The School of Creative Arts and Animation at Seneca Polytechnic College (Seneca Polytechnic) has several paths to study Animation. All programs provide the same benefits and opportunities. Examples include co-op experiences, field placements, work terms, and the study abroad program; partnerships and programs such as Computer Animation Studios of Ontario (CASO), Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), and Toon Boom Center of Excellence program; and access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Animation, Computer, and the Digital Animation Labs.
Seneca Polytechnic also participates in a number of associations and groups such as Polytechnics Canada, Colleges Ontario, and Colleges and Institutes of Canada.
Program options include an advanced diploma in Animation, and graduate certificates in 3D Animation and Game Art & Animation. The certificate programs are delivered in a hybrid format and they can be completed in eight months.
The Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic College takes three years (six semesters) to complete. Delivered in a hybrid format, the program follows the Seneca Animation Model. Among the first of its kind, the model focuses on skills development through four specialization streams. These include 2D Animation; Game Art and Animation; 3D Animation; and Visual Development.
In addition to focused coursework, all streams explore computer animation, storyboarding, character animation, digital technology, environment and scene design, and animation production. Courses for the program are hands-on and cross-disciplinary, with titles such as Storyboarding – Film Structure; Character Design; Animation Applications; Storytelling; Character Development; Character Acting; Layout – Environmental Design; and History of Animation.
In addition, all first-year students will explore Animation Foundations. This helps students develop skills in life drawing; film language, animation, design, and structural drawing for animation. In the second and third year of the program, students will immerse in their chosen stream while collaborating with peers across areas. Students will also participate in workshops, interact with visiting artists, and complete an internship.
Graduates of the Seneca Polytechnic College Animation program are prepared to pursue careers in all areas of animation for film, television, games, advertising, and art education. They work at animated feature film studios, visual effects studios, 2D and 3D television animation studios, gaming studios, pre-production and concept art studios, virtual production companies, and advertising agencies.
Seneca Polytechnic Animation alumni are also prepared to pursue the Animation BA at partner schools such as University of Gloucestershire and Munster Technological University (MTU).
The 3D Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic College explores 3D computer modeling and animation. Students will learn the principles of animation, develop project management skills, and master storyboard drawing techniques. Graduates are prepared for careers in animation and 3D animation for film, television, and games; forensic animation; and industrial design. Sample job titles include Digital Animator, Modeler, Character Rigger, Lighting Specialist, and 3D Painting/Texturing.
The Game Art & Animation program at Seneca Polytechnic explores animation, texturing, design, modeling, lighting, scene staging, production management, and art direction. Students will master high-end hardware and software, while learning about how the production pipeline works within AAA game studios. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles such as Animator, Level Designer, Texture Artist, Modeler, Prop Artist, Level Builder, and Lighting Artist.
Established in 1967, Seneca Polytechnic College serves 63,200 full-time, part-time, and continuing education students enrolled in more than 300 programs leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate. Around 24,600 Seneca students come from 150+ countries. This means the school has serves Canada’s largest number of foreign students. Seneca Polytechnic College is accredited by the Canadian Association of Colleges and Universities (ACU) and it is the only college in Ontario to have programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).