UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDFaculty of Engineering & InformaticsSchool of Media, Design & TechnologyProgramme title: MA/PG Dip in Visual Effects Production
PG Cert3D for Visual Effects
PG CertCompositing for Visual Effects
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 statement(s):
FHEQ Level: / Computing
7
Duration: / 45 weeks full time (of which up to 27 weeks may be distance learning)
UCAS code: / N/A
Date produced: / 05/07/10
Last updated : / 17/10/14
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 School of Media, Design & Technology. 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 Media, Design & Technology 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:
LO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the state of the art visual effects production technologies;
LO2: demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the concepts behind the use of software tools for visual effects;
LO3: demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the potential advancements in visual effects and their impact on the production process.
LO4: critically evaluate and select software tools and techniques for visual effects production;
LO5a:create 3D content for use in a visual effects shot;
LO6: composite computer generated objects into a still image.
LO7: effectively communicate complex information;
LO8: manage complex processes and tasks;
LO9: critically analyse;
LO10: write and present complex topics for an expert audience.
When you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Compositing for Visual Effects, you will be able to:
LO1: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the state of the art visual effects production technologies;
LO2: demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the concepts behind the use of software tools for visual effects;
LO3: demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the potential advancements in visual effects and their impact on the production process.
LO4: critically evaluate and select software tools and techniques for visual effects production;
LO5b:use advanced techniques and production standard software tools to composite moving and still images and CG rendered elements.
LO6: composite computer generated objects into a still image.
LO7: effectively communicate complex information;
LO8: manage complex processes and tasks;
LO9: critically analyse;
LO10:write and present complex topics for an expert audience.
When you complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Effects Production, in addition to the learning outcomes of the certificate, you will be able to:
LO11:critically evaluate and deploy the visual effects techniques needed to complete a complex production project.
LO12:apply high level skills to a visual effects project
LO13:demonstrate advanced practical abilities in the implementation of a visual effects project.
When you complete the Masters in Visual Effects Production, in addition to the learning outcomes from the diploma, you will be able to:
LO14:organise and manage a project within a production pipeline;
LO15:implementa complex visual effects production.
LO16:technically and critically analyse and solve problems.
LO17:organise and schedule resources effectively to a high standard.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers a range of specialist topics consisting of classroom-based modules tuition, self-directed research modules and project modules.
Students choose one of the two routes, 3D or Compositing, at the PG Cert stage. Typically, the PG Cert programme lasts for 22 weeks of full-time study, 12 weeks of which are spent in the classroom at Escape with up to 10 weeks of directed study which may be completed remotely supported by the VLE. There is an option to commence studies in September, January, April and July.
Students who successfully complete the PG Cert stage can choose to continue to the PG Dip stage through either the 3D or Compositing route. The additional classroom time makes the total time to complete the PG Dip 26 weeks (18 classroom and 8 directed study).
Students who successfully complete the PG Dip stage can progress to the MA stage. This involves a substantial project and report which may be studied via distance learning supported by tutors via the VLE. The total time to complete the MA is 45 weeks, 18 of which will be spent in the classroom at Escape Studios and 27 of which is directed study.
The programme structure/stages, including interim awards, are shown in the tables below.
Postgraduate Certificate 3D for Visual Effects [Level 7]
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / LevelEM-4061D / 3D Foundation / C / 20 / 7
EM-4062D / Visual Effects / C / 20 / 7
EM-4063D / Visual Effects Tools & Techniques / C / 20 / 7
Postgraduate Certificate 3D for Visual Effects [Level 7]
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / LevelEM-4064D / Compositing 1 / C / 20 / 7
EM-4065D / Compositing 2 / C / 20 / 7
EM-4063D / Visual Effects Tools & Techniques / C / 20 / 7
Postgraduate Diplomain Visual Effects Production [Level 7]
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / LevelEM-4088D / Advanced 3D for Visual Effects / O* / 20 / 7
EM-4089D / Advanced Compositing for Visual Effects / O* / 20 / 7
EM-4090K / Visual Effects Project / C / 40 / 7
* Students progressing from the 3D PG Cert route take EM-4088D and those from the Compositing PG Cert route take EM-4089D
Mastersin Visual Effects Production [level 7]
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / LevelEM-4067Z / Visual Effects Production Project / C / 60 / 7
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 programme is the contribution made to the teaching programme by successful practising industry professionals. Extensive use is made of the VLE, both to enhance the classroom learning experience and to support students studying through distance learning.
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 independent study.
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 methods are 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 Regulations which are available at the following link:
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.
With respect to these 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 with appropriately. 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, module notes 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 programme representatives 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 Academic Skills Advice
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 is delivered 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 support, advice and equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It 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 programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.
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