What you will learn
In our highly creative learning environment, you will have the unique opportunity to learn from active professional animators and develop both your technical and artistic skills in the art of 3D character animation.
The 3D Character Animation course combines the following key programme elements from the BA in Character Animation into a 10-week course of 25 ECTS points: “Animation Basics 3”, and “Advanced Animation”. The 10-week 3D Character Animation course takes you through a series of lectures, assignments and mini productions, increasing in complexity, in the field of 3D character animation - from concept to polish. You will be introduced to the industry standard modelling and animation software Autodesk Maya and to 3D character animation. You will be guided through a series of exercises designed to transfer the classical animation principles into 3D character animation. The curriculum places a strong focus on understanding body mechanics and physical action during animation basics, gradually advancing into more sophisticated concepts including parkour, and interaction, and finishing with an introduction to 4-legged creature animation.
The course finishes with a portfolio exam with consists of a showreel that you compile from the completed exercises. Additionally, you will be required to craft a 2-4 page written paper, critically analysing and reflecting on your learning process. The exam is graded.
Here's what you'll get:
- Updated and industry-oriented curriculum: Join an intensive course that has been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with professional animators to teach you the craft of character animation in 3D.
- Industry instructors: Learn from instructors who bring real-world, production-tested expertise to the classroom. Benefit from their invaluable insights and guidance to develop your skills.
- Become proficient in Autodesk Maya: Develop a strong proficiency in Autodesk Maya, the cornerstone of 3D software used by leading studios worldwide. Learn the essential skills that form the foundation for any proprietary software you may encounter in the future.
- Hands-on learning: From morning till afternoon, every day, you will test your skills with hands-on exercises that reinforce your understanding and skills.
- Personalized Feedback: Receive draw-overs and feedback on your animations to help you advance quickly.
- Powerful Workstation: Round-the-clock access to the classroom and your personal workstation, equipped with industry-standard software.
- Support Beyond the Classroom: We're here to provide housing and travel guidance.
- Build a Professional Network: Create valuable and personal connections with other animators and artists and become part of the TAW community.
- Live teaching and mentoring. The training activity is conducted live whether you attend physical or online.
- Earn Academic Recognition: Receive 25 ECTS credits upon successful completion of the course, further enhancing your credentials and career opportunities.
We recommend taking full advantage of the course by attending physically to benefit from the creative environment and feedback from your classmates. If this is not possible, the course can also be taken live and online, following Danish class hours.
Daily Programme
9:00-12:00: Class time
12:00-13:00: Lunch break
13:00-16:00: Class time (ends at 15:00 on Wednesdays and Fridays)
Open Education
The 3D Character Animation course is an Open Education programme, part of the Bachelor in Animation at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (TAW). Open Education is a wide range of educational programmes in Denmark offered to adults who wish to undergo further training. It is open to anybody who has successfully passed our admission criteria.
The Professional Training Course 3D Character Animation combines the programme elements “Animation Basics 3”, and “Advanced Animation” from the BA in Animation into a combined course of 25 ECTS points. At the end of the course, each module will be examined.
It is also possible to only join one of the two course modules “Animation Basics” or “Advanced Animation” and pay a fee reduced accordingly.
The “Animation Basics” module runs from 22nd April to 23rd May 2025. The fee to join this module only is DKK 12.600 for EU citizens or DKK 23.025 for non-EU citizens.
“Advanced Animation” module runs from 26th May to 27th June 2025. The fee to join this module only is DKK 8.400 for EU citizens or DKK 15.350 for non-EU citizens.
If you wish to take part in only one of the modules, please get in contact with the course organizer (contact info below) to receive a separate application link for that specific module. We recommend taking part in the entire course.