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Course overview
Exploring the principles of production workflow, you gain the confidence and understanding of practical aspects of media creation. You undertake an historical exploration of media production, research the industry and understand the roles and responsibilities, and key employment opportunities.
Research and written skills are developed in your chosen interests, giving you the time to experiment, apply and build on your knowledge to produce your final year project.
Top three reasons to study this course:
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- Supportive environment:
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Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
You study all aspects of the production process with a focus on narrative exploration and its impact on visual effects. You are introduced to visual effects concepts, and working safely and ethically in the media industry.
Sound Design for Media Environments
You are introduced to the use of sound recording equipment and environments, and gain an insight into the technical aspects of audio equipment and the types of microphones that are used for recording sound. You produce a selection of sound recordings (10-12) for your portfolio using our sound studio and specialist equipment.
You develop industry-standard knowledge and working practices in relation to VFX concept art. You produce an annotated concept art portfolio, showcasing the skills developed in the module.
VFX Technical Art and Lighting
You learn about industry-standard pipelines within VFX, focusing on technical art practices and lighting. You study technical understanding and personal skills so that you are able to make confident decisions in later projects, and practice a range of practical and professional industry-standard skills in your chosen area of specialism.
Year 2 core modules
Investigation into Subject Specialism
You develop a deeper understanding of your own area of specialism using well-established theories and concepts. You learn how to identify, analyse and articulate principles and concepts while recognising competing perspectives. You consider, research and consolidate ideas for your project.
You develop industry-standard knowledge and working practices in relation to self-promotion by completing a professional portfolio of skills and specialisms. You focus on career development and how to promote yourself to find employment in the VFX industry.
You develop a detailed knowledge of the world of visual effects and the practical skills needed to develop and construct them. You gain insight into the technical aspects of visual effects and research the development of the genre. You explore a range of digital production techniques, enhancing your employability by developing your own skills to work across a broader range of multimedia environments.
You develop industry-standard knowledge and working practices in relation to VFX 3D modelling, material generation and particle effects, and produce a 3D environment, fully textured with particle effects.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You attend campus one day a week, giving you flexibility and independence in your learning.
The course is a mix of practical production supported by academic research and evaluation. There are opportunities for teamwork which prepare you for the formal group assessment. You have access to industry-standard software and hear from guest speakers on emerging technology. You build a bibliography of important scholastic and professional research publications to support the creative and academic issues currently within the industry.
How you are assessed
Where possible, assessments for all practical modules are in the form of productions. Academic modules and elements of evaluation require written work.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The entry criteria are based on your ability to succeed and can be demonstrated in a variety of ways including:
- a range of Level 3 qualifications (NVQ 3, BTEC Award, A Level)
- appropriate training through work
- English and maths at GCSE grade 4 (grade C) or above (or equivalent).
We also invite you to attend for interview.
Because this course is taught at Darlington College, we are not accepting applications from international students requiring a Student Visa.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
You develop the skills and knowledge to work within the visual effects industry. You may wish to undertake further study, developing into adaptable and creative professionals with an established understanding of professional practice.
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