Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation
Program Overview
Course Overview
The BSc. in Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation is designed to develop your artistic and technical abilities to produce world-class content from social media to the cinema screen. This is an industry-focused course developed by ex-industry professionals who have worked for internationally renowned studios.
Course Details
- CAO Points: 935 (Including Portfolio)
- Location: Clonmel
- Years: 4
- Course Code: US810
- Level: 8
- Course Type: Undergraduate
- Study Mode: Full Time
- Department: Digital Arts and Media
Entry Requirements
- Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
- QQI FET/FETAC: TUS accepts QQI-FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study.
- Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
- International Applicants: International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process.
- Portfolio: As well as meeting the Leaving Certificate/QQI FET/FETAC requirement, students will also need to pass a portfolio assessment.
Course Modules
Year 1 – Semester 1
- 3D Modelling I – Introduction to Modelling for Animation
- Animation I Fundamentals
- Digital Photography
- Drawing Principles I
- Professional Culture and Communication
- Visual Communications I
Year 1 – Semester 2
- 3D Animation: Introduction to 3D Animation
- 3d Modelling II – Characters and Creatures
- Compositing I: Fundamentals
- Concept Art I
- Creative Coding 1
- Materials & Lighting for Animation
Year 2 – Semester 1
- Creative Coding II
- Matchmove
- Media Capture and Editing
- Pre-Visualization and Layout
- Rigging I Creatures and Characters
Year 2 – Semester 2
- Effective Teamwork
- Modelling Texturing and Light Scenes
- Short Film/CG Project I
- 3D Animation 2
- Compositing II, Mattes and Motion Graphics
- Film Studies I
Year 3 – Semester 1
- Concept Art II, Digital Sculpting
- Effects I Fundamentals
- Matte Painting & Environments
- Portfolio
- Professional Development
- Rigging II Character Performance
Year 3 – Semester 2
- Compositing III, Advanced Comp
- Employment Placement
- Project Management for Animation
- Short Film/CG Project II
Year 4 – Semester 1
- Effects II Technical Direction
- Major VFX Project
- Scripting & Digital tool creation for Technical Directors
- Virtual Reality
Year 4 – Semester 2
- Emerging Technologies and Trends in Digital Media
- Major VFX Project
- Portfolio II
- The Entertainment and Media Industry
Career Opportunities
Graduates will have a range of industry-ready skills that make them highly employable across the television feature film media and creative technology industries, including a variety of roles such as:
- Creature/Character Animators
- Matchmove
- Lighting
- Rigging
- Effects
- Look Development
- Texture Artist
- Layout
- Compositing
- Production Management
- Creature Modeller
- VFX Editing
- Character Designer
- Matte Painting
- Concept Art
- Technical Director
- FX artists
Further Study
Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS and/or elsewhere.
Program Outline
Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation – BSc (Hons) - TUS Clonmel
Degree Overview:
The BSc. in Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation is designed to develop your artistic and technical abilities to produce world-class content from social media to the cinema screen. This industry-focused course is developed by ex-industry professionals who have worked for internationally renowned studios like Double Negative (Inception, The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049) Brown Bag Films and Screen Scene. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to create content for both the small and big screen.
Outline:
The program is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree. It is structured into eight semesters, with a specific set of modules for each semester.
Year 1:
- Semester 1:
- Animation I Fundamentals
- Digital Photography
- Professional Culture and Communication
- Visual Communications I
- Semester 2:
- 3D Animation: Introduction to 3D Animation
- 3d Modelling II – Characters and Creatures
- Compositing I: Fundamentals
- Concept Art I
- Creative Coding 1
- Materials & Lighting for Animation
Year 2:
- Semester 1:
- Creative Coding II
- Matchmove
- Media Capture and Editing
- Pre-Visualization and Layout
- Rigging I Creatures and Characters
- Semester 2:
- Effective Teamwork
- Modelling Texturing and Light Scenes
- Short Film/CG Project I
- 3D Animation 2
- Compositing II, Mattes and Motion Graphics
- Film Studies I
Year 3:
- Semester 1:
- Concept Art II, Digital Sculpting
- Effects I Fundamentals
- Matte Painting & Environments
- Portfolio
- Professional Development
- Rigging II Character Performance
- Semester 2:
- Compositing III, Advanced Comp
- Employment Placement
- Project Management for Animation
- Short Film/CG Project II
Year 4:
- Semester 1:
- Effects II Technical Direction
- Major VFX Project
- Scripting & Digital tool creation for Technical Directors
- Virtual Reality
- Semester 2:
- Emerging Technologies and Trends in Digital Media
- Major VFX Project
- Portfolio II
Teaching:
The program is taught by industry professionals with experience in leading visual effects and animation companies. The program utilizes a combination of lectures, workshops, and practical projects to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the visual effects industry.
Careers:
Graduates of this program are highly employable in the film and television industry, with a range of potential roles including:
- Creature/Character Animators
- Matchmove
- Lighting
- Rigging
- Effects
- Look Development
- Texture Artist
- Layout
- Compositing
- Production Management
- Creature Modeller
- VFX Editing
- Character Designer
- Matte Painting
- Concept Art
- Technical Director
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
Overview:
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi-campus university in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its focus on applied learning and innovation, fostering strong industry ties and providing excellent employment opportunities for its graduates.
Services Offered:
TUS provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Admissions & Support:
Admissions guidance, international student support, open days, student finance information, induction programs, and student support services.Campus Life:
Accommodation options, career and employability services, chaplaincy and pastoral care, disability supports, learning support, student counselling, student health services, sports facilities, student union, clubs and societies.Faculty Areas:
Business, Hospitality & Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment & Informatics, Sciences, Health & Technology, and Limerick School of Art & Design.Student Life and Campus Experience:
TUS prioritizes a student-first approach, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities. The university also provides comprehensive support services to ensure a positive and enriching student experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Applied Learning & Innovation:
TUS emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers.Strong Industry Ties:
The university has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.Excellent Employment Opportunities:
TUS graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a strong track record of successful career outcomes.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities.Comprehensive Support Services:
TUS provides a wide range of support services to ensure students' academic and personal success.Academic Programs:
TUS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, technology, art, and design.Postgraduate:
Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.Apprenticeships:
Programs in various trades and technical fields.Flexible & Professional Learning:
Programs designed for working professionals.Other:
TUS is a QS 5 Star Rated University, recognized for its high-quality education and research. The university is also actively involved in research and development, with a focus on areas of national and global importance.
Entry Requirements:
- Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.
- QQI FET/FETAC: TUS accepts QQI-FET/FETAC awards for entry on all courses of study.
- Mature Applicants: Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.
- Portfolio: As well as meeting the Leaving Certificate/QQI FET/FETAC requirement, students will also need to pass a portfolio assessment. The portfolio is scored out of 600 with a minimum score of 240 required to pass.