The Image and Media Department delivers the shared first-year foundation curriculum for students pursuing studies in animation, film, digital media, and related disciplines at the China Academy of Art. Built upon the Academy's strong tradition in fine arts while responding to the evolving landscape of contemporary visual culture, the programme is centred on image-based storytelling as a framework for creative learning.
Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students develop observational and representational skills, spatial thinking, and an understanding of visual media across both physical and digital environments. Combining studio practice, visual research, and experimental media exploration, the programme encourages students to investigate how images communicate meaning across time, space, and different forms of media.
The curriculum is organised through thematic and modular learning, balancing structured foundations with opportunities for experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. It provides a shared foundation for students progressing to programmes in Animation, Illustration and Comics, Digital Media and Game Design, Cinematography and Film Production, Theatre and Film Design, Broadcasting and Television Directing, and other image-based disciplines.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured around the central theme of image-based storytelling and is organised into three interconnected areas of study: Foundation Studio, Visual Form and Composition, and Creative Practice.
The Foundation Studio component develops students' abilities in observation, representation, and visual expression through studio-based practice rooted in the traditions of fine art.
Visual Form and Composition introduces students to the principles of image-making and visual communication, strengthening their ability to translate ideas into meaningful visual forms across different media.
Creative Practice encourages experimentation through a wide range of materials, media, and creative processes, helping students build confidence in developing original work while exploring contemporary approaches to image production.
Core courses—including Drawing, Colour, Visual Language, Social Practice, and Creative Practice—work together to establish this integrated learning experience. Teaching combines core and elective courses, studio teaching and workshops, as well as structured learning and experimental projects, creating a flexible curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary exploration and collaborative practice.
