An Industry Lead,
Practice-Based Degree
Industry Partner
Incubator/Start-up
University
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Innovative Features
- Engaging multiple disciplines
- Intra or entrepreneurial elements
- Co-designed with industry or community
- Coach or mentor elements
Enablers
- Deep partnership between Animal Logic and UTS.
- Investment from UTS.
- The curriculum of the UTS ALA does not include tutorials, lectures, exams or assessments. It is modelled on ‘real-life.’ Students are required to arrive on time, deliver their work to the highest standard and work effectively with each other to facilitate the highest quality of production.
For more information
or refer to the UTS ALA website https://animallogicacademy.uts.edu.au/
UTS ALA programs focus on the application of animation, visual effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI) in a studio environment. Students in the Academy build on their existing skills and are mentored by practicing industry professionals from Animal Logic, UTS and other industry partners in a custom-built studio using real-world production pipelines.
Students applying for the MAV at UTS ALA are hand-picked using a diligent selection process involving portfolio presentation and interviews, no pre-requisite courses requirements are included in the selection process. The MVA is delivered full time, replicating a working week schedule, which presents as a big commitment for students. The MVA provides students with the opportunity to practice the fundamental skills they have already developed in digital image creation/computer graphics or coding for design, animation and/or visualisation, and put them into practice during Studio 1 and Studio 2 of the year long course.
Studio 1
Studio 1 involves all students working together on one project, utilising their diverse ranges of skills across disciplines using a pipeline approach. The students project involves creating a 1-minute feature film. Students work under the guidance and mentorship of practitioners and creative leaders from the industry and academia with a focus on quality and practicing innovation.
Studio 2
Studio 2 is about innovation and emerging technologies. Based on Studio 1, students break into smaller teams and begin innovating. The first two weeks of Studio 2 students listen to industry guests from startups and smalls companies using emerging technologies. Students then participate in a creative workshop about the future of visualisation and create ideas for their project. Four of these ideas are then presented as Kickstarter videos and are pitched to the Head of Animal Logic. Based on the feedback from this experience students decide on their project for Studio 2.
Impact / outcomes
Students: Students finish the MVA with a portfolio of high quality work to present to employers and are equipped to talk about real life challenges and experiences.
Animal Logic: Supporting the industry and community at large by growing talent who are ready for the jobs of the future.
University: Animal Logic increases the profile and reputation of UTS by partnering two powerhouses in their respective fields and increasing interest in the field from non-traditional industries (health, engineering, real estate). Research output by PhD Candidates has also been expanded and is truly transdisciplinary in nature, crossing over with multiple disciplines including the use of robotics in animated film and digital archival of assets.
Student Assessment
Students are assessed as having passed or failed based on their performance throughout the year. To accuracy assess this, students are involved in intense coaching and mentoring throughout their degree.
Quality Indicators – Evaluation
Animal Logic is evaluated by industry partners and must also comply with formal academic requirements of the university.
