Joseph Learoyd

I currently serve as Head of Animation and Programme Director at Pulse College, where I am responsible for the leadership, development, and quality assurance of animation programmes. I recently led the design and successful validation of a Level 8 BA (Hons) in Animation, demonstrating my ability to contribute to programme development, strategic planning, and academic standards. My role includes curriculum design, module coordination, staff management, and student recruitment activities such as open days and outreach in both academic leadership and ambassadorial capacities.

My teaching practice is in studio-based and project-led with a pedagogy in activity-based learning. I primarily deliver modules across 3D character animation and body mechanics as well as 3D and 2D pipeline management within Maya and across software. Supporting students from foundational development through to final-year major projects, I have extensive experience in assessment, feedback, and student support, supporting both academic progression and inclusive participation.

I have also delivered teaching across a range of formats, including full-time programmes, workshops, guest lectures, and one-to-one tuition, demonstrating flexibility in delivery across diverse learning environments.

Alongside my academic work, I maintain active industry engagement. I have worked as a 3D animator on major productions including The Marvels and Cats, contributing to character animation within professional production pipelines. This informs my teaching in directing, producing, and pipeline workflows, allowing me to bridge industry practice with academic delivery.

I have also directed and served as CG Supervisor on Sign of the Fox: A Zorro Adventure (2024), where my roles included leadership, visual storytelling, and production management.

I am currently undertaking a PhD in Digital Design and Technology (3rd year), with a research focus on adaptation and localisation in animation. My research is supported by conference presentations and publications, and I am committed to integrating research-informed approaches into my teaching. I also actively contribute to the wider academic and professional community through guest lectures, industry talks, and portfolio reviews, supporting stakeholder engagement and student development opportunities.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Computer Animation and a Level 9 Postgraduate Teaching Certificate. I have over five years’ combined experience in lecturing and industry practice, and I bring strong organisational, interpersonal, and technical skills across industry-standard tools and workflows.

I am particularly interested in contributing to the Institute’s focus on directing, producing, and pipeline development within a collaborative academic environment. I am committed to supporting programme innovation, student success, and the continued development of animation education.

Senior Lecturer and Module Co-Ordinator - Pulse College

Aug 2024 - Present

Head of Animation & Programme Director - BA, BAAH, CA & CAH in Animation, Pulse College

Responsible for organising timetables, budget management, hiring lecturers, course maintenance and learner engagement. Conducting interviews, holding open days and delivering presentations.

Mapping of modules across institutions and faculties with Griffith College Dublin and abroad.

Successfully wrote, co-ordinated and validated a level 8 BA (Hons) in 2025

Sep 2020 - Aug 2024

Arranging, writing and organising weekly breakdowns of class content for modules, aligning and mapping them to module and course learning outcomes, writing course content. Module Co-ordinator.

Providing support to students as a year head on issues surrounding concerns or problems that they may face throughout their studies. Final year major Project Supervision.

Teaching 3D animation theory and practice to industry standard so students can be ready for entry level employment upon graduation.

English Language Tutor - TEFL Online

Sep 2019 - Present

Teaching English as a foreign language to students in a one to one capacity. Freelance.

Worked as a 3D animator on The Marvels, animating characters, props and weapons.

3D Animator - Trixter, Germany

Jan 2022 - May 2022

3D Animator - MPC London, England

Sep 2019 - Dec 2019

Worked as a 3D animator on Cats, matching dance movements and animating tails and ears.

Animation Intern - Plasm Productions, Surrey, England

Nov 2018 - Apr 2019

Created visuals for a short animated documentary using Maya, Mudbox and Substance Painter.

NAS Study Support Assistant, Bradford, England

Dec 2017 - Sep 2018

Worked at the University of Bradford, I provided face-to-face support for students with Autism, building my communication and helping students to develop their reports and skills when faced with stress and anxiety.

PhD - Digital Designs & Technology

Jan 2024 - Present

Adaptation and Localisation in Animation, University of Staffordshire

Postgraduate Teaching Certificate Lvl 9 - Education, Learning and Development

2023

Education, Professional Practice and Teaching/Learning, Griffith College

BA (Hons) in Computer Animation

Sep 2015 - Aug 2018

University of Bradford Academic Scholarship.

Creative Media Level 5 - TCFE

Sep 2014 - Sep 2015

Creative Media modules, film, Media Studies and Animation, TCFE