Awarded where candidates have met all of the requirements below:

• Successful completion of all, or exemption from, courses listed in Schedule A .

and

• Achieve the Bahrain Polytechnic General Qualification Requirements as documented in Programme Approval Policy A-AB-001 and Naming and Awarding Qualifications Policy A-AB-004.

       and

• Completion of courses to accumulate a minimum of 480 credits.

The Bachelor of Animation and Visual Effects is an undergraduate degree offered to participants interested in furthering their education in the fields of time-based media and visual effects for the film and game industries. This program equips students with the a blend of artistic talent and technical know-how. students will master foundational skills like design and colour theory, then delve into 2D and 3D animation techniques using industry-standard software. The study of VFX will unveil the secrets of creating computer-generated imagery (CGI) that seamlessly blends with film, television, and video games.  They will also explore character development and storytelling, ensuring their creations come alive.  The program emphasizes building a strong portfolio throughout by showcasing students' artistic vision and technical abilities.  Participants can expect to collaborate on projects, honing their teamwork and communication skills which is essential for this collaborative field.  With this well-rounded program, students will be prepared to launch a career as a 2D or 3D animators, visual effects artists, motion graphics artists, character designers, or storyboard artists.

Along with meeting the general degree entry requirements outlined in the Student Admission Policy A/AB/010, applicants must demonstrate competence in English and Mathematics. This can be met by the successful completion of AP5000 Foundation Programme.

In addition to successfully completing specialized entry courses into degree-level programs in film and animation, students must finish their necessary foundation courses within a year. Based on the achieved GPA, which is reviewed regularly by Deans and approved at Academic Council, it will be determined if the student will be eligible for Diploma or Bachelor studies.

If there are more eligible applicants than available places then priority will be given to applicants who have achieved the selection criteria:

Selection Criteria:

• Successful completion of the Foundation programme at Bahrain Polytechnic. 

• Results from programme entry tests.

• Prepared for and committed to academic study, based on academic track record.

Selection Process:

• Students who have met entry requirements through the Bahrain Polytechnic Foundation programme will be given first priority.

• Priority for all other applicants will be on the basis of entry test results and selection criteria.

N/A

To be placed on the NQF Framework

Institutional attendance requirements are described in the policy Student Attendance A-AB-006. There are no programme specific attendance requirements; however, certain courses will require students to organise and implement production shoots outside of scheduled class times. 

The Bachelor of Animation and Visual Effects programme nurtures aspiring artists and technologists with a passion for visual storytelling. This undergraduate degree blends artistic expression with cutting-edge technical skills, equipping students with the foundation to excel in the dynamic fields of film, gaming, and digital entertainment.

The core curriculum encompasses foundational principles like design and 2D/3D animation techniques using industry-standard software. Students delve into the intricacies of visual effects, mastering the art of creating seamless computer-generated imagery (CGI) for film, television, and video games.

The programme places a strong emphasis on creative storytelling and guides students through character development and narrative techniques, ensuring their creations resonate with audiences.

A strong emphasis on portfolio development is also evident in showcasing students' unique artistic vision and technical proficiency. Collaborative projects foster teamwork and communication skills, essential for thriving in this industry.

The programme explores a diverse range of media and techniques, from traditional 2D/3D animation to cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and virtual production.

Students embark on a comprehensive learning journey:

• Year 1: Focuses on core subjects like Audio & Video Production and introductory animation techniques.
• Year 2: Builds upon technical skills, explores the history and business of the film industry, and delves into screenwriting, storyboarding, and 3D modeling.
• Years 3 & 4: Deep dives into animation and visual effects specializations, culminating in industry and community projects that prepare graduates for professional careers.

This programme prepares graduates for a successful career as 2D/3D animators, visual effects artists, motion graphics artists, character designers, and storyboard artists. It cultivates global perspectives, enabling graduates to pursue opportunities both within Bahrain and across the GCC and international film and animation markets.

The programme aims to:

• Provide “hands on”, highly interactive learning experiences, taking into account relevant industry issues of today, as well as issues that will fuel and inspire the fields of animation and visual effects in the future.

• Provide an environment which encourages students to achieve excellence within their discipline areas and to develop their cultural and aesthetic sensitivities, leading them to an understanding of human factors essential to the effective communication of ideas.

Graduates of this pogramme can progress to Masters of Arts in Creative Media and Design.

Depending on the focus of study, this programme prepares students with advanced skills in at least 3 of the following areas:

• 2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• Special Effects
• Digital Environment Design
• Digital Character Design
• Compositing
• VR and AR
• Video post-production
• Video production
• Audio recording
• Mixing techniques
• Media Management
• Media Psychology

Graduates from the Animation and VFX program would definitely add value to the industry as they can occupy many roles and fill the gap in jobs that have been traditionally outsourced to companies and artists abroad. Some of these roles are: 

• Illustrator: Creates visual representations for various mediums like video games, advertisements, and books 
• Video Editor: Edits clips into final media projects such as commercials, TV shows, or movies 
• Producer: Manages all aspects of a film or TV show’s production 
• Graphic Designer: Uses technology to create visual concepts for logos, packaging, and marketing materials 
• 3D Animator: Creates characters and objects that move realistically within a 3D space 
• Level Designer: Designs game levels and environments 
• Lighting and Texturing Artist: Works on the lighting and surface textures of 3D models 
• VFX Artist: Creates visual effects for movies, TV shows, and games 
• Compositor: Combines visual elements from different sources into a single image 
• Production Manager: Oversees the production process, managing schedules and resources 
• 3D Generalist: Has a broad skill set in 3D animation and can work on various aspects of production 
• Technical Director: Guides the technical aspects of the animation, VFX, or games production 
• AR & VR content Creator: Creates immersive experiences for games and entertainment in virtual and augmented reality. 

Employability Skills Generic Definitions:

Communication: Communicate in ways that contribute to productive and harmonious relationships across employees and customers.

Team Work: Work effectively independently and in collaboration with others.

Problem Solving: Think critically and respond appropriately to changing needs within a growing and diversifying economy.

Initiative and Enterprise: Apply resourcefulness, innovation and strategic thinking to a range of workplace situations.

Planning and Organisation: Plan and manage their working lives.

Self Management: Demonstrate self discipline and adaptability, and be able to plan and achieve personal and professional goals.

Learning: Understand the need for and engage with continuous learning throughout the lifespan.

Technology: Utilize information technology effectively and ethically in their personal and professional lives.