BA (Hons) Digital SFX Animation

Summary 2012/13

• A highly vocational degree developing practical skills, technical aspects and studio practice;
• An opportunity to work directly with industry on practical, client-led briefs;
• A large-scale project allows you to understand running and working with an animation studio.

SFX has benefitted from the evolution of digital technologies and given rise to a renaissance within the field of animation and has developed an emerging distinction between visual and special effects.

You will focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of visual effects (VFX) and special effects (SFX) animation and investigate how the role of VFX/SFX has developed as a visual art-form, a method of communication and a commercial tool. You'll gain the technical and creative skills required to become a visual and special effects animator and discover how technological change has put animation at the centre of communication in many industries.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 UCAS tariff points, preferably to include creative arts subjects. The production of a creative arts portfolio can be credited with contributing 80 UCAS tariff points towards the total.

Summary 2013/14

• A highly vocational degree developing practical skills, technical aspects and studio practice;
• An opportunity to work directly with industry on practical, client-led briefs;
• A large-scale project allows you to understand running and working with an animation studio.

SFX has benefitted from the evolution of digital technologies and given rise to a renaissance within the field of animation and has developed an emerging distinction between visual and special effects.

You will focus on the practical and theoretical aspects of visual effects (VFX) and special effects (SFX) animation and investigate how the role of VFX/SFX has developed as a visual art-form, a method of communication and a commercial tool. You'll gain the technical and creative skills required to become a visual and special effects animator and discover how technological change has put animation at the centre of communication in many industries.

2013 Entry Requirements

Typical offer 280 UCAS tariff points, preferably to include creative arts subjects. The production of a creative arts portfolio can be credited with contributing 80 UCAS tariff points towards the total.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you want to adopt a structured yet creative approach to learning the craft of VFX and SFX animation, combining practical experience with academic excellence, then this programme is for you. It will be ideal preparation for a career in the animation industry, or any creative or commercial area involving animation.

What will I gain from this programme?

This degree is designed to equip you with the latest methods, processes and essential skills in VFX and SFX production. The programme has a strong emphasis on design and creative production using both digital and traditional techniques. This degree also adopts a highly vocational approach and offers you the opportunity to network with key figures within the animation industry.

What will I study?

In Year 1 you will explore the specialist area of VFX and SFX animation production and design, developing skills in scriptwriting for animation and film structure. You will also be introduced to the notion of visual culture as an important element within animation practice and studies.

Year 2 develops your skills to include 3D and character animation, interactive animation and essential studio practice, including technical aspects such as lighting and sound techniques for animation. You will gain an understanding of media theory and its relevance to animation forms through the study of narrative, genre, representation and the relationship between producers and audiences. During years 2 and 3 you will be given the opportunity to liaise directly with industry where you will be working to industry-related briefs.

Year 3 focuses on creating a substantial VFX/SFX animation project and considers the real-life aspects of running and working with an animation studio. It also requires you to undertake an in-depth personal research project.

How will I study?

This degree adopts a highly vocational approach to the subject. Coursework includes practical projects, essays, case studies, individual and group presentations, and a dissertation. Tutors provide support for individual supervision, directed reading/study and student-directed study.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by an experienced, research-active team with a wide range of interests and experience in the industry.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of written and practical assignments, research projects and individual and group presentations.

What are my career prospects?

This degree prepares you to work across the industry, from animation houses and film studios to television and web companies. You will develop technical skills, a critical appreciation of animation, organisational ability and teamwork skills. You will also enhance your creativity.

Related Programmes

• BA (Hons) Animation
• BA (Hons) Stop-Motion Animation

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

The delivery of this Digital SFX Animation degree is supported by state of the art facilities, housing specialist Apple Mac Studios, industry standard animation equipment, in addition to a television studio and video editing suite.

A range of exciting extra curricular activities have been developed by the Department of Media to underpin the knowledge and learning on our programmes; these include international study trips, festivals, and visits to art galleries such as the Tate and FACT.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you are returning to education, you may present previous work experience (paid or voluntary) to support your application.

If you have relevant study through either a professional body or appropriate academic course you can apply to join the programme at an advanced stage.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about the course, please contact:

• Alex Jukes, Media Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel. 01695 584847
• Email: jukesa@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

Year 1

MED1060 VFX Creation & Design (20 credits) introduces you to the driving concepts in the development of moving image design. You will identify short and feature length filmic structures, television/film and broadcasting formats, and orientate towards a variety of design-related VFX applications and developments. The module will also equip you with an understanding of the underpinning history, theory and constructs of VFX and develop this knowledge for application within your practice work and aligned modules.

MED1061 Digital Special Effects Production (20 credits) provides an introduction to the technical and professional practices required to work within the VFX and SFX industries. You will develop key practices in compositing and image manipulation within the environments of live-action film, animation, television and studio production. This will include the construction, animation and application of 3D CGI models and backgrounds, working with motion-capture, and the processes of keying, matting and image construction. The module also offers practical experience in managing projects and delineates the roles, processes and expectations of working within a SFX/VFX studio.

MED1204 Understanding Visual Cultures (20 credits) introduces you to ways in which you can think about and critically examine the visual and visualisation. Covering a variety of theoretical approaches, you will be offered opportunities to actively engage with visual technologies and experiences, applying and problematising critical approaches through reflection upon your experiences.

MED1214 Drawing and Design for Animation (20 credits) develops a range of creative animation skills and production methods, both from a digital and traditional perspective. The module may include life-drawing sessions, storyboard production, creative processes via drawing and rudimentary perspective skills.

MED1215 Experimental & Convergent Animation (30 credits) provides an introduction to contemporary and traditional practices and establishes contexts for independent and commercial production, developing skills and concepts in relation to experimental animation production and research.

You will explore the notion of an alternative vocabulary within animation production including innovative approaches to the aesthetics of motion, pacing, structure, visual design, colour, form and the interaction of image and sound. You will also investigate how digital animation environments can reinvent 'classic' approaches to production forming synergies between contemporary and traditional practices.

This module introduces issues surrounding 'new' and 'old' within the context of artistic achievement, develops an insight into the historical lineage of experimentation into established processes and concepts, and identifies contemporary examples through production research.

MED1216 What Is Animation? History & Context (10 credits) places animation within its historical and contemporary context and explores the concept of animation as a form of communication within today's multifarious visual environment. Via both written and practical-based work you will investigate a broad range of animation styles and approaches including European and International animation texts. Developing your understanding and knowledge of animation production, you will be able to place your own production design work within an appropriate contemporary context.

Year 2

MED2224 Scriptwriting & Character Development (20 credits). Building on the knowledge gained in year 1, this module focuses on the discipline of both scriptwriting and character animation production. You will develop a variety of character-animation production techniques and processes, including 2D and 3D CG animation and develop your skills as a scriptwriter.

The module may include the following subjects: life-drawing; facial animation; body language; concepts of movement and gesture; weight, balance and dynamics; caricature and expression (including facial expression and body language); and acting.

MED2226 Lighting, Sound & Art Direction (20 credits) gives you the opportunity to engage with the complex nature of lighting in both physical and virtual environments. Within the theoretical framework of the module you will explore the practical and dynamic effects of lighting and colour. The module provides the opportunity to further develop sound production skills acquired in year 1 and you will also consider the use of sound within the animation arena at a higher level of detail. During the module you will generate lighting and sound effects using a variety of techniques to complement animated sequences.

MED2227 Spectacles, Bodies and Other Pleasures: Concepts in Television, Animation and Film (20 credits). Animation, television and film are in a constant process of change, partially determined by new technologies, which is reflected in contemporary media theory. The module brings these theories together by analysing the experience of the visual in contemporary media. It will thus draw attention to the increased emphasis on aesthetics in film and television theory, ideas of spectacle and the centrality of the body to the experience of different media. It will also reflect on issues of convergence, the global and divergence in relation to the visuality of media.

You will gain a deeper insight into key concepts of animation, television and film by focusing on contemporary discourses in their historical context, further enhancing your understanding of film, animation and television whilst also developing your critical and analytical skills.

MED2101 Digital SFX Design & Production (20 credits) builds upon the skills base accumulated throughout the programme and is designed to provide you with a high level of practical post-production techniques and skills as well as the ability to critically analyse screened SFX. The module may include the following subjects: advanced 3D effects, compositing and SFX techniques, and post production processes.

MED2102 SFX Theories and Contemporary Design Concepts (20 credits). The notion of animation is now synonymous with a diverse range of industries, including television, cinema, advertising, computer games, design and the Internet.

This module provides an opportunity to recognise and to gain experience of working practices relating to your VFX and SFX practice and to develop your vocational aspirations. Skills and knowledge of animation disciplines will be appraised through a combination of research projects, a practical animation production and work placement.

You will also choose one of the following three modules:

MED2230 3D CGI: Principles, Process and Technology (20 credits) recognises the differing requirements demanded by a variety of digital animation formats such as computer games, online animation and mobile technologies with specific reference to 3D CGI animation and modeling. Subjects covered may include character animation for games, pre-rendered and real-time animation, and creating 3D environments. This module enables you to begin to define an individual signature and design style in this area of animation.

MED2229 2D and Mixed Media: Principles, Process and Technologies (20 credits) recognises the vast opportunities offered by contemporary 2D and related mixed media practices open to the modern animation designer. You will have the opportunity to explore the broad range of current, emergent and avant-garde animation practice and process in this field, alongside the expanding array of audience delivery options and their implications on the design process. This module empowers you to begin to define an individual signature and design style in this area of animation and to place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for studio practice work.

MED2231 3D Stop-motion: Principles, Process and Technologies (20 credits) offers the opportunity of specialist study in the key aspects of contemporary stop-motion animation, from character animation and SFX processes to mixed and multimedia design practices for this field. The module will enable you to start to define an individual signature and design style in this area of animation and to place your work in appropriate contemporary production contexts for your studio practice.

Year 3

MED3101/3102 Personal Specialism (60 credits) offers you the opportunity, under supervision, to develop a substantial animation project and undertake an in-depth personal research task relevant to that project. The work will allow you to explore areas of interest, investigate topics and explore a range of presentational forms explicitly linked to a main production project. The module consists of lectures, studio sessions, independent learning opportunities and 'masterclasses'.

MED3124 Studio Practice / Placement (30 credits) focuses on the real-life aspects of running and working with an animation studio. You will engage with important practical issues and essential professional practices including health and safety, copyright and project budgeting. The module is designed to provide you with real opportunities to meet and discuss the experiences of animation with professionals. It also explores the range of opportunities for postgraduate study.

Guest speakers will be a particularly important component of this module and you will be encouraged to evaluate the realities of working within the animation industry, engaging in postgraduate study and being proactive in assessing your future. Key workshops on issues such as employment, interviews, networking, freelance work and finance will be offered throughout the module. You will also be given the opportunity to engage with industry in terms of both placement and live projects.

MED3202 Dissertation (30 credits) involves undertaking an in-depth personal research project, under supervision, which is relevant to animation. The work will allow you to explore areas of interest and investigate topics not explicitly addressed elsewhere (but related to) the study of animation.

The module will encourage you to explore a range of presentational forms, appropriate to the project. You will gain a thorough knowledge of your chosen subject area and will be expected to shape that knowledge to produce a final submission that demonstrates your ability to locate material within the wider contexts of the subject of animation.