Games Animation, Modelling and Effects (GAME) BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The Games Animation, Modelling and Effects (GAME) BSc is a three-year, 360-credit course that prepares students for a range of job roles in the games and animation industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including 3D modelling, animation, visual effects, and programming. Students are assessed through coursework assignments with on-going formative assessments during class. The program has a standard intake of between 200-240 students, with an international to home ratio of 4:1.

Program Outline

Outline

The Games Animation, Modelling and Effects (GAME) BSc is a three-year, 360-credit course. It is divided into six semesters, with two semesters per year. Each semester consists of 60 credits.

• Year 1:
• Semester 1:
• 3D Modelling (core, 30 credits)
• Digital Design and Image Making (core, 30 credits)
• Introduction to Drawing and Animation (core, 30 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Advanced 3D Modelling and Animation (core, 30 credits)
• Augmented Toy Development (core, 30 credits)
• Modelling and Texturing (core, 30 credits)
• Year 2:
• Semester 3:
• Moving Image and VFX (core, 30 credits)
• Programming for Artists 1 (core, 30 credits)
• Introduction to Games Prototyping (core, 30 credits)
• Semester 4:
• Advanced Games Design and Development (core, 30 credits)
• Games Asset Development (core, 30 credits)
• Programming for Artists 2 (core, 30 credits)
• Year 3:
• Semester 5:
• Creative Technology Project (core, 30 credits)
• Research Related Learning (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Work Related Learning for Games and Animation (alternative core, 15 credits)
• Semester 6:
• Visual Effects for Computer Graphics and Games (core, 30 credits)
• Collaborative Project (core, 30 credits)

Module Descriptions

• 3D Modelling (30 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the underlying concepts and principles of Computer Graphics (CG) and images, as well as some practical experience of applying relevant techniques and tools. Students are introduced to the 2D/3D computer graphics and images, production workflow, relevant documents (concept art, sketches, model sheets, etc), main modelling and animation concepts and techniques, use and apply appropriate techniques and tools to produce an artefact and develop a communication style in the subject topic.
• Digital Design and Image Making (30 credits)
Students will learn how to design, create and prepare images for use in animation and interactive applications, utilising industry standard software and the working methods of a visual designer.
• Introduction to Drawing and Animation (30 credits)
These practical skills are supported by theoretical reference to the conventions of narrative cinema, and the working practices of related areas such as animation, film and video production.
• Advanced 3D Modelling and Animation (30 credits)
Students develop fundamental modelling, basic texturing, rigging, and animation skills, also apply these to create various 3D game assets, character(s), and relevant basic animations for a game (prototype).
• Augmented Toy Development (30 credits)
Students will work individually and in teams to research and develop a prototype product within the area of Augmented/Virtual Reality.
• Modelling and Texturing (30 credits)
• Moving Image and VFX (30 credits)
Students are introduced to the aesthetics and conventions of digital moving image making in this module, as well as the processes of pre-production, production and post-production for digital video and VFX work.
• Advanced CGI Techniques (15 credits)
• Creative Technology Project (30 credits)
Students use this module to develop their skills in specific techniques and processes, and to extend knowledge and skills delivered elsewhere in the course curricula
• Games Asset Development (30 credits)
This module is designed to give students the responsibility for working together as a large team, in order to design and build a Windows-based game.
• Visual Effects for Computer Graphics and Games (30 credits)
The module design is focused on the creation, animating and rendering various visual effects (VFX) using industry standard authoring software tool(s). The creation of VFX is presented from the technical artist’s perspective and demonstrates to the student concepts of a variety of VFX, the design, problem solving, and relevant workflow using appropriate techniques and tools
• Research Related Learning (15 credits)
This module gives students the opportunity to work with research-active staff on a project that deploys their existing skills. The supervisor will be working on a project that requires a contribution of computing, media, audio or 3D work. The student will develop the practical aspect (programming or designing or creating assets) in conjunction with the supervisor and be involved with the deployment and testing of the resource.
• Work Related Learning for Games and Animation (15 credits)

Assessment

Students are assessed through coursework assignments with on-going formative assessments during class including:

• peer review
• QA (Quality Assurance)
• tutor feedback
• tutor guidance
• concept artist
• technical artist
• graphics designer to technical asset artist,
• character/model builder,
• texture artist,
• character animator,
• environment artist,
• VFX artist etc..
The program also helps prepare artists for work with:
• Concept, technical, texture and VFX
• Character/model builder
• Animator and graphic designer

Other

• Key skills covered on the course: Visual Effects (VFX) workflow
• Student numbers: A standard intake for this degree programme is between 200-240.
• International to home ratio: 4:1