MSC DIGITAL VISUAL EFFECTS
Attendance:Full-time | Part-time
Start Date: September/January
Length of Study: 12 Months
Main Location: Headingley Campus
Start Date: September/January
Length of Study: 24 Months
Main Location: Headingley Campus
Your Course
Modules
Your Future
Entry Requirements
Fees & Funding
Your Course
About Your Course
Technological innovation has redefined how films are made and the way special effects are created to the point where the only limitation is your imagination. This course will allow you to develop your specialist skills and knowledge of digital technology, through the use of new digital tools.
You will produce professional quality products, working on production and post-production special effects using state-of-the-art digital tools and solutions. You will have the opportunity to build and develop your existing portfolio of work to help you break into this innovative industry.
The main focus will be investigating current technologies in video, post-production and special effects including advanced video editing techniques, compositing, blue screen/chroma-key technologies and motion graphics. You will also develop a practical understanding of recent and emerging 3D computer modelling, animation, visualisation and rendering techniques and will be encouraged to critically evaluate the relationships between sound, music and image.
You will produce professional quality products, working on production and post-production special effects using state-of-the-art digital tools and solutions. You will have the opportunity to build and develop your existing portfolio of work to help you break into this innovative industry.
The main focus will be investigating current technologies in video, post-production and special effects including advanced video editing techniques, compositing, blue screen/chroma-key technologies and motion graphics. You will also develop a practical understanding of recent and emerging 3D computer modelling, animation, visualisation and rendering techniques and will be encouraged to critically evaluate the relationships between sound, music and image.
Benefits of studying this course
The course offers a unique combination of technical innovation and visual creativity. Taught by a skilled group of artists, designers and technologists, we pride ourselves on the diversity of our delivery. Currently our tutors include digital artists, visual effects and compositing experts who have between them worked with some of the most important animation, games and visual effects companies in the world including Digital Domain and Rockstar.
We have excellent resources including a state-of-the-art chroma-key and motion capture suite. The course is based around a final practical project presented as a showcase/tradeshow style event at the prestigious Northern Technology Institute (rated in the top 10 best UK co-working spaces).
We have excellent resources including a state-of-the-art chroma-key and motion capture suite. The course is based around a final practical project presented as a showcase/tradeshow style event at the prestigious Northern Technology Institute (rated in the top 10 best UK co-working spaces).
Related Links
Related Courses
Modules
Modules
Core modules include:
Advanced Motion Graphics (20 Credits)
This is an opportunity to investigate current technologies of motion graphics, including 3D animation and particle systems, title sequences and typographic manipulation. You will create a portfolio of motion graphics material to a professional standard.
Collaborative Practice (20 Credits)
You will be exposed to a high-level multi-disciplinary collaborative working environment. The module enables you to develop your skills in complex brief-fulfilment in a collaborative environment.
Creative Industries Context (20 Credits)
We will give you a balanced and critical view of the creative industries and the state of the technologies currently used in them. You will explore current creative and technological limitations and become involved in forecasting future changes and developments.
Digital Video & Audio (20 Credits)
You will develop a portfolio of digital video content to a professional standard while investigating contemporary technologies of pre-production and production video, sound recording and editing, and advanced post-production effects.
Dissertation (40 Credits)
This is an opportunity for you to engage in research and advanced scholarship in a subject area that is appropriate to the course, but of your own choosing.
Negotiated Skills Development (20 Credits)
Working with your module tutor and project supervisor, you will research and apply current theory and practice to develop high level skills within a framework of self-directed learning.
Research Practice (20 Credits)
This module develops your awareness of the methods and skills which are required in order to carry out Masters level research successfully, and to reflect on your own development.
Visual Effects (20 Credits)
You will investigate current technologies of digital visual effects production and the relationships between digital video, 3D computer animation and visual effects compositing, while developing a portfolio of digital visual effects material to a professional standard.
Please note this list is not exhaustive and modules may change from time to time.
Programme Specification
Assessment
Assessment on the course is designed to develop and test your knowledge, skills, conceptual understanding and application of key aspects of their subject area, through a mixture of assignments, seminar presentations, individual learning contracts and projects.
Teaching & Learning
This is facilitated through a range of open and flexible problem-based and project approaches. You are encouraged to develop independence and self-direction, supported by a range of teaching and learning methods centred around regular tutorial and seminar sessions.
Teaching & Learning
This is facilitated through a range of open and flexible problem-based and project approaches. You are encouraged to develop independence and self-direction, supported by a range of teaching and learning methods centred around regular tutorial and seminar sessions.
Your Future
Future Career
This course offers a route into a rapidly-growing diverse industry with outlets in film, television, games, advertising, design and visualisation. As the industry continues to expand, it requires skilled practitioners.
The development of broad academic, industrial and management skills is encouraged on the course and you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with visual designers, programmers and technologists you will meet later professionally.
Our staff have a broad range of experience in the animation, visual effects and games industries and can give you help and advice with developing a portfolio tailored to a career in the industry.
The development of broad academic, industrial and management skills is encouraged on the course and you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with visual designers, programmers and technologists you will meet later professionally.
Our staff have a broad range of experience in the animation, visual effects and games industries and can give you help and advice with developing a portfolio tailored to a career in the industry.
Jobs & Careers
We can help you make decisions on your career and recognise and develop your employability skills. We also offer an employment service with part-time student opportunities and graduate jobs. Find out more at www.leedsmet.ac.uk/careers
Entry Requirements
UK & EU Entry Requirements 2012
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Full-time
Requirements: All applicants should possess either
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
Further Postgraduate Information
Credit Transfer
If you have appropriate qualifications you may be considered for advanced entry onto your chosen degree course, please visit our Education Guidance pages or contact student admissions on 0113 812 5945.
Bespoke Courses for Employers
We offer bespoke courses to organisations looking to train their staff. Postgraduate education can be accessed by anyone with the potential for success, based on relevant work experience and/or other qualifications.
Mature Students
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however relevant work and life experience may also be considered.
If you have appropriate qualifications you may be considered for advanced entry onto your chosen degree course, please visit our Education Guidance pages or contact student admissions on 0113 812 5945.
Bespoke Courses for Employers
We offer bespoke courses to organisations looking to train their staff. Postgraduate education can be accessed by anyone with the potential for success, based on relevant work experience and/or other qualifications.
Mature Students
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however relevant work and life experience may also be considered.
Part-time
Requirements: All applicants should possess either
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
Further Postgraduate Information
Credit Transfer
If you have appropriate qualifications you may be considered for advanced entry onto your chosen degree course, please visit our Education Guidance pages or contact student admissions on 0113 812 5945.
Bespoke Courses for Employers
We offer bespoke courses to organisations looking to train their staff. Postgraduate education can be accessed by anyone with the potential for success, based on relevant work experience and/or other qualifications.
Mature Students
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however relevant work and life experience may also be considered.
If you have appropriate qualifications you may be considered for advanced entry onto your chosen degree course, please visit our Education Guidance pages or contact student admissions on 0113 812 5945.
Bespoke Courses for Employers
We offer bespoke courses to organisations looking to train their staff. Postgraduate education can be accessed by anyone with the potential for success, based on relevant work experience and/or other qualifications.
Mature Students
Our University welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. We usually require some evidence of recent academic study, for example completion of an access course, however relevant work and life experience may also be considered.
International Entry Requirements 2012
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Full-time
English Language Requirement (IELTS):The English requirement for this course is IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5 or equivalent.All candidates must have a good command of written and spoken English. Applicants whose first language is not English, with certificated qualifications, professional qualifications and/or appropriate work experiences will be considered. Applicants may be required to undertake additional English language courses. The University provides excellent support for such students.
Additional Requirements: All applicants should possess either
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
Further International Information
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 8.30 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 8.30 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsmet.ac.uk.
Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses click here
More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 8.30 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 8.30 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsmet.ac.uk.
Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses click here
More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.
Part-time
English Language Requirement (IELTS):The English requirement for this course is IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5 or equivalent.All candidates must have a good command of written and spoken English. Applicants whose first language is not English, with certificated qualifications, professional qualifications and/or appropriate work experiences will be considered. Applicants may be required to undertake additional English language courses. The University provides excellent support for such students.
Additional Requirements: All applicants should possess either
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
- an honours degree at lower second class or above in digital video, visual effects, or graphics based subject with evidence of a substantial technological content or
- a professional qualification with supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio recognised as being equivalent to an Honours degree; or
- significant work experience (typically a minimum of three years) with skills and knowledge comparable to those gained from an honours degree course.
Applications are encouraged from people who do not possess any of these formal qualifications but who have the ability, knowledge and intellectual ability to benefit from the course. These applications should be accompanied by supporting evidence of appropriate work through a professional portfolio.
Further International Information
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 8.30 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 8.30 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsmet.ac.uk.
Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses click here
More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 8.30 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 8.30 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsmet.ac.uk.
Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses click here
More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.
Fees & Funding
UK & EU Fees Entry 2013/14
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
International Fees Entry 2013/14
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
Fees for this course are not yet confirmed.
UK & EU Fees Entry 2012/13
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Full-time
2012/13 Full-time, year one typically £8,000
Part-time
Part-time, year one typically £44.44 per credit-point
The total cost of a Part-time course is determined by the number of modules you take in an academic year. Modules are made up of credit-points, and Part-time fees are typically quoted as fee-per-credit-point.
To calculate the typical cost of study: Fee-per-credit-point (e.g £44.44) x credit-points per module (e.g 20) = module cost of £888.80. If you study 4 modules in a year the cost would be £3,555.20 for that year.
The total cost of a Part-time course is determined by the number of modules you take in an academic year. Modules are made up of credit-points, and Part-time fees are typically quoted as fee-per-credit-point.
To calculate the typical cost of study: Fee-per-credit-point (e.g £44.44) x credit-points per module (e.g 20) = module cost of £888.80. If you study 4 modules in a year the cost would be £3,555.20 for that year.
10% Discount for graduates
Graduates of Leeds Metropolitan University and partner colleges within the Regional University Network (RUN), qualify for a 10% discount on postgraduate tuition fees if they have graduated within the last five years.
The fee shown here is the 'gross' fee for new students starting in the 2012/13 academic year, before the application of any scholarship or discount. A scholarship of £1,500 is available to new full-time students studying an MA, MSC or MBA (180 credits) who are eligible to pay Home/EU fees. For students studying for an award such as a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or part-time, a pro rata scholarship is available. The table below provides further details:
| Programme of study | Credit Points | Scholarship for full-time students | Example of Scholarship for part-time students studying 50% of the credit points in a given year |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA, MSc, MBA | 180 | £1500 | £750 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 | £1000 | £500 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 | £500 | £250 |
Changes to fees The information provided is accurate at the time of publication. Please note that all fees listed are subject to change and are likely to increase in subsequent years.
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man If you are an applicant from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man fees may differ.
10% Discount for graduates
Graduates of Leeds Metropolitan University and partner colleges within the Regional University Network (RUN), qualify for a 10% discount on postgraduate tuition fees if they have graduated within the last five years.
The fee shown here is the 'gross' fee for new students starting in the 2012/13 academic year, before the application of any scholarship or discount. A scholarship of £1,500 is available to new full-time students studying an MA, MSC or MBA (180 credits) who are eligible to pay Home/EU fees. For students studying for an award such as a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits), Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or part-time, a pro rata scholarship is available. The table below provides further details:
| Programme of study | Credit Points | Scholarship for full-time students | Example of Scholarship for part-time students studying 50% of the credit points in a given year |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA, MSc, MBA | 180 | £1500 | £750 |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 | £1000 | £500 |
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 | £500 | £250 |
Changes to fees The information provided is accurate at the time of publication. Please note that all fees listed are subject to change and are likely to increase in subsequent years.
Channel Islands and the Isle of Man If you are an applicant from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man fees may differ.
International Fees Entry 2012/13
Attendance:Full-timePart-time
Full-time
2012/13 Full-time, year one typically £12,500
Fees infromation for Part-time 2012/13 unavailable, please contact our Admissions Office for more information.
The fee will be fixed at this level for each year of your course.
A scholarship of £1,500 is offered to all new full-time overseas fee paying students joining the first year of a course in 2012-13.
Only students paying the full 2012-13 overseas fee are eligible for this scholarship.
The international scholarship is awarded in the first year of study only. Please note that students joining a programme part way through
or joining a dedicated top-up course are not eligible for this scholarship.
Students studying a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma are eligible for a pro rata scholarship of £500 and £1000 respectively.
10% Discount for graduates
Graduates of Leeds Metropolitan University and partner colleges within the Regional University Network (RUN), qualify for a 10% discount on postgraduate tuition fees if they have graduated within the last five years.
For more information on fees, finance and discounts please visit our Financing Your Studies webpage
The fee will be fixed at this level for each year of your course.
A scholarship of £1,500 is offered to all new full-time overseas fee paying students joining the first year of a course in 2012-13.
Only students paying the full 2012-13 overseas fee are eligible for this scholarship.
The international scholarship is awarded in the first year of study only. Please note that students joining a programme part way through
or joining a dedicated top-up course are not eligible for this scholarship.
Students studying a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma are eligible for a pro rata scholarship of £500 and £1000 respectively.
10% Discount for graduates
Graduates of Leeds Metropolitan University and partner colleges within the Regional University Network (RUN), qualify for a 10% discount on postgraduate tuition fees if they have graduated within the last five years.
For more information on fees, finance and discounts please visit our Financing Your Studies webpage
Questions about this course?
Log in to experience.leedsmet.ac.uk and select 'ask a question'.
If you don't yet have an account, complete our quick sign-up form.
Or call us on +(44) 113 812 3113 (Mon - Thurs: 09:00 - 17:00 : Fri 09:00 - 16:30)
Order a prospectus
Click here
to order a copy of the latest Leeds Metropolitan prospectus.
Meet some of our postgraduate students
Life at Leeds Metropolitan
Visit the full set of images and more photos on our Flickr gallery