CU5065 - VFX (2025/26)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2025/26 | ||||||||||
| Module title | VFX | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | School of Computing and Digital Media | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Running in 2025/26(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module provides students with the opportunity to explore the field of VFX. VFX work involves the digital manipulation of images to enhance, augment or replace elements of live-action shot in film with digital assets, such as animated 3D models. Combining aesthetic awareness and knowledge with sophisticated technical skills, students will develop their VFX design understanding, working from concept and pre-visualisation development through to live action video capture and digital asset creation and compositing and exporting their work for presentation. Students will explore techniques for compositing optically shot and computer-generated material and gain an understanding of camera work: optics and movements, together with lens-based versus software-based techniques. Utilising industry-standard software students will develop narrative solutions to client briefs.
Prior learning requirements
Motion Graphics Design
Syllabus
Photography and Videography
Storyboarding
Lens based and software-based optics and camera movements
Perspective
Camera tracking
Motion capture
Motion control
Mattes and holdouts
Animation techniques, keyframes, anchor points, parenting
Track mattes
2D and 3D modelling
Video editing
Audio technology
Visual effects
Green screen
Creating composites of digital produced and optically recorded material
Colour correction and balance
Lighting, HDRI's
Rendering
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Teaching and learning will be carried out through seminars (1 hour) and workshops (2 hour). During seminars students are introduced to specific principles and techniques. These principles and techniques will be explored further through practical workshops.
In addition to this contact time students are expected to spend a significant number of hours carrying out research connected with the subject, reading bibliographic and course materials, practising their software skills and working on assignments.
Appropriate blended learning approaches and technologies, such as, the University’s VLE and online tools, will be used to facilitate and support student learning, specifically to:
• Deliver content;
• Encourage active learning;
• Provide formative and summative assessments, and prompt feedback;
• Enhance student engagement and learning experience.
Effective digital image making requires the proficient practitioner to be both self-reflective and constructively critical. The digital image maker needs to be able to apply this understanding to their own work and the work of others. The development of these skills is embedded into the module
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
LO1 - Respond appropriately and creatively to client briefs, to carry out research and to plan and schedule project work.
LO2 – Understand how to apply the principles of VFX to develop composites of digitally produced and optically recorded material.
LO3- Develop skills in VFX design and use of software to include the use of: optical and virtual cameras, mattes and holdouts, lighting and visual effects, computer generated assets.
LO4 - Apply a critical awareness of VFX principles in developing and producing their own project work