MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects

Program Overview

The MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects program at Abertay University equips students with the skills to excel as Technical or Visual Effects Artists in the evolving games, film, and television industries. It emphasizes real-time technologies, interactive methods, and engine programming, preparing graduates to tackle complex artistic and logistical production challenges. The program boasts access to a state-of-the-art virtual production studio and is designed to meet the high demand for skilled Technical Artists in the industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to excel as Technical or Visual Effects Artists in the rapidly evolving games, film, and television industries. It recognizes the increasing demand for Technical Artists, who are skilled in delivering creative solutions to complex artistic and logistical production challenges. The program emphasizes real-time (RT) technologies, interactive, immersive, and programmable methods, addressing the changing landscape of the visual effects industry.

Objectives:

• To provide students with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches, along with real-time software and hardware experience.
• To develop expertise in engine programming, pipelines, VFX, optimization, tools development, art, and animation pipelines.
• To prepare graduates to enter the industry with the necessary skills to tackle complex artistic and logistical production challenges.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Practical projects: Students will create technical art and visual effects examples in the form of a showreel/breakdown reel or technical demo.
• Reports: Written reports will demonstrate students' understanding of concepts and applications.
• Exams: Written exams will assess theoretical knowledge.

Teaching:

• Lectures: Deliver theoretical concepts and principles.
• Practical tutorials: Provide hands-on training in dedicated production and lab spaces.
• Self-directed learning: Students are expected to continue learning outside of scheduled sessions.

Careers:

• Technical or Visual Effects Artist: Graduates can work in established studios or create their own studios.

Other:

• The program boasts access to a state-of-the-art virtual production studio (ViPRE – Virtual Production Research Environment), the only one of its kind in the UK.
• The program incorporates engine programming, pipelines, VFX, optimization, tools development, art, and animation pipelines.
• The program curriculum is designed to meet the high demand for skilled Technical Artists in the industry.
• Abertay University provides extensive career support services to help graduates transition into the workforce.

Key Points:

• The MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects program is a cutting-edge, specialized program that addresses the rapidly changing demands of the visual effects industry.
• It offers access to unique facilities, including a state-of-the-art virtual production studio.
• The program's focus on practical skills and real-time technologies prepares graduates for a successful career in the games, film, and television industries.