This module serves as an introduction to the field of 3D asset design, Animation and Visual Effects, preparing you for your studies on the course. The module provides a broad introductory experience to the generation of 3D content for media outputs and the disciplines involved. The module combines theory and practice in the creation, animation, presentation and evaluation of 3D assets when composited into footage plates. You must create these assets and assemble the final renders with compositing tools, discussing the development of their assets and evaluating their successes throughout the project.

This module introduces you to the core principles and techniques of animation which are the core skills used in major animation productions. The module covers essential animation principles with a focus on practical exercises and theoretical understanding. You will engage in both hands-on practice with rigs and assets and theoretical exploration of animation principles. You will critically explore the application of core animation principles in 3D animation, applying them to create simple animations that showcase their grasp of the principles before applying them to a character animation.

This module serves as an introduction to foundational production techniques that are used in creative industries with a focus on camera operation, cinematography, and composition to explore the principles of storytelling through the lens of collaborative filmmaking. You will form small production teams to develop, shoot, and produce a narrative short film. Building on knowledge and techniques from previous modules, you will integrate 3D assets and animation into their filmed material. They will use compositing, editing and production tools to combine live-action footage with assets generated in-software to demonstrate their understanding of cinematic practices, workflow, teamwork, and the integration of traditional filmmaking and digital processes.

From Concept to Campaign.

This module immerses you in professional media industry practices through a practical creative brief, challenging them to develop a commercial content idea. You will explore industry research, consumer insight, and the role of media agencies to understand how concepts evolve from initial ideas to campaign design, content production, and creative execution.

Critical reflection on the creative process and strategic application within client parameters are key components. You will consider the social and cultural contexts influencing the creative industries, develop and implement media production responses, and evaluate how final outputs align with brief objectives.

Designed to introduce foundational commercial media practices, this module also enhances employability by combining critical inquiry with practical media production skills.

This module develops skills and knowledge acquired during 3D Modelling and Compositing, advancing applications of 3D techniques to include more natural forms and soft-surface character design techniques. The module examines the design and development processes behind 3D creature/character design development and appropriate deployment with considerations for pipelines, posing, lighting and rendering. The module combines theory and practice in the creation, presentation and evaluation of both digital characters and their associated development workflows, with learner having to create a unique original character to completion and discuss aspects of their project such as tools, techniques, ideas used and the impacts on development throughout.

This module introduces you to the essential techniques of character rigging, body mechanics, and motion capture (Mocap) for 3D animation. You will learn how to create fully rigged characters, understanding the underlying principles of joint systems, weight distribution, and articulation. The module covers rigging for both humanoid and non-humanoid characters and introduce key concepts of body mechanics for believable animation. You will also explore motion capture techniques, integrating Mocap data into their rigs for realistic movement, and the process of rendering and refining animation in post-production.

This module explores the creation of digitally designed environments for narrative-driven films with a focus on digital set-extension, 3D environment design, and compositing techniques. You will learn to use industry-standard software for both 3D modelling and compositing to design narratively engaging and visually captivating environments that support the story being told within them. In particular, you will create sequences which tell stories in locations that are too remote, too fantastical, or otherwise un-filmable.

The module also examines the history of matte-painting and set extension, tracing their evolution through history and their impact on contemporary filmmaking practices. You will gain practical experience in designing narratively rich environments, from concept to final composite, integrating digital worlds with other assets (E.g. Live-action footage or animated sequences) while understanding the creative and technical challenges associated with this pipeline. They will also study key theory and practices in environment design, learning to create worlds that enhance immersion, narrative, and viewer experience.

This module enhances employability by introducing media students to enterprise practices, equipping them with essential business and entrepreneurial skills. Students learn how to leverage their media expertise to address identified gaps in the industry market.

The module offers insights into various business models for early-career entrepreneurs and strategies for positioning themselves in a competitive creative sector. Delivered through visual and practical methods, it encourages you to develop and refine creative business ideas toward commercial viability.

You will also explore the needs of the local creative community, third-sector organizations, and skills shortages in surrounding areas, identifying enterprise opportunities that apply their media practice skills to meet real market demands.

This module develops skills and knowledge acquired across the programme, finalising the advancement of 3D techniques by combining advanced 3D simulations and dynamics with compositing workflows to create complex final artefacts. The module explores how to generate 3D simulation content and various dynamics such as collision, fluids and pyro which can then be deployed into a compositing workflow. The module combines theory and practice in the creation, presentation and critical evaluation of 3D dynamics and advanced compositing techniques utilising specialist software, with you having to plan, execute and implement a simulation system into live action footage plates. You must demonstrate comprehensive understanding, capability and problem-solving skills via discussion of tools, techniques and project development.

This module focuses on advanced motion capture (Mocap) and animation techniques used to create compelling character performances, with a specific emphasis on choreography, facial animation, and complex movement. You will learn how to capture and refine complex performance data, including dance, combat sequences, and facial expressions, while ensuring that the character’s physicality and emotion are convincingly portrayed. The module will cover both the technical aspects of Mocap and the artistic principles needed to enhance the emotional and narrative impact of performance.

This module allows you to explore and experiment with the core practices of virtual production, focusing on the practical application of this emerging technology within a creative production setting. You ill engage with a fully functional virtual production studio and will learn how to populate environments with assets and adjust key elements such as lighting, camera placement to meet their project’s creative goals. The module emphasises hands-on learning, encouraging experimentation with the tools and workflows associated with virtual production, with you working collaboratively to plan, execute, and refine their productions fostering technical proficiency, problem-solving skills, and creative adaptability to gain a comprehensive understanding of virtual production, preparing them for further exploration of the technology in postgraduate or professional settings.

Research, Creation, and Critical Reflection.

This module requires you to research, plan, develop, and create a practical artefact within an area of media production aligned with their vocational interests, such as cinematography, VFX, radio production, social media, or web design. Building on prior knowledge, you will demonstrate connections between their project and broader programme studies.

The module develops advanced research and academic writing skills, preparing you for postgraduate study and enhancing employability through transferable analytical abilities. The practical artefact supports career progression—whether as a portfolio piece, showreel, postgraduate application, or live brief project.

You will present your work to an audience, engage with feedback, and critically reflect on your creative process and outcomes. This comprehensive project serves as a significant addition to a professional portfolio.