MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects

Course details On this course you will usually be taught by a range of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge appropriate to the content of the unit. This will include senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, demonstrators, technicians and research students. You will also benefit from regular guest lectures from industry. The course is split into four terms, each lasting ten weeks. The first three terms are the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and the final term is the Master's term. Core units Animation Software Engineering: This unit will build on your existing programming knowledge and teach C++ and Software engineering principles for computer graphics. We use Modern C++ and OpenGL for realtime graphics as well as the NCCA Graphics Library ngl. CGI Tools: You will be introduced to the main software tools used on the course these are Maya and Houdini, lectures will also introduce the main artistic concepts such as composition and cinematography. CGI Techniques: This unit provides a more in-depth look at the algorithms and techniques behind computer animation, you will be introduced to the main mathematical and algorithmic concepts behind computer graphics and animation. Simulation and Rendering: This unit includes simulation elements such as fluid, smoke and FEA. The rendering section includes writing shaders using renderman as well as an in depth look at how different rendering engines work. Personal Enquiry: You'll pursue research into areas that interest you and present the results of your findings to fellow students and staff at a research symposium. Group Project: Working with students from all three postgraduate courses (MA3D, MA Digital Effects) you'll present a concept for a short animated piece. Masters Project: The focus of fourth term is on completing the Master's component of your education. This can be a standalone project or the continuation and conclusion of another project. This project also includes a written thesis of approximately 5000 words and the year ends with a computer animation show, which gives you the opportunity to showcase your work to industry professionals and potential employers. Suggested reading What follows is a small list of books we recommend (all should be in the library so there is no need to purchase them). Computer Animation Algorithms and Techniques, Rick Parent (2002), Morgan Kaufmann OpenGL Programming Guide, Mason Woo et al (2001), Addison Wesley Computer Graphics using OpenGL, F.S. Hill Jr. (3rd Edition), Prentice Hall Essential Renderman Fast, Ian Stephenson (2nd Edition), Springer Advanced Renderman, Apodaca & Gritz, Morgan Kaufmann Texturing and Modelling a Procedural approach, (3rd Edition) Ebert et al, AP Professional. Programme specification Programme specifications provide definitive records of the University's taught degrees in line with Quality Assurance Agency requirements. Every taught course leading to a BU Award has a programme specification which describes its aims, structure, content and learning outcomes, plus the teaching, learning and assessment methods used. Download the programme specification for MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme specification, the information is liable to change to take advantage of exciting new approaches to teaching and learning as well as developments in industry. If you have been unable to locate the programme specification for the course you are interested in, it will be available as soon as the latest version is ready. Alternatively please contact us for assistance.