Welcome to Animation and VFX at Norwich
Information for new students
This page will help you get ready for your first few weeks, with everything you need to know before you arrive.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week begins on Monday 21 September. You’ll meet your course team, get to know your studios and facilities, and begin settling into life at Norwich. You’ll also find out more about university life and the support available throughout your studies.
It’s a great opportunity to meet other students, make new connections, and start exploring the city of Norwich.
Teaching
Teaching starts on Monday 28 September. We’ll introduce the structure of your first year, explain how your course is organised and outline what you’ll be working towards.
Your timetable will be available online once you’ve enrolled. We’ve kept Monday and Wednesday afternoons free from teaching, giving you dedicated time for independent study, clubs, societies and other commitments.
How to prepare
Your course leader has put together the information below to help you prepare for starting your course in September.
The Animation course staff are excited to meet you.
Teaching days
Your main teaching days are:
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday (mornings)
- Friday
There are no classes on Wednesday afternoons across the university.
Thursdays are usually set aside for independent study. You can use campus facilities as normal or choose to study from home if you prefer.
As a student you will take part in a variety of sessions, including:
- Technical workshops
- Group seminars and discussions
- Theory lectures
- Online talks and workshops
- Guest lectures from industry professionals
- Project development sessions
Good timekeeping is important
In the animation and VFX industries professionals are expected to arrive on time and be ready to start work with their teams. We expect the same level of commitment from our students.
Research and experimentation are key parts of the course
These are essential skills in the Animation and VFX industries and you will explore them through your projects.
We look forward to seeing how your ideas, influences and research shape your creative work.
Things to watch, read and do before you start
- Skwigly Animation magazine is an independent online magazine that focuses on animation news, interviews, podcasts and more.
- Pixar in a Box is a look into how Pixar artists do their jobs.
- Art of VFX is website with VFX breakdowns, interviews, audio, videos and articles.
- The Bézier Game is a light and fun introduction to bezier curves which builds transferable skills across multiple softwares for both design and animation.
- A great introduction to Animation Theory by talented animator Alex Grigg.