UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDEngineering & InformaticsSchool of Media, Design & TechnologyMA/PG Dip/PG Cert in Visual Effects Production
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award and interim award(s): / PG Cert/PG Dip/MA[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / PG Cert 3D for Visual Effects
PG Cert Compositing for Visual Effects
PG Dip Visual Effects Production
MA Visual Effects Production
Programme approved / accredited by:
Relevant subject benchmark statements(s):
FHEQ Level: / Computing
7
Duration: / PG Certs - 22 weeks full time
PG Dip/MA - 11 months full time(which may be 6 months onsite and 5 months distance learning)
UCAS code: / n/a
Date produced: / 05/07/10
Last updated : / 23/10/18
Introduction
The past decade has seen a rapid expansion in the use of computer-based imagery in the generation of film, television, interactive entertainment and computer games. Hardly any piece of visual media is produced today that has not at some time been manipulated by a computer. The need for well-qualified professionals to take a lead in developing and exploiting existing and new computer graphics technologies will continue to grow with this widespread use.
This programme of study is delivered by Escape Studios in collaboration with the Department of Creative Technology in the School of Computing, Informatics & Media. Escape Studios are certified trainers for Autodesk software and have been delivering training to the industry for 8 years with great success and as such have considerable links with the visual effects industry. The School of Computing, Informatics & Media has been involved in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in this field for some time, backed up by an international research programme in imaging, multimedia, computer animation, virtual reality, distributed virtual environments, visualisation, digital video, human computer interaction, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence. This collaboration therefore provides a unique environment combining Escape Studios’ industrial contacts and the School’s academic experience.
The scope of this field is increasing rapidly in terms of both technology and applications, and it is increasingly difficult to develop these areas to an advanced level within the constraints of existing undergraduate programmes. This postgraduate programme has been developed to complement the other Masters programmes in the School by providing programmes that focus on visual effects, extending the knowledge and skills of graduates from the School’s undergraduate programmes and those from similar degrees from other institutions.
This postgraduate programme of study aims to enable students to develop, at advanced level, knowledge, skill and understanding within the field of visual effects, and to equip them to become a well-qualified professional able to take a lead in developing and exploiting existing and emerging visual effects technologies. The unique nature of this programme means that students will study under the supervision of tutors with industrial experience and with industry standard tools and technology. Their major projects will involve professional briefs and assets set in consultation with industry partners.
Programme Aims
The aim of the Postgraduate Certificate is to provide opportunities for students to gain a sound understanding of the concepts, systems and methodologies in a practical setting and discipline skills relevant to the field of study. The Postgraduate Diploma builds on this understanding and skills and develops them in additional areas. The aim of the Masters level programme is to provide opportunities for students to apply specialist skills and knowledge across specific areas of study, and to demonstrate critical judgment, research ability and proficiency in project management.
The programme is intended to:
- Provide a supportive, structured environment in which students are encouraged to further develop independent learning skills in an industrial environment;
- Develop deep level subject knowledge and understanding, discipline skills and personal transferable skills;
- Promote educational opportunities for ethnic minority, mature and alternatively qualified students, as well as for traditionally qualified students.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in 3D for Visual Effects, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of:
LO1:the state of the art visual effects production technologies;
LO2:the concepts behind the use of software tools for visual effects;
LO3:the potential advancements in visual effects and their impact on the production process.
- Use Discipline Specific Skills in:
LO4:the critical evaluation and selection of software tools and techniquesin visual effects production;
LO5:the creation of 3D content for use in a visual effects shot;
LO6:compositing of computer generated objects into a still image.
- Exhibit Personal and Transferable Skills in:
LO7:effective communication of complex information;
LO8:time management of complex processes and tasks;
LO9:critical analysis;
LO10:writing and presenting of complex topics to an expert audience.
When you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Compositing for Visual Effects, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of:
LO1: the state of the art visual effects production technologies;
LO2: the concepts behind the use of software tools for visual effects;
LO3: the potential advancements in visual effects and their impact on the production process.
- Use Discipline Specific Skills in:
LO4: the critical evaluation and selection of software tools and techniques in visual effects production;
LO6: compositing of computer generated objects into a still image;
LO11:advanced techniquesand production standard software tools to compositemoving and still images and CG rendered elements.
- Exhibit Personal and Transferable Skills in:
LO7: effective communication of complex information;
LO8: time management of complex processes and tasks;
LO9: critical analysis;
LO10:writing and presenting of complex topics to an expert audience.
When you complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Effects Production, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of:
LO1: the state of the art visual effects production technologies;
LO2: the concepts behind the use of software tools for visual effects;
LO3: the potential advancements in visual effects and their impact on the production process.
Discipline Specific Skills in:
LO4: the critical evaluation and selection of software tools and techniques in visual effects production;
LO5: the creation of 3D content for use in a visual effects shot;
LO6: compositing of computer generated objects into a still image
LO11: advanced techniques and production standard software tools to composite moving and still images and CG rendered elements.
- Exhibit Personal and Transferable Skills in:
LO7: effective communication of complex information;
LO8: time management of complex processes and tasks;
LO9: critical analysis;
LO10:writing and presenting of complex topics to an expert audience.
When you complete the Masters in Visual Effects Production, in addition to the learning outcomes from the diploma, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of:
LO12:the critical evaluation and deployment ofthe visual effects techniques needed to complete a complex production project.
- Use Discipline Specific Skills in:
LO13:applying complex skills to a production project;
LO14:organising and managing a project within a production pipeline;
LO15:the implementation of a complex visual effects production.
- Exhibit Personal Transferrable Skills in:
LO16:organising and scheduling resources.
Curriculum
Typically, the PG Certprogramme lasts for 22 weeks of full-time study, with an option to commence studies in September, January, April and July.
The taught Masters programme lasts for 11 months of full-time study, with the first six months studied onsite at Escape Studios and the final five months studied remotely with support from tutors via the VLE. There is an option to commence studies in September, January, April and July.
The programme structure/stages, including interim awards, are shown in the table below.
The curriculumcovers a range of specialist topicsconsisting of classroom based modules, self-directed research modules and project modules.
Students who successfully complete themodules that make up one of the Postgraduate Certificates can choose to progress to thePostgraduate Diploma instead of graduating with the PG Certificate. Students who successful complete the 120 credits ofthe Postgraduate Diploma can choose to progressto the Masters degree in place of graduating with a PG Diploma.
Unit code / Credits / Level / Unit title / PG Cert 3D for Visual Effects / PG Cert Compositing for Visual Effects / PG Dip Visual Effects Production / MA Visual Effects ProductionEM-4061D / 20 / 7 / 3D Foundation / C / O* / O*
EM-4062D / 20 / 7 / Visual Effects / C / O* / O*
EM-4063D / 20 / 7 / Visual Effects Tools and Techniques / C / C / C / C
EM-4064D / 20 / 7 / Compositing 1 / C
EM-4065D / 20 / 7 / Compositing 2 / C
EM-4088D / 20 / 7 / Advanced 3D for Visual Effects / O* / O*
EM-4089D / 20 / 7 / Advanced Compositing for Visual Effects / O* / O*
EM-4090Q / 40 / 7 / Visual Effects Project / C / C
EM-4067Z / 60 / 7 / Visual Effects Production Project / C
Students progressing from the 3D PG Cert will take EM-NEW1D and EM-NEW3D, students progressing from the Compositing 3D PG Cert will take EM-NEW2D and EM-NEW3D. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Concepts, principles and practice are explored within a working environment and under the supervision of tutors with industrial experience. Professional and personal skills are developed through discussion and project work which involves problem solving and design exercises, often tackled by working in small groups. A particular strength of this programmeis the contribution made to the teaching programme by successful practising industry professionals.
Each 20-credit module on the programme requires students to commit 200 hours of learning time. Some of these hours will be formally supervised in the learning environment and others will involve students carrying out independentstudy.
Assessment is based on practical project work and a written record of this work, along with documentation and presentation of their research and investigation. These methodsare chosen so that students may demonstrate the learning outcomes of each module which are focused on the research skills, decision making and process implementation involved in successful project completion.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
Admission Requirements
The procedures, criteria and regulations for admission to these programmes of study operate within the parameters defined by the University’s Ordinance for Postgraduate Programmes. With respect to the proposed programmes, we specifically require that all applicants:
- have an Honours Degree containing a significant component in the field of visual effects or related discipline of an approved degree-awarding body;
OR
- have equivalent industrial experience in the field of visual effects or a related area.
Applicants will be expected to submit a portfolio of work to be assessed and attend an interview that will be carried out by members of the teaching team.
Applicants must have a GCSE in English language or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English should present evidence of English language proficiency with an average IELTS score of 6.0, or an equivalent level of attainment in an alternative test to IELTs.
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
Learning Resources
Teaching will take place in an environment with up-to-date hardware and software with regular update and replacement cycles and other industry-standard facilities. The involvement of key companies in the post-production and visual effects area assure of the quality of the learning environment and resources.
E-learning will be a central element in the delivery of modules within the framework via on-line via forums, blogs (industry and academic) and industry publications. Where necessary, students will be supplied with links to relevant on-line sources either via Blackboard, social bookmarking software or other web-based collaborative software
Use of external resources and technology, such social networks and instant messaging systems will feature in modules as appropriate.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
This is provided both by the University and Escape Studios team. Students will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is someone with whom they will be able to talk to about any academic or personal concerns. The School uses a variety of mechanisms to support learning, including handbooks, tutors and formal staff-student liaison committees so that issues are dealt withappropriately. The University provides facilities such as extended access to Library and Computing facilities, counselling and welfare services, careers advice and a Disabilities Office. Access to many of these facilities is possible through the ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ (VLE). This provides access to forums, shared file space, modulenotes and support for students studying off-campus and during work placements.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of student programmerepresentatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing a career plan.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources available on their web site
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc. The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’ website
This programme aims to enhance the student's work so that work-based practice contributes to the requirements of the modules, and the new learning feeds into and improves working practice and therefore develops employability.
Learner Development Unit
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive workshops and clinics which aredelivered throughout the year. This is in addition to our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see
Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions.
The Admissions OfficeThe University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK / The Admissions Office
School of Media, Design & Technology
University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
/ +44 (0) 1274 234286
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and programmeapproval, monitoring and review procedures.
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