UDGAMANE - BSc Games Modelling, Animation and Effects

The design of the course has been informed both by Creative Skillset Accreditation Guidelines for Computer Games Degrees with an art and design pathway, research and by our notable industry steering group members (for example, members of Gamelab, UK) who have an artistic and industry perspective on modelling and artwork for computer games. The Computing benchmark statements have also been taken into account:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx

In these benchmark statements the word ‘computing’ also refers to computer graphics (CG), visualisation and interactive game and simulation development.

Students’ learning is organised around direct contact time and directed time. Direct time takes place through lectures, workshops and tutorials. Problems are formulated via lectures and tutorials and implementation takes place in the workshop. This will take place through various access to learning facilities, materials on VLEs, hard copy and dedicated module websites.

Students will also use self-study time in addition to timetabled sessions for researching topics and reading around the taught material. Information sources will be library searches, the Internet, on-site interviews and opportunities to examine artefacts.

Team working is fostered through group work and projects. Increasingly e-learning is embedded within module design. Particular use is made of Virtual Learning Environments (WebLearn) and/or Internet-based user groups enabling asynchronous communication with tutors.

The games sector is looking for technical artists: technically competent modellers who have good life drawing and modelling skills, can animate, can create visual effects and are competent in a range of post production techniques. The BSc Games Modelling, Animation and Effects degree would appeal to people interested in games design, and would fit into the broad category 'computer games', while also offering substantial interest to both students in animation and effects for this growing market.

Designing and building models for computer games requires a solid CG knowledge background and a high level of appropriate techniques and relevant tools. The core modules have been chosen with this in mind. The course allows students to specialise and explore areas of personal interest (i.e. modeller, animator, texture artist, visual effects artist) and build up a significant portfolio of work.

The main aim for this course is to provide students with a general education in the area of computer games development, with an emphasis on Computer Graphics (CG) for games: concept artwork, 2D/3D assets and character models, animation, textures, visual effects (VFX) and rendering. Students will develop problem solving and teamwork skills as well as the necessary communications skills plus awareness of the ethical responsibilities with which a developer must contend.

The BSc Games Modelling, Animation and Effects degree will provide career opportunities for students in the Computer Games industry and professional practice in a range of positions from concept artist, technical artist, graphics designer to technical asset artist, character/model builder, texture artist, character animator, environment artist, VFX artist etc. The programme would also provide excellent preparation for further research or study.
This course has been designed after taking into account industry demand for computer graphics skills, both creative artist and technical - including modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lights/cameras, visual effects (VFX) and rendering.

The new BSc Games Modelling, Animation and Effects degree

1. offers a course which is relevant to the needs of industry and commerce in the computer games area with the focus on exposing students to the latest developments in computer games graphics design, animation and effects techniques

2. develops the analytical and practical skills associated with the design and implementation of graphics for computer games (modelling, animation and effects) from both a creative art and a technical perspective

3. develops the intellectual, technical and practical skills needed within the computer games modelling, animation and effects sectors

4. develops students’ creative and technical skills to fully prepare them for design/creative careers within the creative economy

5. develops students’ ability to communicate in terms of questioning, presentation, and logical representation in order to specify, resolve and design graphics for games across a wide range of genres.

On completing the course students will be able to

Knowledge and understanding:

LO1: Carry out independent research and investigation;

LO2: Gain knowledge across a range of contexts appropriate to the contemporary industry practice in computer graphics (CG), games modelling, animation, effects techniques and applications.

Cognitive intellectual skills:

LO3: Be able to identify the problem, analyse available data, formulate and design creative solutions to a problem in the general area of CG and in particular for computer games;

LO4: Develop implementation skills and awareness within the domain of CG in a variety of contexts, software packages and delivery platforms in order to deliver professional quality artefacts.

Transferable skills including those of employability and professional practice:

LO5: Use and integrate diverse tools and techniques at a professional level as well as implement creative ideas in CG;

LO6: Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and develop the skills associated with individual and team working, relationship management, communication and time management.

Subject-specific practical skills.

LO7: Be aware of the social and ethical issues as well as personal strengths and weaknesses associated with CG, games and media development, software development and operation;

LO8: Develop effective oral, visual and written communication skills via presentations, reports and demonstrations specific to CG.

Designers address practical and theoretical concerns through a broad spectrum of two-dimensional, three-dimensional and time-based media, materials and processes.

An honours degree in an art/modelling and design discipline also confirms that the holder has acquired relevant technical knowledge and practical skills, and will be able to employ materials, media, techniques, methods, technologies and tools associated with the discipline(s) studied with skill and imagination while observing good working practices, and professional/legal responsibilities relating to the subject.

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx

Formative assessment will be a regular feature of the semester, encompassing peer review, opportunities for QA (Quality Assurance), detailed feedback and guidance from tutors.

Summative assessment such as coursework, presentations and group work will require students to:

• Model and provide optimal solutions for a given scenario;
• Demonstrate an understanding of application work flow;
• Write and present verbal and written reports on development and application-based approaches to problem solutions.

Summative assessment such as unseen examinations generally will not be used in the course (see module specs), however in some modules students may require to deal with:

• Objective tests;
• Reports, usually of specified length.

The course assessment on the degree is spread over a period of time to give students the maximum opportunity for achievement. This should also ensure that students are able to submit work to a standard that meets the assessment required on each module and that they have the opportunity to work at the highest level possible.

The BSc Computer Animation course assessment schedule also conforms to the agreed Multimedia assessment 30-credit tariff. The 30-credit assessment tariff is included in this submission.

As part of their 3rd year (Level 6) honours year students take a Long Work Related Learning module (FC6W03).

The module enables students to undertake an appropriate period of professional activity, related to their course at level 6, with a business or community organisation and to gain credit for their achievements. The activity can be a professional training, volunteering activity, employment activity, an activity within the Faculty of Life Sciences Computing Virtual Business Environment (VBE), placement, or business start-up activity.

A short internship with Gamelab London or an alternative games or digital media company are also options and subject to availability.

If attendance falls below 75% on a module, reassessment opportunities will not be available and instead the module will have to be retaken the following year with attendance and payment of fees. Mitigating circumstances cannot be claimed for missed classes; however Module Leaders will take account of absences that are a consequence of recorded disability or otherwise recorded as 'Authorised Absence' when applying the 75% threshold.

All modules are core on the degree are core-compulsory.

The design of this course takes into account industry demand for computer graphics skills, both creative and technical, including modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lights/cameras, visual effects (VFX) and rendering.

This degree provides career opportunities in the computer games industry and professional practice in a range of positions from concept, technical, texture, environment, VFX and technical asset artists, to graphics designers, character/model builders and character animators.

Our graduates have taken positions as programmers, artists, animators, designers and game testers at a variety of companies including BBC, ITV, Sky, Rocksteady Studios, Rare, Sega, Lionheart, Media Molecule (Sony), Sports Interactive, Framestore, The Mill and the Moving Picture Company (MPC). Some have also started their own small games studios.

The programme also provides excellent preparation for further research or study.

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

• a minimum of grades CCD in three A levels, one of which must be from a relevant subject (or a minimum of 88 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/Diploma; or Advanced Diploma; or Progression Diploma; or Access to HE Diploma of 60 credits)
• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C (grade 4 from 2017) or above (or equivalent)

Applicants with relevant professional qualifications or extensive professional experience will also be considered on a case by case basis.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.