What you'll study
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
Eportfolio – 20 credits
Develop an online portfolio where you provide evidence of your skills and abilities in relation to your preferred career path.
Foundation in 3D Modelling – 20 credits
This module covers 3D modelling theory and specialised modelling and animation techniques.
Foundations in Graphics – 20 credits
Use industry-standard software and techniques to create and manipulate still and moving digital images.
Skills and Principles for Animation – 20 credits
Study the basic principles of animation.
Tools for Animation – 20 credits
An introduction to the fundamental computer programming concepts commonly used in computer animation production.
Visual Communication – 20 credits
Explore the communication of ideas and develop computer animation visualisation skills.
Year 2
Core modules
CGI Lighting and Look Development – 20 credits
CGI Lighting is a fundamental skill required by CG generalists who cover more than one role in the global VFX (visual effects) industry. Look Development is the process of balancing CGI texturing, shader development, lighting and rendering to match a reference image.
Project Initiation and Career Management – 20 credits
Prepare for your final year independent study projects and develop your career management skills.
Optional modules
Creative Technologies Study Exchange – 60 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to do a study placement in a Higher Education institution outside of the UK. It allows you to enhance your learning experience by adding a global dimension to your studies.
CCI Self-Employed Placement – Full Year – 40 credits
This optional year-long module gives you experience in setting up and running a small business during the placement year of a sandwich degree.
CCI Work Placement – Full Year – 40 credits
This optional year-long placement module gives you relevant industrial or commercial experience during the placement year of a sandwich degree.
Animation Programming and Scripting – 20 credits
Learn how to apply Python language programming and scripting for computer animation using 3D software such as Maya.
Design and Visual Research for Cinema and Game – 20 credits
Develop your skills and knowledge in visual research, design and production methodologies associated with the film and game industries.
Designing for Animation – 20 credits
Develop skills and knowledge in 3D modelling, texturing and character animation.
Engaged Citizenship Through Interdisciplinary Practice – 20 credits
Develop your creative, intellectual and interpersonal attributes.
Image Preparation for VFX – 20 credits
Develop the VFX (visual effects) core skills needed for the role of the image (or plate) preparation artist – an essential skill for 2D VFX industry entry-level jobs or industry placements.
Introduction to Visual Effects – 20 credits
An introduction to digital visual effects, as well as simulation-based and procedurally-generated artwork, in relation to the role of an effects animator or effects technical director for the VFX (visual effects) industry.
Matchmoving for VFX – 20 credits
This module explores the VFX (visual effects) core skills that constitute and surround the role of the Matchmover – an essential skill for 3D VFX industry entry-level jobs and placements.
Modern Foreign Language (IWLP) – 20 credits
Study 1 of 8 modern languages on the University's free Institution-Wide Language Programme.
Previsualisation and Motion Capture – 20 credits
Explore the role of previsualisation (previs) artists within film, TV and game productions.
Professional Experience – 20 credits
This module gives you the opportunity to gain credit towards your degree from paid/unpaid work, volunteering, research placements, internships and other work-related learning.
Sculpting and Rigging for Film – 20 credits
Study the foundations of computer animation focusing on digital sculpting and rigging.
Student Enterprise – 20 credits
This module is a problem-based learning module, which will introduce you to the basics and reality of setting up and running a small business.
Year 3
Core modules
Creative Media – 20 credits
Develop skills and knowledge in technical aspects of animation and rigging.
Creative Professional Development – 20 credits
Research and produce material you can use to develop your career (for example, an industry-focused portfolio of work and CV).
Final Year Project – 40 credits
Develop your skills in academic research and academic writing, literature and self-expression in a relevant field of study.
Optional modules
Advanced Compositing for VFX – 20 credits
This module explores the VFX (visual effects) core skills that compositing artists need to understand and use, which are essential skills in the industry, from entry to mid-level 2D VFX jobs.
Advanced Creature FX and Rigging – 20 credits
Explore the role of a rigger and creature FX artist within the VFX (visual effects) pipeline and look at their working relationship and interactions with animators and modellers.
Advanced Visual Effects and Environments – 20 credits
You'll be examining dynamic simulations of 3D digital environments and their interaction with particle systems, structure dynamics, cloth, fluids and crowd simulations that are influenced by the laws of physics.
Animation and Setup for Computer Animation – 20 credits
Develop skills and knowledge in technical aspects of animation and rigging.
Motion Capture Applications – 20 credits
An introduction to the principles of performance capture techniques focusing on current industry standards and applications.
Real-Time Interactive Group Project – Stage One – 20 credits
In a team, you’ll design and prototype a medium- to large-scale real-time interactive product in response to a client brief.
Real-Time Interactive Group Project – Stage Two – 20 credits
You’ll work in a team to develop the client-briefed real-time interactive digital experience you prototyped in Stage One.
