Two animation studios in Kilkenny to help with delivery of new animation course at SETU

A brand-new course, being delivered with the help of the expert guidance of two animation studios in Kilkenny, is commencing this September at South East Technological University (SETU).

Aimed at those interested in or working in the exciting field of animation and media, the HDip Production Management in Digital Animation is a one-year full-time post graduate course. 

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Applications are welcome to come from diverse qualification backgrounds including business, media, computing or the arts. However, animation or media experience is not necessary. Candidates just need enthusiasm to learn and motivation to upskill. 

Over the past 10 years, the animation sector in Ireland has grown exponentially. This course aims to address the demand in this area, and is creating immediate employment opportunities for graduates in South-East Ireland and abroad.

According to Michael McMahon, Course Leader HDip Production Management Digital Animation, Kilkenny-based Lighthouse Studios, along with its sister company Cartoon Saloon, have been very helpful in the development of the course.

"Modules are informed by industry and delivered in collaboration with industry practitioners to ensure graduates are industry ready on completion," he said.

This year a successful lecture series entitled ‘Animation Tech Talks’ saw industry experts deliver relevant talks. Lighthouse Studios and Cartoon Saloon presented guest lectures in January and February, and they also hosted SETU staff at their state-of-the-art studios in St Kieran’s College in College in March.

Lighthouse Studios are particularly interested in graduates of this course as it closely resembles their production pipeline. 

Mercury Filmworks in Ottawa, Canada, who are content creators for Disney Television projects, is a partner company of Lighthouse Studios.

Michael visited the studio in April to promote and discuss the course with Weldon Poapst, head of studio recruitment.

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The course was immediately recognised as an attractive option to support Mercury’s staff upskilling and training programme.

As a result, the part-time online option will be offered to this international cohort, and eventually to other animation/media studios abroad.

Significantly, the company has also expressed interest in offering employment opportunities to graduates of the full-time course and work-placement positions to full-time students in their studios in Ottawa.

This was reflected in discussions as the course addresses skill shortages in key areas such as ShotGrid and Pipeline Management.

It is SETU’s intention to deliver the course in a unique hybrid classroom mode. This means that both face-to-face and online delivery will take place simultaneously.

Full-time students will be offered in person teaching, while the part-time online option is available to international applicants.

A series of promotion/information sessions were held in May to promote the course and answer any queries.

A Zoom information event takes place every Thursday in June from 7-8pm. Join at www.wit-ie.zoom.us/j/ 91976960288?from=addon. The meeting ID is: 919 7696 0288.