BA (Hons) Visual Effects

Program Overview

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Visual Effects (VFX) is a continually evolving and exciting subject that is applied in many different areas of the industry, including film, television, games and commercials. With a focus on professional practice, this course gives you the opportunity to use industry standard software and develop fundamental skills required for employment opportunities in the VFX industry by creating a strong portfolio of work to display your talent.

Split between our High Wycombe campus and BNU teaching base at Pinewood Studios, you’ll have the opportunity to learn the skills and knowledge you need for your future, all whilst studying right in the heart of the famous creative hub.

Program Outline

Modules

This provides a guide of the modules that make up your course. You can find more information about how your course is structured on our

Academic Advice section

.

Foundation Year Core Modules Credits

Preparing for Success: Knowledge and Creativity

Credits

You’ll learn about the overlap between study skills and employability skills and develop your existing abilities in both areas. You’ll be prepared for successful progression to Level 4 academic study whilst preparing yourself for employment through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

Preparing for Success: Self-development and Responsibility

Credits

You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work. This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-fir...

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Preparing for Success: Self-development and Responsibility

Credits

You’ll develop the skills associated with leadership and self-development and social and ethical awareness and responsibility, which are essential for success in higher education and in the world of work.

This module will prepare you for successful progression to Level 4 academic study while allowing you to learn about employment in the twenty-first century through inquiry-based learning, problem solving and critical and creative thinking.

Inquiry Based Learning

Credits

This module has been designed to develop your understanding of key concepts and themes as well as basic methodologies and approaches to academic work. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse a problem or question that relates to your subject area, making use of information gathered from various sources using different methods and strategies.

Digital Media

Credits

This module introduces you to the wide variety of computer technologies used in the creation, adaptation and distribution of digital resources across a range of media platforms. It aims to provide you with basic digital media processing skills you'll need to develop and manage digital content including images, animations and audio components.

Computing Essentials

Credits

This module introduces key concepts in computing. This will include computer architectures & networking as part of a discussion about the uses of computer technology for a range of different purposes in the modern world. We'll help you learn about the design and development of websites & mobile apps, and use programming to solve different problems.

Year 1 Core Modules Credits

Introduction to 3D Modelling 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll study how to make a 3D mesh, using the 3D modelling toolset from a modelling application. Through the process, you will also  develop your observation skills using real objects and / or reference material. You will be expected to keep and submit a reflective learning journal as supporting evidence for their project.

Texturing and Look Development 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll study how to texture a 3D model according to reference material, how to create the maps needed to accurately shade & render an object so that it will appear indistinguishable from the real thing, and how to recognise and replicate the properties of real-world materials. You'll be given models complete with UVs for workshops & practice.

Lighting and Rendering 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll discover how to set up a three-point lighting setup and replicate it in CG, techniques for on-set lighting in film production, why each technique might be used in different scenarios and how to match these in CG for visual effects elements. You'll study the role of lighters in the VFX industry, and managing your time and scenes efficiently.

Animation Principles and the Moving Figure 20.00

Credits

20.00

This module aims to give you an understanding of the principles of animation & practical skills to animate simple 3D rigs with weight, force & expression. In the animation studio environment you'll cover essential topics and develop the skills to create animation using industry standard software and will analyse the workflows used in the industry.

Visual Narrative 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll study the core methods and principles of communicating a story with moving image. You'll have the chance to develop your understanding of cinematic techniques, using 3D software to experiment and test the creative possibilities of visual narrative. You'll also study the fundamentals of lighting and cameras.

Opportunity Modules

You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.

Year 2 Core Modules Credits

Compositing 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll study the core methods of compositing, the step in the production process where imagery elements are combined, enhanced & finalised. You'll use industry standard software to create VFX shots and digital composites and will develop your lighting and cinematography skills and cover the process of merging 3D assets with 2D live action footage.

Digital Sculpting 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll discover how to use digital sculpting software to create models that look and feel organic, with a focus on character modelling. You may choose to create a hard surface model of suitable complexity for your level. You are not expected to produce character concept work themselves but can do so with agreement from their lecturer.

Character FX 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll study 2 aspects of Character FX work: groom and clothing. You'll look at how to set up, render and style clothes and digital hair on a humanoid character, as well as how to make a basic test simulation. You'll then render outputs into a short animated sequence and write a 2000 word evaluative learning journal of your character FX project.

Advanced 3D Modelling 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll develop your skills learned in the year 1 modelling, texturing, look dev and lighting units. You'll be expected to learn and apply up-to-date industry techniques to produce at least one complex model complete with textures, shaders and lighting, at the standard of a junior professional in the industry.

Optional Modules Credits

Plan your showreel (placement) 20.00

Credits

20.00

You'll consider your career objectives in both the short, medium & long term, then focus on your short to medium term goals. You'll produce an action plan of the path you intend to take to achieve your aims. You'll research job roles, analyse inspirational showreels of professionals, and look at how you can create a meaningful showreel of your own.

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