📖Program Curriculum
Term 1
Core Modules
Credits
Design Theory
20.00
In this module students will consider the contextual and cultural influences on creative practice and character representation defining cultural differences limitations and ‘appearance’ of characters/creatures worldwide. Students will broaden their knowledge and understanding of the animatronics design and pros for special effects industry to inc...
Computer Aided Design
20.00
This level 4 module will focus on developing core skills in 2D drawing using the industry standard AutoCADTM program enhance knowledge of CAD system management and introduce specialist skills in customisation parametric design and solid production for animatronics and SFX Props creation and relevant/ related concepts.
SFX Character Design 2
20.00
This module extends and develops the skills and knowledge learnt in the Level 4 module ‘Character Creation 1’. Working within a laboratory and studio situation an original and advanced character will be designed and manufactured. The focus will be on experimenting with materials to produce more complex solutions and will explore a variety of advan...
3D Modelling & Simulation
20.00
This level 5 core module introduces the core of 3D computer modelling software that students would utilise in industry. This is an important skill as many physical props and animatronics models within special effects film & television are first generated on the computer as animatronics production is highly specialized and expensive process.
Pre-production
20.00
This module will cover a wide variety of media related to the special effects film and television industry such as animatronics creation and SFX props/ models. It will focus on all the pre-production processes required before production commences. The pre-production phase is all about preparing the student for the final major project when they go i...
Creative and Professional Development
20.00
Opportunity Modules
In addition you must choose 2 x 10 credit Level 5 Opportunity modules from the Opportunity module catalogue.
Term 2
Core Modules
Credits
2D Visualization
20.00
The 2D Observation module is intended to focus the students’ attention on the development of their observation skills in the recording of the human figure as a two-dimensional form. Employing a range of appropriate media the practice of 2D-drawing will be explored through traditional and non-traditional experimentation. In addition to studio-based...
SFX Props and Model Production 1
20.00
This level 4 core and specialist module is intended to focus the students’ attention on the development of their observation design and model-making skills in the recording of the shape/ form and functions in a three-dimensional form in the context of SFX film & television.
SFX Props and Model Production 2
20.00
This module extends and develops the skills and knowledge learnt in the Level 4 module ‘SFX Props and Model Production 1’. The module will address the necessary responses required when answering a creative special effects design brief including interpretation ideas generation visualisation and communication of potential outcomes.
Analysing SFX Film and TV
20.00
This module extends and develops the skills and knowledge learnt in the Level 4 module Design Theory and also will introduce students to key approaches for analysing special effects films & TV and commercials. Many of the important terms ideas technical issues manufacturing processes and debates which surround the study of special effects film ...
Professional Practice & Business Management
20.00
This level 6 module will develop professional practice and management skills which is important when working in the Special Effects industry sector due to the project dynamic which is often fluid and unpredictable at times. This module deals with visual communication systems writing a business plan financial issues such bookkeeping and tax retur...
Dissertation
20.00
The dissertation enables students to engage in a sustained analytical study through the identification of a research topic question or hypothesis. Students will be offered guidance on how to approach their investigation and structure their dissertation. This will include how to introduce their chosen topic conduct a literature review primary/sec...
Term 3
Core Modules
Credits
SFX Character Design 1
20.00
This Level-4 module is concerned with the conceptual and visual creation of SFX characters. Analysing the social and cultural knowledge base used by audiences by reading character representations students will develop the language of character communication and apply their findings in the development of their own characters.
Chemical Studies and Technological Applications
20.00
This module is concerned with the use of relevant and appropriate hard and soft materials that meet and exceed performance expectations for specific functions in animatronics SFX props and special effects. It is also concerned with the manufacturing processes that convert basic materials into final and suitable products in the context of special e...
Advanced Prosthetics Production
20.00
Prosthetics is a craft-based module where students will learn how to design and make prosthetic models. This is a new method of model making in Special Effects that allows the natural look of movement and a lifelike response in a three-dimensional model. Students will be able to experiment with materials to produce more complex solutions.
SFX Rigging & Manufacturing
20.00
This specialist level 5 engineering module will provide the students with the ability to design and rig for SFX applications with a high level of engineering analysis and expertise. In this Module the student is required to deliver the necessary levels of problem solving performance health & safety and reliability.
Final Major Project
40.00
