Digital Animation and New Literacies

Dates: May - July 2012

Cost: £817

The Man With Beautiful Eyes

Who is the course for?

This module supports the growing use of animation in primary and secondary education contexts. With its focus on the interpretation and construction of moving image texts which have been animated using digital technology, this module will appeal to primary teachers with responsibility for ICT and literacy; secondary teachers of arts and media; those working in City Learning Centres and primary and secondary teachers looking for new ways of introducing literacy and creativity in the classroom.

What level of course is it and how is it accredited?

The course is a Masters Level module, worth 30 credits (or one-sixth) of the MA in Culture, Media and Communication at the London University, Institute of Education.

What does the course cover?

This is a one-module Masters level course which covers:

  • a survey of the current research into the use of animation to support learning in a range of curriculum areas
  • an in-depth grounding in animation as a form and how to use a variety of techniques in combination with digital technology to make short moving image texts
  • an opportunity to reflect on personal and professional experiences of using animation to support learning about, and through, the exploration of this popular form
  • an introduction to using digital technology to make short animation films and exploring the texts with their students

How long is the course?

The course starts on Tuesday 1 May 2012 and the Final Coursework submission date is Monday 3 September 2012.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is a mode of course delivery, which is particularly appropriate to personal professional development. The student maintains the advantage of not having to give up their work, while being engaged in a parallel learning activity, which is continually informing and being informed by that everyday experience. In addition, it will be a requirement of the course that students and tutors are linked electronically to Moodle, a Virtual Learning Environment which enables students to discuss issues and ideas with each other, and to receive support, clarification and feedback from the course tutors. Students must have an e-mail address and access to both a computer and a modem, either through their institution or at home.

However, to avoid distance learning becoming an isolating and lonely experience, there is a two-day workshop at the beginning of the course on Tuesday 1 May and Wednesday 2 May 2012 and a one-day workshop held at towards the end of the course on Wednesday 27 June 2012. All take place from 10am - 4pm and are held in London at BFI Southbank (Waterloo).

How is the course structured?

The introductory workshops (Tuesday 1 May and Wednesday 2 May 2012) which include practical activities will be followed by a series of reading tasks, discussion and other online activities using the Institute of Education's Moodle Virtual Learning Environment. The final one-day workshop on Wednesday 27 June 2012 will include screenings and evaluations of the practical work, a discussion with an animator and a discussion of the assessment.

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed by two pieces of work. Firstly, a written assignment (2,500 words) which considers how, drawing on the literature, animation can be used to support learning, and a reflection on their films and on their personal experience of making the films. Responses in the online discussion may be also be used in this assignment.

Secondly, students will produce a piece of animation demonstrating an understanding of the key principles of production, both online and offline.

Together these two pieces of work will be assessed as the final assignment. The final assessment deadline is Monday 3 September 2012.

What course materials are provided?

Reading material will be available on the Virtual Learning Environment. In addition, there are face-to-face workshops May and June 2012 as well as individual tutorial support.

What can I do when I finish the course?

The module is part of the London University, Institute of Education, MA in Media, Culture and Communication. There are other distance learning modules available as part of the MA. For more information on these and other aspects of the whole MA please visit www.ioe.ac.uk.

How can I apply?

Please apply for your programme using the UK Postgraduate Applications System, via their website at www.ukpass.ac.uk and submit your application at least 4 weeks before the module of your choice starts.

Using UKPASS is easy and will allow you to view the progress of your application online at any time. Instructions and guidance are available on the website, and we have provided some helpful tips below. It usually takes between 30-40 minutes to submit an application.


Choose Apply & Track Progress and set up your UKPASS account by completing new user registration page. This account will enable you to login and view the progress on your application, so please make sure you keep a note of your password and user name.
Select I30 - Institute of Education and choose P047917 BFI IOE Media Short Course Modules
You will see a summary of the application process. Once you have finished a section, simply tick 'section completed' at the bottom of the page. The system will tell you if there is any missing information you need to complete. The help text can be accessed by clicking the blue ? next to the section heading.
Personal Details (complete in full)
Further details (complete in full)
Course details: (this will be pre-populated with your course choice, please complete the other questions in full)
School / High School Details (complete as far as possible)
University / College Details (complete as far as possible)
English proficiency (only complete if you are a non-native English speaker)
Supplementary Information (Only complete if relevant please ensure you state your course choice as the title of the module you wish to apply for)
Passport OR Driving Licence copy: please scan and attach a clear colour copy of one of these documents if you are able to do so.
Personal Statement (please write ‘BFI PARTICIPANT’)
Reference 1 and 2 – As we do not require a reference you have the option for these to be submitted under separate cover. Please select this option and we will not pursue references.
Once all sections of the application are complete click Submit. You will receive an email confirming successful receipt of your application to UKPASS.

You can expect to hear from the IOE within 4 weeks of applying. We may contact you if we require any additional information. We will also be contacting you with information regarding your enrolment.

We find that most problems are easily rectified by checking the help text, and responding to any error messages. If you require further help, UKPASS operate an advice line for applicants, details below:

UKPASS Customer Service Unit: (0)871 334 4447, Monday to Friday, 08:30-18:00 (UK time). UK BT landline calls will cost no more than 9p per minute. The cost of calls from mobiles and other networks may vary.
Alternatively, please email enquiries@ukpass.ac.uk for an automated response with general information and guidance on the UKPASS procedures.

If you require any additional information regarding the course please contact Brigitta Goedhuys at B.Goedhuys@ioe.ac.uk or by telephone on 020 7911 5344.

How much does it cost?

The course fee is £817 for UK and EU students and £1883 for overseas students.

Who tutors the course?

The course is taught by staff from the BFI and the Institute of Education, University of London.

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Last Updated: 19 Sep 2011