The first year of the Major consists of three terms:
- Term 1 focuses on Storytelling & Animation. You will learn the basic skills, knowledge and attitude required for animation. Specifically the fundamentals of narrative, visual and dynamic design are addressed, as well as a foundation in (practical) research and theory, as wel as the history of film and animation. You will work on various exercises and assignments, all coming together in the production of two animations.
- Term 2 focuses on the on introducing to the content and methodology of WdKA's three graduation profiles (Practices). You will be introduced to the approach, context, professional roles and methodologies associated with the three graduation profiles.
- Term 3 focuses on Storytelling & Technology. You will deepen your understanding of the basics of animation by applying it in 3D instead of 2D. Technological developments are of fundamental importance for animation, therefore it is important to be able to learn applying different tools. You will work with more advanced tools, even though some assignments might still require just a pencil and a paper.
The second year of the Major consists of two terms:
- Term 1 focuses on Social Significance.As a result of changes in social, cultural, ethical or technological fields relevant changes in society are to be addressed in the work of artists and designers. During this term you will initiate interdisciplinary collaborations with the students from other departments. You will experiment with different techniques and further polish your animation skills. The theory lessons in this term focus on the key concepts of narratology, semiotics and ideology.
- During Term 2 collaboration remains essential. This time specialisation becomes more important than before. You will define your role in the professional field by taking upon a specific role in an animation production. The main assignment you will work on is producing a pitch for animation series. A key component of a episodical production is the development of characters and narratives. The theoretical component of this term revolves around media theory.
Term 3, Practices, provides you with an in-depth introduction to two of the three graduation profiles (Practices). This learning experience will help you decide upon your graduation profile in the third and fourth academic years.
On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.
Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.
Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.
This phase focuses on practice-driven education within the Major. You will be working on complex assignments, often with real-world clients. The internship/international exchange takes place in the second semester of the third year.
On top of the major, WdKA adds elective projects. You can choose from a wide range of contemporary subjects and issues. These projects introduce students to our three graduation profiles or Practices. We call them the Autonomous, Social and Commercial Practices. Within the Practices, you focus on new challenges in the fields of technology, the use of public space, the need to engage the public and a challenging international context, and work on real-life, practical assignments which transcend the boundaries of the chosen professional discipline.
Click on the chart on the left to view the Practices and their elective projects.
Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.
The Internship period is a temporary placement in which you, as a future professional, will become acquainted with the professional practice, including the scope and range of work activities and various practical aspects of the profession. The goal is to combine the learning process and the professional practice in a way which is not competitive with the professional field. It is also possible to do the internship (or part of the internship) abroad.
Exchange. By studying abroad, you have the opportunity to study in a foreign country and take in the allure and culture of a new environment. WdKA offers you this opportunity as an integral part of your study. During your study exchange you gain credits that can be transferred against your degree at WdKA.
Minor allows you to broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills. You complete it within one semester. Minor includes practical research, visualisation and presentation. You can one of the current issues within the Practices - Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private; New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design or Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth - or follow a minor at another institute or abroad.
In the final phase of the studies, you will graduate in the Major and with the Practice profile that best suits you as a professional animator.
Autonomous Practices focus on the artistic and expressive possibilities of the (individual) artist, teacher or designer; who work from the perspective of their personal vision of the world and the human condition, and give shape to this vision. Within Autonomous Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: Critical Studies, Digital Craft, Hacking, and Public & Private. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Commercial Practices are oriented towards our “next” economy. Our world is changing rapidly fused for example by technological disruptive innovations. This changing world creates new opportunities and roles for prospective designers and artists. Within Commercial Practices, students can specialise in one of four issues: New Frontiers, Branding, Data Design, and Service Design. Each issue has its own specific courses, tutors with relevant professional backgrounds, and external partners with whom students can collaborate.
Social Practices focus on art and design that impacts societal issues by designing or redesigning processes, interactions and relationships, and by involving participants or stakeholders in the design process. The issues currently addressed by Social Practices are Cultural Diversity, Open Design, Powerplay and New Earth; four domains in which systemic change is particularly relevant.
Animation
Profession and Concept
The first year of the study programme consist mainly of introduction to basic skills, knowledge and attitudes. You will be exploring and defining your talents as well as gaining professional knowledge and skills and learning to think conceptually. The study programme begins with the Major specialisation, followed by the introduction to Practices.
Profession and Concept
The second year focuses on further developing of skills, knowledge and attitudes within the Major and further introduction to Practices. As you progress through the study programme, the projects will keep on increasing in complexity. You will be working with more advanced instruments and tools, further developing within a professional field of own choosing.
Profession and Concept
The third year is divided between your Major, internship/exchange and graduation profiles (Practices). Upon completing, you will be able to choose the graduation profile that best suits your ambition.
Profession and Concept
The fourth year consists of two terms: Minor and Graduation