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Computer Animation and Visual Effects – (M.Sc.)
Bournemouth University
The Media School| Location: | Bournemouth / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
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| Languages: | English | ||
Location of Bournemouth University
The aim of MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects is to produce graduates with the range and depth of technical skills necessary to become future Technical Directors within the computer animation and computer games sectors. Students will gain knowledge and skills which will enable them to understand Computer Animation production and implement appropriate tools for such productions. Students have regular presentations and master classes from invited industry speakers. This exposure to real-world projects and state-of-the-art techniques from professional practitioners is highly valued by students and is major course strength. Successful graduates will discover that their transferable technical skills are a valuable asset when seeking employment.
The course is oriented toward the creation of graduates with a combination of artistic sensibilities, problem solving and technical skills. The skills and experience gained can be applied within the animation and games industries, where technical directors often have to work alongside computer animators and resolve technical problems either by configuring existing software tools or designing new tools.
This course develops a student´s programming and scripting skills and introduces them to the special techniques and tools associated with computer animation. Emphasis is placed on the use of industry standard hardware and software in the development of these techniques. These skills are assessed in a variety of projects undertaken by students during the academic Course. Typical examples include the development of C++ programs to test new algorithms; the writing of shaders to support rendering and the developing of scripts to create new animation effects.
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Contents
The course is split into 4 terms, each lasting 10 weeks. The first 3 terms are the Post Graduate Diploma (PG Dip), the final term is the Masters term.
Units you would be expected to complete in the PGDip:
Animation Software Development
This unit introduces the core concepts of programming for computer graphics tools and applications. We take an algorithmic approach to the design, implementation and testing of computer applications for CGI. The main languages used are C++ and Python, with OpenGL for interactive 3D work. A simple 3D graphics library is developed to aid with the development of more complex 3D applications such as Flocking systems, raytracers, particle systems and simple games. It is assessed by a programming design and implementation project set across the first two terms. The core programming skills presented in this unit feed into all other units on the MSc course, and allow for example the use of the Maya API to write plugin applications.
Moving Image Theory
This unit contains the general image theory elements of the course, and is shared across the taught Masters courses. It incorporates lectures on digital cinematography, supporting screenings of films and animations, lectures on art, science and technology and a course of lectures by visiting speakers from the computer animation, digital effects and computer games industries. The basic concepts of animation, storyboarding, drawing and concept generation are presented. This is assessed by a storyboard design and an essay.
Group Project
The Group project is intended to simulate a production environment. Students from all three Postgraduate courses (MA3D, MSc, Digital Effects) are asked to present a concept for a short animated piece, computer game or animation tool from which groups can be formed. The students then manage and produce all the work with staff acting in a managerial role to guide the productions.
CGI Tools
This unit encompasses a variety of taught lessons and workshops with primary focus on the tools and techniques used in CGI Tools at present we use the following tools:
* Maya
* Houdini
* Renderman (RIB Files, Shader writing)
* Shake
* Pipeline (Python scripting, shell scripting, asset management)
* Rendering
* Maya API
* Massive
CGI Techniques
This unit encompasses a variety of taught lessons and workshops. The indicative content of these classes are:
Inverse and Forward Kinematics
Flocking systems
Physical Simulation (Cloth, Hair Muscles)
Rendering (Shading Models)
Collision detection
Curves and Surfaces (NURBS, Splines)
Mathematics for CGI
Personal Inquiry
This unit is a tutorial supported research unit, shared with the other taught Masters animation courses. This provides students with an opportunity to pursue research into areas which interest them, but may be outside of the normal parameters of the course teaching. This unit is assessed at a research symposium where the students present the results of their research to their fellow students and staff.
Masters Project
The focus of fourth term is on completing the Masters component of your education. This can either be a standalone project or the continuation and conclusion of another project. This project also includes a written Thesis of approximately 5000 words. The year ends with a Computer Animation Show, which gives the students from all of the NCCA's postgraduate courses the opportunity to showcase their work to industry professionals and potential employers, alongside friends, family, and past graduates from the course. This show is usually held in London.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
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Requirements
Entry requirements: The normal requirement for embarking upon a postgraduate taught degree is a good Bachelors Honours degree. Preferred subjects: Computer Science, Maths, Physics If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (Academic) overall and 6.0 in all other components.
Language Proficiency
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade C (Score: 60) |
Accreditation
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), the UK government’s teaching quality watchdog, awarded us the highest category of confidence in our academic standards.
Many of our courses are accredited by professional and industry bodies, which means our courses are readily recognised by employers, and our graduates have professional membership or status when they compete on the job market.
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