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MA Digital Effects

Bournemouth University, United Kingdom
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Course Overview

The MA Digital Effects course at Bournemouth University is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to create innovative digital effects for a variety of media platforms. Students will learn how to use cutting-edge software and techniques to produce high-quality visual effects, as well as how to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world projects. The course will cover topics such as 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, and compositing, as well as the business and creative aspects of working in the digital effects industry. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in film, television, video games, and other media industries.

Additional Information

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical assignments. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and software, including Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and Adobe Creative Suite. The program also offers opportunities for collaboration with industry partners and the chance to work on real-world projects.

Why Choose Bournemouth University for Your Digital Effects Education?

Bournemouth University is a leading institution for digital media education, with a strong reputation in the industry for producing highly skilled and innovative graduates. The university's location on the south coast of England provides easy access to a variety of stunning landscapes and locations for shootings and projects. Additionally, the university has a thriving creative and digital media community, offering students numerous opportunities for collaboration and networking.

Why You Should Study This Course

  • Become proficient in acquisition filming, 3D animation, and 2D compositing, facilitating your understanding of the entire digital effects pipeline 

  • Explore toolsets such as dynamics, green screen, tracking, and digital assets to push yourself and your work to the next level of visual success 

  • Undertake multiple projects both individually and alongside students from across the NCCA Master's courses 

  • Benefit from visiting speaker talks from industry specialists, including some of our successful alumni 

  • Create a substantial and original project in preparation for the end-of-year degree show attended by top industry recruiters 

  • Access industry-standard facilities, including a new green screen and motion capture studio, as well as animation labs equipped with industry-standard software Houdini and Nuke. 

General Eligibility

General entry requirements

The standard requirements for embarking upon a postgraduate taught degree are:

A bachelor's Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject.

Professional Qualifications or Diplomas deemed equivalent to a 2:2 or above Honours degree.

Industrial Experience is considered equivalent to a 2:2 or above Honours Degree.

A clear, precise personal statement

Part Time Work Details

20 hours per week

What You'll Study

1 Core Units
  • Digital Effects Tools: Technical and theoretical teaching for the Foundation Project unit. You'll be taught about the craft and tools of digital effects work, get an opportunity to judge your career so far, and learn to record digital effects production.

  • Foundation Project: A highly structured and mediated production project ensures you will acquire a broad base of practical knowledge that you can develop and refine towards specialism in future work.  

  • Signature Shot: You'll produce a short piece of Digital Effects work showing your current technical abilities. The unit offers a chance to merge your learned skills and to plan a specific technical direction to prepare you for your Masters's Project.

  • Digital Effects Theory: This unit will provide advanced theoretical knowledge of Digital Effects production by considering the diverse interdisciplinary concepts permeating Digital Effects' best practices.

  • Group Project: Gain a deeper understanding of digital effects disciplines and contribute to significant group work in scope, design, and aesthetics. You can work with students across the NCCA Master's programs, such as 3D animators and MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects students.

  • Personal Inquiry: A tutorial-supported research unit. You'll get an opportunity to research areas that interest you that may be outside of the normal boundaries of the program. You'll be assessed at a Research Symposium, where you'll present your research to students and staff.

  • Master's Project: The Master's Project unit has no teaching and is dedicated to your final Project. We expect your Project to be ambitious, with a high level of finish. You'll show a bold and confident approach to production management and the design and execution of Digital Effects. This is usually an individual project, but students increasingly realize the benefits of working in a group to achieve an impressive final result. If you pass your Project, the program ends with a degree show in London. This show allows you to show your Project to industry professionals and potential employers, along with friends, family, and past graduates.

2 Placement

You can undertake a three-month placement during the Master’s Portfolio unit, providing an opportunity to apply your acquired knowledge and skills in the workplace. You are required to find your order; however, our Careers & Employability Service and your faculty placements office are on hand to support you.

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.0
  • TOEFL78
  • PTE58
  • Duolingo79

IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, speaking, listening, and reading, or equivalent.

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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