Visual Effects MA course

Program Overview

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Course overview

Accredited

As well as giving you professional skills in key areas of the visual effects post-production pipeline such as previsualisation, modelling, rigging, scripting, tracking, technical animation, effects animation, lighting, look development and compositing, this course enables you to explore your own specialism in greater depth. Gain experience of the wider pre-production and production pipelines and emulate industry practice by working collaboratively in teams with students from other animation courses on industry-led briefs and short films. As well as dedicated studios featuring industry-standard VFX software, you have access to dedicated specialist camera and grip equipment, motion-capture studios, and a fully equipped sound stage including green screen facilities and motion-control cameras.

Ranked 4th in the UK in the Animation Career Review College Rankings 2022. (192 colleges considered. Find out more at tees.ac.uk/source).Ranked 18th in the world in the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2022. (185 colleges considered. Find out more at tees.ac.uk/source).

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Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Vision of the Program:

The Visual Effects MA course at Teesside University aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a successful career in the visual effects industry for film and television.

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Program Objectives:

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual effects pipeline, from pre-visualization to compositing.
• Students will develop proficiency in industry-standard software and techniques, including 3D animation, rigging, lighting, and compositing.
• The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, where students work together on projects and build their teamwork skills.
• Students will gain experience working on industry-standard projects, preparing them for a smooth transition into the workforce.

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Program Description:

This intensive program delves into the intricacies of visual effects production, enabling students to explore their chosen specialization in greater depth. Students gain valuable experience emulating industry practices by collaborating with students from other animation courses on industry-led briefs and short films.

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Additional Highlights:

• The program is accredited by SideFX, recognizing the high quality of instruction and student work.
• Teesside University has been ranked among the top animation schools in the world.
• The program provides access to dedicated studios featuring industry-standard VFX software, specialized camera equipment, motion-capture studios, and a fully equipped sound stage.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics essential for success in the visual effects industry, including:

• Previsualization
• 3D Modeling and Rigging
• Animation
• Lighting and Rendering
• Compositing
• Visual Effects Pipeline

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Program Structure:

The program is offered in two formats:

• Full-time (1 year)
• Part-time (2 years)

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Course Schedule:

The program consists of a mix of lectures, tutorials, seminars, and practical workshops. Students can expect to attend classes for approximately 20 hours per week.

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Modules:

• Advanced Compositing:
Students refine their compositing skills and master various techniques like footage acquisition, green screen studio setup, CG integration, and color pipeline management.
• Advanced Effects Animation:
Students explore advanced simulation tools and techniques and apply them to create effects like fire, smoke, and explosions.
• Asset Creation:
Students learn advanced techniques for creating assets like digital sculpting, photogrammetry, and texturing.
• Group Project:
Students collaborate on a short film or video game cutscene project, applying their skills and working within a team.
• Master's Project:
Students undertake a research project on a chosen topic within the visual effects field.
• Research and Development:
Students acquire research skills and learn how to critically evaluate previous research to inform their own projects.
• Visual Effects Pipeline:
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the visual effects pipeline and how different aspects of the production process integrate.
• Advanced Practice (Internship):
Students can opt for a vocational or research internship to gain practical experience in the industry or further their research skills.

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Module Descriptions:

Detailed descriptions of each module can be found on the Teesside University website.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning:

• Portfolios
• Presentations
• Written reports
• 'Breakdown' videos

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Assessment Criteria:

The assessment criteria are designed to assess students' subject-specific knowledge, cognitive and intellectual skills, and transferable skills relevant to the workplace.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program employs various teaching methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Guest speaker presentations

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Faculty:

The program boasts experienced faculty members who are active professionals in the visual effects industry.

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Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes critical reflection and problem-solving skills. Students develop their own reflective practice and test their solutions against criteria they develop based on their research.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse career paths in the visual effects industry, including roles in:

• Previsualization
• Modeling
• Rigging
• Effects Animation
• Matte Painting
• Tracking and Matchmove
• Lighting
• Look Development
• Compositing

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Employers:

Teesside University graduates have successfully secured positions at renowned studios such as:

• Industrial Light and Magic
• Weta Digital
• Double Negative
• Moving Picture Company
• Cinesite
• The Third Floor
• The Mill
• Pixar
• Digital Domain
• Framestore

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Career Support:

The program provides students with ample opportunities to develop their professional skills and network with industry professionals through initiatives like:

• Expo Series
• Animex Festival
• Student Futures activities

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Other:

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Learning Resources:

Students have access to a range of learning resources, including:

• Dedicated studios with industry-standard software
• Specialist camera and grip equipment
• Motion-capture studios
• A fully equipped sound stage
• Extensive library resources

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International Students:

The program welcomes international students and offers support services.

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Accreditation:

The program is accredited by SideFX, a leading developer of visual effects software.

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Program Ranking:

Teesside University has been ranked 18th in the world in the Animation Career Review International Animation School Rankings 2023.

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Admission Requirements:

• A UK 2.2 honours degree in visual effects or equivalent.
• Other first-degree subjects may be accepted when combined with a portfolio of creative work at an acceptable standard.
• International students require an IELTS score of 6.0.

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Tuition Fees:

Please refer to the Teesside University website for current tuition fees.

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Financial Aid:

The university offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support students.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Full-time:

• UK applicants:
• £7,365 per year
• £4,770 per year with advanced practice
• International applicants:
• £17,000 per year
• £10,000 per year with advanced practice

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Part-time:

• UK applicants:
• £820 for each 20 credits

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Length:

• Full-time:
• Within 1 year (September start)
• 16 months (January start)
• 2 years with advanced practice (September or January start)
• Part-time:
• 2 years (September start)
• 3 years (January start)

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Start date:

• September or January

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Payment Information:

• Information on payment methods for both UK and international students can be found on the university's website.

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Additional Information:

• Information on scholarships and financial aid is available on the university's website.
• Please note that fees are subject to change.

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Additional Notes:

• The information provided is for the 2024/25 academic year.
• The currency used is British Pounds Sterling (GBP).