Visual Effects BA (Hons)

You create computer-generated 3D models using a range of techniques. Learn how to apply materials, textures, lighting and rendering to your finished models.

It is important to communicate ideas visually when on a creative journey in visual media. Study the entire preproduction pipeline, from fundamental drawing skills through to generating ideas, design concepts and storyboarding.

It’s important to understand the principles of motion for anyone entering the computer graphics industry. Learn how to apply the basic laws of physics to create convincing movement in 3D and creative application of motion principles. Create a portfolio of short, animated shots with 3D rigs using industry standard animation software.?

You learn how to develop technical art solutions by producing dynamic and engaging immersive content, importing assets and creating scenes. Gain a deeper understanding of more advanced engine editor tools, integrating assets, visual effects and animation.

Develop your skills in lighting, particle effects, post-processing, advanced node-based material shaders and integration of dynamic effects and events using visual scripting. Integrate games art and animation into a game level using an industry standard game engine.

Learn to create seamless composited motion sequences integrating live action, computer-generated content and photographed elements. Develop skills in compositing – digital matte painting and how to create set extensions and environments using 3D projections.

You produce a portfolio of digital compositing work showcasing how you use digital environments, green screen elements, live action and computer-generated content, seamlessly integrated in a final movie. You also have an interview or recording to reflect on your investigation, your learning and how you progressed your final portfolio.

Learn about the workflows and theories underpinning common simulation techniques and apply them using industry standard software. You consider observed phenomena and visual effects in film and TV productions, create professional quality simulations and critically analyse them.

You then produce a portfolio of professionally presented effects sequences, including breakdowns, and a report that reflects on your sequences and your process, as well as a professional CV.

You develop a product or service as part of an enterprise project for a real client – they set the brief based on their organisation’s strategic needs. Working in small teams, you determine the project aims, objectives, roles, tasks, deliverables, schedules and documentation. You then pitch your project to the client.

Study procedural tools and techniques within the games, animation and visual effects pipelines, learning how they can be developed or employed to increase consistency, productivity and efficiency.

You create and present a procedural tool or procedurally generated output that fits in to the games, animation and visual effects pipeline.

Work in a team to produce a short film or visual effects sequence in the media and style of your choice. It could be a high-end visual effects sequence or a Pixar-style short. In your team, you each take on a production role and mimic the industry pipeline.

You get experience of working in a team and producing a high-end showpiece for your portfolio. Individually, you build on your learning in Years 1 and 2 and develop your chosen specialist skills through your contribution to the project.

You create a finished short film or sequence and an individual reel. You also produce a presentation for a professional audience on how to tackle a complex real-world problem related to animation and visual effects.

Getting your name onto the credits of a film, TV show or game takes hard work and dedication. You need to understand how the industry works and show all the skills required. In this module, you develop a career strategy through personal reflection and produce a portfolio of work that targets your area of interest and specialism.

Taking a practice-based approach and researching the industry helps you create a portfolio that is relevant and applicable to the workplace. You also carry out a critical evaluation of a company that your current study is looking to engage with. It can be a written report, presentation, or blog in negotiation with the delivery team.

Design, research and complete your own project to develop the current practice, products or service of a client or your own organisation.

Carry out research to validate your hypotheses, test solutions, build prototypes, and make conclusions. Your area of research and practice is defined by the client or organisation. You must ensure that what you’re doing adds value and delivers against the brief. You work independently with support from a supervisor.