current business practices
Teaching and Learning Methods
A blended learning approach is used – this comprises practical/theory workshops and lessons and
online learning, with the majority of sessions being practical face-to-face sessions.
Lessons will be delivered in both classroom and studio environments, using a variety of strategies
including lectures, software demonstrations, group discussion, peer review, studio practical sessions
and workshops. Students will be required to spend some time in independent practical study in the
studio and in research. Formative feedback will occur regularly throughout in assignment workshops
and both group and individual tutorial sessions.
There is a strong element of work-based learning and personal development, and students will be
expected to make a contribution to the place of work, which might include a project to improve
creative output or productivity.
Assessment methods
Assessment items are designated as: practical, presentation, and coursework. The work presented
for assessment is varied and could include:
• reflective activities where experiences are analysed and evaluated
• oral and written reports;
• journals and log books;
• presentations;
• portfolios of evidence.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Module
Module Title
Code
Level PE2507
Advanced Production Skills
5
PE2508
Animation Skills
PE2509
Production Project
PE2510
Digital Cinematography
RP2205
Work Based Learning
Level PE1510
Science of Audio and Video
4
RP1202
Study Skills & Professional Dev.
PE1511
Story to Screen
PE1512
Introduction to Animation
PE1513
Media Production
PE1514
Industry Studies
15. Personal Development Planning
14. Awards and Credits*
Credit
rating
20
20
20
20
40
20
20
20
20
20
20
Foundation Degree
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 5 and
120 at Level 4 or above
Foundation Certificate
Requires 120 credits at Level 4 or
above
Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key aspect of all courses at SSR. PDP is integrated within
all modules and across the totality of study. PDP, through the creation of a personal document
referred to as a Progress File, helps to define and focus educational and professional aims and goals;
it will assist the student in considering how to engage with the learning opportunities the course offers
to achieve personal career and professional objectives.
This course consists of modules with fixed syllabi that together enable students to gain the knowledge
and develop the skills essential to be a successful practitioner. However the course is designed to
allow students to choose or negotiate many aspects of their learning, particularly at Level 5, in ways
which are appropriate to their abilities, learning preferences and vocational intentions. This is referred
to as a student-centred learning approach. When coupled with the self-monitoring and evaluation of
PDP, study shifts from a tutor-led/teaching activity to a personally-defined learning experience. This is
close to the way many professionals operate and the terms ‘reflective practitioners’ or ‘thinking artist’
describe the kind of graduate we expect students to become.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have
been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for
the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
UK Applicants:
Except in exceptional circumstances, UK applicants must attend an interview. Once your application
has been processed you will be sent a letter stating the date you that you are required to attend, and
what will be required of you.
If it is not possible for you to attend on the date proposed, please contact us to rearrange a date or
agree alternative arrangements.
All successful candidates must have achieved the following:
 A minimum of 240 UCAS tariff points at A2 or equivalent
 Grade C in GCSE Maths and English or an equivalent; UK equivalents include key skills level 3
or functional skills level 2
European Applicants:
European applicants may not be able to attend an interview in the UK. Once your application has
been processed, you should submit an e-portfolio, CD or DVD of your recent work; this will be
followed by a telephone interview.
17. Key sources of information about the programme

www.uclan.ac.uk

http://manchester.s-s-r.com

http://london.s-s-r.com

UCAS/Trottman guides
Level
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Core (C),
Compulsory
Module
Code
Module Title
(COMP)
or Option
Knowledge and
understanding
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5
LEVEL 5
PE2507
PE2508
PE2509
PE2510
RP2205
LEVEL 4
PE1510
RP1202
PE1511
PE1512
PE1513
PE1514
COMP
COMP
Animation Skills
COMP
Production Project
COMP
Digital Cinematography
COMP
Work Based Learning
COMP
Science of Audio and Video
Study Skills & Professional Dev. COMP
COMP
Story to Screen
COMP
Introduction to Animation
COMP
Media Production
COMP
Industry Studies
Subject-specific Skills
A6 A7 A8 B1 B2
B
B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 B17
9
x
Advanced Production Skills
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
LEVEL 5
PE2508
PE2509
PE2510
RP2205
LEVEL 4
PE1510
RP1202
PE1511
PE1512
PE1513
PE1514
Note:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
C1
COMP
COMP
Animation Skills
COMP
Production Project
COMP
Digital Cinematography
COMP
Work Based Learning
COMP
Science of Audio and Video
Study Skills & Professional Dev. COMP
COMP
Story to Screen
COMP
Introduction to Animation
COMP
Media Production
COMP
Industry Studies
x
x
Other skills relevant to employability and
personal development
Thinking Skills
PE2507
x
C2
C3
C4
Advanced Production Skills
C5
C6
x
x
C7
C8
C9 C10 D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
D9 D10 D11
x
Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks
x
x
x