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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 2026 - 2 June 2028
Location
Newtownabbey
Information Session 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 course, where they will specialise in Story development, 2D and 3D Animation Production, Character Creation, 3D Modelling, Illustration and Digital Graphics, Sound Design, Post Production 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, building their portfolio and promoting their skills to progress onto University or industry on completion.

Could you create the next Kpop Demon Hunters, Spirited Away 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
  • Graphic Design
  • Stop motion animation
  • How to manage and produce a production from start to finish

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.

Applicants must have an English Language grade at an E and above or an equivalent qualification to be accepted onto the course.

Course Fees

No fees.

For most students, full-time Further Education courses at Level 1-3, including Apprenticeships, have no course fees.  


Level 1-3 Further Education (full-time)

  • Aged 16-18: no tuition fees apply.  
  • Aged 19:24: If you have already achieved a full Level 3 qualification, fees will apply.  
  • Aged 25 or over: Tuition fees will apply unless you are in receipt of a Further Education (FE) grant. Admission to full-time Further Education courses for applicants aged 25+ 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 Further Education (FE) grant, no fees apply.
  • If you are aged 19 or over and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification (equivalent to 3 A-Levels), fees will apply.

Fee information is available from any campus reception.

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