BA (Hons)CGI and Visual Effects

Core modules

Introduction to 3D

On this module you will learn the fundamental tools of 3D content creation, using industry standard software. You will develop your skills in 3D modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering in the context of current industry practices.

Introduction to VFX

This module introduces students to a variety of foundation techniques, concepts, tools and work practices specific to the VFX pipeline using industry standard software.

Digital Visuals

This module sets the groundwork for your journey as a digital artist. It provides a global overview of the production pipelines used in different sectors of the digital art industries. This module also aims to help you start to develop your visual intelligence and understand the various ways in which visual intelligence is embedded in digital art in specific sectors.

Real-Time CGI

The Real Time CGI module is a fantastic chance to experiment with some very up-and-coming technology. With the level of detail that game engines can produce rivalling and, in some cases, now exceeding the level that can be accomplished via traditional rendering methods – game engines are a rapidly growing technology that you need to be playing with. This module gives you a chance to play with this and adapt this to a specific project that you choose.

Introduction to Animation

CGI and VFX are nothing without animation. Animation is the addition of life to your CG models that turns them from static models into living, believable creations. This module will starts with animation of basic objects and then introduces you to the many varied CGI tools for animating more advanced elements such as motion capture.

Architectural Visualisation

This module will introduce you to 3D and 2D photorealism skills that are common throughout CGI as well as being specific to the Architectural Visualisation industry. As well as precise modelling, physically based lighting and materials and up-to-date rendering practices, you will be encouraged to develop still images artistically using 2D post-production techniques.

Core modules

VFX/Simulation

It might be a stereotype, but all Hollywood VFX blockbusters seem to have things exploding, buildings collapsing, tidal waves, smoke, fire and various other forms of disaster. You can make these things happen too (inside a computer only!). While the computer can help you create these effects, the artistic considerations such as drama, narrative and impact are key and the way you control the simulation involves a very different skill set.

Set Capture

This module gives you a great opportunity to try your hand as a junior on-set VFX Supervisor and capture some of various types of reference that a VFX team will need. You will also learn what type of data is acquired, how it is processed and the various roles on set.

Digital Character

This module is a chance to dive into the exciting world of character development and sculpting. You will be learning about muscle groups, anatomy and sculpting software, while combining this knowledge to build exciting characters.

Compositing

In this module you will really start to grasp the technical areas of CG, with complex and cutting edge topics such as set extension, advanced colour theory, further CG and deep compositing – you will soon start to delve deep into the more technical areas of visual effects and employ more technical concepts in your work.

CGI/VFX Commentary

This module is where you start to think about and explore your favourite area of CGI or VFX with a view to specialising in a particular area for your future career. You will be introduced to research techniques to enable you to explore an area of your choosing in-depth both theoretically and practically, giving you the chance to try some cutting-edge industry techniques.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Advanced Drawing

There is no better way to explore your creativity than through traditional drawing and this will free you to create concepts and ideas for your digital work in other units and to develop your own artistic style. Using traditional drawing methods you will explore areas such as the human figure, movement and composition while continuing to develop practical skills, observation and recall.

Technical Art

You will be introduced to scripting as a tool to extend the capability of the software you use for CGI and VFX and apply it in different areas of the pipeline.

Core modules

Production Brief

This module is where you decide on and plan your Final Major Project and identify all the things you still want to learn before you leave.

Pre-Production

The things you learn in this module will directly inform your Final Major Project so that you know when you start it that you can hit the ground running and spend more time in production and less in making mistakes. You will also do any previz and concept work you need for your project.

Final Major Project

This project will form the main part of your portfolio for future employability or further study. Show just how good you can be at your subject when you get the chance to devote significant time and effort to it. Your project will sit in one of three domains; art, technical art or research depending on your skills and future career goals.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Dissertation

Expanding on the research skills you learned in Year 2, you will develop stronger research skills including creating a research question, conducting a literature review and applying relevant research methodologies.

Art for CGI/VFX

Although practically based, this module will encourage you to engage with the theories of art and their relation to CGI/VFX and challenge you to connect your practical and theoretical understanding of art with your practise in CGI/VFX.

Scripting for Graphics

This module continues to develop your coding skills and solidifies and deepens your understanding of the maths involved in creating modern CGI/VFX tools.