📖Program Curriculum
Year 1
Core Modules
Credits
Introduction to 3D Modelling
20.00
You'll study how to make a 3D mesh using the 3D modelling toolset from a modelling application. Through the process you will also develop your observation skills using real objects and / or reference material. You will be expected to keep and submit a reflective learning journal as supporting evidence for their project.
Texturing and Look Development
20.00
You'll study how to texture a 3D model according to reference material how to create the maps needed to accurately shade & render an object so that it will appear indistinguishable from the real thing and how to recognise and replicate the properties of real-world materials. You'll be given models complete with UVs for workshops & practice.
Lighting and Rendering
20.00
You'll discover how to set up a three-point lighting setup and replicate it in CG techniques for on-set lighting in film production why each technique might be used in different scenarios and how to match these in CG for visual effects elements. You'll study the role of lighters in the VFX industry and managing your time and scenes efficiently.
Animation Principles and the Moving Figure
20.00
This module aims to give you an understanding of the principles of animation & practical skills to animate simple 3D rigs with weight force & expression. In the animation studio environment you'll cover essential topics and develop the skills to create animation using industry standard software and will analyse the workflows used in the industry.
Visual Narrative
20.00
You'll study the core methods and principles of communicating a story with moving image. You'll have the chance to develop your understanding of cinematic techniques using 3D software to experiment and test the creative possibilities of visual narrative. You'll also study the fundamentals of lighting and cameras.
Opportunity Modules
You must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 4 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.
Year 2
Core Modules
Credits
Games Engines
20.00
You'll learn about Games Engines and how they are used to construct game levels from 3D assets. You'll also look at other types of asset commonly found in games and how to set them up to achieve the full user experience. You'll study how basic interactivity is achieved through the application of customisable scripts to level assets.
Virtual Environments for Games
20.00
A key task of any 3D game is to build a game environment. This module covers the processes involved in building a one suitable for use in a games engine such as Unreal Engine. You'll study how to design & build a set of assets and from these create a 3D game level. You will be able to import additional resources to ensure your level feels complete.
Digital Sculpting
20.00
You'll discover how to use digital sculpting software to create models that look and feel organic with a focus on character modelling. You may choose to create a hard surface model of suitable complexity for your level. You are not expected to produce character concept work themselves but can do so with agreement from their lecturer.
Simulated FX
20.00
You'll explore the simulation processes used in creating animated destruction looking closely at how particles and rigid/dynamic bodies behave & interact with each other. You'll study key techniques like simulating dust debris and how to shatter & collapse objects. Destruction is often accompanied by other simulations such as particles & smoke.
Optional Modules
Credits
Plan your showreel (placement) OR
20.00
You'll consider your career objectives in both the short medium & long term then focus on your short to medium term goals. You'll produce an action plan of the path you intend to take to achieve your aims. You'll research job roles analyse inspirational showreels of professionals and look at how you can create a meaningful showreel of your own.
Rigging OR
20.00
The rig is never seen by the audience but for a computer generated character to be convincing this is a critical aspect that has to work according to the brief. Rigging is a logical process requiring strong organisation and problem solving skills. You’ll learn to create a rig for a humanoid character and bind the mesh to the rig.
Project OR
20.00
This unit provides you with an opportunity to work on a small project ideally in a small team but individual projects are possible where appropriate. You may also work with people studying other disciplines. Projects are the basis of much creative work and typically involve pre-production production and postproduction phases as well as teamwork.
Character FX
20.00
You'll study 2 aspects of Character FX work: groom and clothing. You'll look at how to set up render and style clothes and digital hair on a humanoid character as well as how to make a basic test simulation. You'll then render outputs into a short animated sequence and write a 2000 word evaluative learning journal of your character FX project.
Opportunity Modules
In addition you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.
Year 3
Core Modules
Credits
Industry Production Project
20.00
You'll complete an industry style brief fulfilling one or more roles (modeler animator compositor groom artist and others) in an appropriate pipeline. The brief will be set and approved by the lecturers in conjunction with industry advice.
Portfolio
40.00
In this module you will complete a piece of work for use in your portfolio. This unit is an opportunity to produce a piece of work at the standard of a junior professional. You will be expected to maintain an annotated learning journal which will demonstrate how you have reflected on your work leading to improvements and refinements.
Showreel
20.00
Complete your showreel & develop a work-oriented online presence. You'll research similar showreels to help determine how to make your own stand out then evaluate your existing work and choose a piece which can be significantly improved to bring it up to the standard of a junior industry professional. You'll make minor improvements to other pieces.
Optional Modules
Credits
Creative Project: Preproduction OR
20.00
You'll plan a cutting-edge project focusing on using up-to-date technologies & techniques in animation film & game art production or related content. You'll research your topic and use this to contribute to a project proposal/pitch. You'll receive feedback on the pitch and then be expected to implement it using your own judgement as a guide.
Creative Project: Production
20.00
