HNC/HND 3D Computer Animation

The HNC and HND in 3D Computer Animation provide candidates with fundamental animation skills, knowledge and experience.

Once technical skills have been mastered, candidates cover advanced topics, such as storytelling and auteurship.

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This subject will not have alternative assessment guidance for session 2023-24. You should refer to the Group Award/Unit specifications for detailed delivery and assessment information. For general support on delivery and assessment see the HNVQ assessment guidance 2023-24.

Entry

Access to this group award will be at the discretion of the centre, depending on your qualifications. Normally, one or more of the following would be desirable:

  • two Higher Grades (SCQF Level 6) at a minimum grade C or equivalent
  • a National Qualification at SCQF level 5 or 6 in a related subject area eg Art and Design, Interactive Media, Digital Media Computing
  • specialisms appropriate to HNC/HND 3D Computer Animation or in a related discipline, evidenced by appropriate qualifications eg SVQ level 3 in Art and Design, Graphical Communication, etc.

You should demonstrate enthusiasm and an awareness of the creative industry. This may be evidenced by the presentation of a portfolio at pre-entry interview stage.

Progression and employment

HNC 3D Computer Animation

Job opportunities would be in pre-production and production stages of animation production, eg as Concept Artist/Character Designer, R&D Artist/Look Dev Artist/Pre-Vis Artist, Storyboard Assistant, Junior Animator/Modeller/Rigger/Shader/Texture Artist, Compositor/Wire Remover, Scanner/Recorder, Production Assistant, or Editing Assistant.

The HNC may lead onto first or second year of a degree programme. As degree level places often depend on a suitable showreel or portfolio of work, the 3D Computer Animation HNC allow you the opportunity to develop these prior to application. You are advised to liaise directly with the HE establishments prior to each year's intake of candidates as Unit credits that count towards entry requirements can vary.

HND 3D Computer Animation

The HND 3D Computer Animation may enhance job opportunities in the areas of pre-production and production stages of animation production. You may gain employment as Concept Artist/Character Designer; R&D Artist/Look Dev Artist/Pre-Vis Artist; Storyboard Assistant; Junior Animator/Modeller/Rigger/Shader/Texture Artist; Compositor/Wire Remover; Scanner/Recorder; Production Assistant; or Editing Assistant.

The HND may allow entry to the 2nd or 3rd year of a degree course. The HND allows you the opportunity to develop a suitable showreel or portfolio of work for entry to HE. You should liaise directly with the HE establishments as Unit credits that count towards entry requirements can vary.

What you'll learn?

HNC 3D Computer Animation

The HNC 3D Computer Animation will provide you with fundamental animation skills, knowledge and experience. Once your technical skills are in place, you will cover advanced topics, such as storytelling and auteurship.

It is based on practical exercises in a working environment, as well as research and evaluative skills. This means that learning is through actual practical exercises relevant to work.

You will develop an awareness of creative processes that enables you to evolve a visual language and to enhance your problem solving and communication skills. The HNC 3D Computer Animation also connects with the National Occupational Standards, which provide you with organisational and research skills to supplement essential software skills.

HND 3D Computer Animation

The HND 3D Computer Animation will provide you with knowledge and experience of these fundamental skills, providing you with an appreciation of aesthetics, in addition to developing your technical ability in the animation field. Once your technical skills are in place, you will address advanced topics such as storytelling and auteurship.

As the twelve principles of animation developed by Disney in the 1930s, along with the lighting techniques of Rembrandt in the 17th century, are still in use in animation, it emphasises the importance of fundamental skills as well as new technologies.

The general aims of the HND 3D Computer Animation are to develop your knowledge and skills in planning, developing and evaluating, study and research skills and awareness of creative process. You will also develop a visual language, critical and evaluative thinking and problem solving skills.