2012
Course overview
The BA (Hons) Special Effects at Southampton Solent University is the only course in the UK that offers a choice between studying animatronics and/or visual effects within the same degree structure.
The course has been designed to closely follow industry practice and prepare students for work within the special effects sector of the film, television and leisure industries.
Its multidisciplinary nature will produce students that are multi-skilled and up-to-date with the generic tools and principles used within special effects as well as an understanding of the production processes. You will be able to specialise in animatronics or visual effects in Year 2 and continue this specialism through to year 3 units.
You can focus your assignments across a wide range of applications in film, television, museums, art galleries, theatre and live performance. The course structure also allows students to specialise in both animatronics and visual effects and to work within a team in the final year to produce a combined artefact.
Industrial focus
Close links with industry and Skillset provide opportunities for work experience within special effect companies.
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Course content
Year 1
Five core units and one option unit:
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Introduction to Animatronics
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History of Special Effects
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Life Drawing
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Character Design
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Animation Narrative.
Options:
Year 2
Two core units:
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Digital Character
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Analysing Special Effects Film and TV.
Animatronics route core units:
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Computer Aided Design
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Control and Signal Writing
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Prosthetics and Make-up Effects
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Animatronics Design.
Visual Effects route core units:
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Digital Animation
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Screen Writing Techniques
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Visual Effects Cinematography
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Video Technologies.
Students may ‘mix and match’ the animatronics/visual effects units above to reflect their academic interests and career direction.
Year 3
Four Core units and one option:
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Special Effects Pre-Production
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Special Effects Professional Practice and Management
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Dissertation
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Special Effects Major Project.
Option units:
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Digital Portfolio
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Curriculum Plus.
Why choose this course?
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A flexible degree that allows specialisation to enhance your employability.
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You will work in a modern, industry standard environment, with specialised facilities in the area of animatronics, prosthetics and visual effects.
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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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This course is part of the University’s Skillset Media Academy, a national centre of excellence. Employers will recognise that your education and training is provided by tutors who understand current industry practice, using industry-standard facilities.
Assessment
There are a variety of assessment methods from studio projects and workshop and media outcomes, to group and individual case studies and written assignments. Industry representatives are invited to assess your work in particular Level 6 SFX Major Project.
Key career skills
Creative thinking, presentation, research, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.
Projects/work experience
Students will be encouraged to develop links with special effects companies such as Neil Scanlon Studios, Artem, Pew36, BBC Special Effects, Creature Shop, Shepperton Studios, LCI and the Movium of London (film museum).
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Partner Affiliation Network
The Partner Affiliation Network is a group of companies aligned to each course area in the School of Design with the purpose of supporting a range of activities to help students engage with employers and gain relevant industrial experience. This is achieved through live project work, design competitions, work placements and guest speaker programmes.
All students studying on this course programme will have the opportunity to work with industry.
Supported by:
Competent Crew FX
Dr Frames FX
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Student Quote
"I came to Southampton Solent University to study Special Effects knowing nothing about this subject and already I am producing full functional animatronics! The teaching style and academics are fantastic."
Sam Large, Level 4 BA(Hons) Special Effects
Industry Quote
"The Solent University BA(Hons) Special Effects course challenges students to expand their art and design, engineering, digital and practical skills across a range of units and assessments that are applicable to developing industry requirements. The course provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their skills not only in an academic environment, but also through close associations with industry."
Phil Attfield, Managing Director, Competent Crew FX