Entry level
A good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as special/visual effects, animation, computer and video game design, film and TV production, media production, media technology, fine art and illustration.
If an applicant has obtained below this benchmark they will be considered if they have other relevant evidence to support their application.
All applicants will be expected to attend an interview and present a portfolio. You will need to demonstrate a suitable level of expertise in life drawing, observational and animation skills.
International students are required to show evidence of their English language skills as part of their entry requirements. English entry requirements for international students: ILETS 6.5.
In my view
"We have been incredibly fortunate to develop such close ties with the academic team at Southampton Solent and the opportunity to work with them in developing an MA in Special Effects has yielded a truly innovative course. With the investment within PEW36 Animation Studios to house a significant portion of the course will offer those students unparalleled access to the tools, expertise and contacts, putting them at a major advantage over their competition".
Pew36 Animation Studio
Career opportunities
Graduates will have the specialised knowledge and skills required for the animation, CGI, stop-motion, animatronics and visual effects sectors of the SFX industry.
The course aims to develop a broad range of managerial and studio practice-based skills for students with a creative mindset and who wish to work within a freelance capacity. Successful completion of the course would also allow for progression to further study, including at MPhil and PhD level.
Career paths include:
assistant director
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pre-visualisation artist
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technical director (TD)
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camera/assistant operator
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visual effects designer
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character animator
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video editor assistants
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lighting technical director (TD)
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compositor
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texture artist and digital artist
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animatronics designer
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animatronics engineer
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rig builder
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prosthetics model-maker
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computer programmer
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control and signal writer
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character designer
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assistant designer.
It is possible that some students may wish to concentrate their studies in the conceptual, theoretical and critical areas of their chosen specialism. Two units, ‘Concept Design and Prototyping’ and ‘Professional Studio Practice’ will be delivered via blended learning on a placement basis within relevant SFX companies. In addition students will be able to develop their Major Project in liaison with industry subject to achieving course and unit outcomes.
2012
Course overview
Designed in collaboration with industry, this MA is aimed at highly motivated students, offering the opportunity to study special effects at an advanced level within an art, design and media environment.
Digital technology has revolutionised how the creative industries now conceive, create, produce and distribute visual and media artefacts, and there is a demand for visually, media-savvy practitioners who can work confidently in multidisciplinary environments.
This MA has been designed in conjunction with leading industry professionals such as Competent Crew FX and Pew36 Animation Studio. You will learn alongside experienced practitioners from the television industry, and benefit from our well established industry links such as Doctor Frames FX.
This highly specialist course provides an opportunity to either specialise in the design and crafting of CGI Animation, using digital devices or crafting of physical special effects, using animatronics devices, or the conceptualisation, design and crafting of visual effects.
All study units will develop theoretical and critical approaches to your specialism, and support the design, prototyping and production of polished, functional artefacts for your portfolio. Alternatively, you may wish to concentrate your studies in the conceptual, theoretical and critical areas of your chosen specialism.
Our highly qualified, research active staff are committed to developing your creative futures, skills and talents, and you will work closely with specialist tutors who match your specific research interests.
We also offer regular programme of high profile guest lecturers aims to inspire and inform by conducting workshops and providing industry feedback on your work and the opportunities for employment.
Course content
Live projects and case studies delivered by our industry partners will ensure that you’ll gain experience in working to real professional briefs, and you’ll be supported in undertaking extensive work experience.
Course units
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Research methods
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Concept Design and Prototyping*
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Professional Studio Practice*
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Dissertation
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Major Project
*These Two units will be delivered via blended learning on a placement basis within relevant SFX companies. In addition students will be able to develop their Major Project in liaison with industry subject to achieving course and unit outcomes.
Assessment
Within the practically-based units, assessment will be continuous but leading to two formal assessment points at mid-unit and end of unit. On the theory-based units, students will be asked to research and investigate their topic, present their findings in class and write up their investigation for submission by the end of the unit. Industry representatives comment on and assess students' work, particularly in ‘Concept Development and Prototyping’ and ‘Professional Studio Practice’ units as well as the ‘Major Project’ unit.
Key career skills
Problem solving, research and analysis techniques, teamwork, written and oral communication, and managing projects from initial conception through to final presentation.
Projects/Work experience
You will be based in a company for part of the course but required to attend seminars and tutorials at the University.
Solent’s special features
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Dr Johnny Issapour, course leader, is the first academic in the UK with a PhD in special effects and animatronics. He is currently working on the design and development of a digital/hydraulic control system using variable speed compressor directly attached to server motors for realistic animatronics model movements.
His research also focuses on human and animal physiology and the durability of materials such as silicon, latex and rubber foam for textured facial animatronics models.
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Special Facilities
Supported by a dedicated team of technicians, you will have access to a Stop Motion Studio, equipped with High Definition cameras as well as green/ blue screen facilities, and we will build your confidence in using the latest post production software.
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Field Trips
A study trip to Euro Disney, Paris, will focus on the practice and theory of 2D and 3D digital animation and investigate how new digital technologies have helped to re-invent animation as a visual art-form. During visits to special effects companies in the UK you will examine the process from initial idea, concept development to post-production.
Course length
September intake: 12 months
(Also available part-time)
Fees
Fees for the 2012/13 academic year are:
Full-time
UK and EU students: £8,500 per annum
Overseas students: £12,500 per annum