Skip to main content

Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation (Postgraduate Diploma, L9, 60 ECTS)

Status: CLOSED - REGISTER YOUR INTEREST


Level

09

Duration

1 Year

Department

Art & Design


Start Date

11/09/2024

Course Type

Flexible & Professional, Postgraduate Taught courses

Location

Blended

flexible.midwest@tus.ieAre you interested in learning how to create the latest Visual Effects you see in Film, TV and Animation? The Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation is designed to develop your artistic and technical abilities to produce world-class 3D content. You will gain the knowledge and skills required to work in the Visual Effects and 3D animation industry as artists, content creators and designers for the film, television, and animation sectors both nationally and internationally.

This is an industry-focused course 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. If you want to learn industry leading content creations tools, techniques and workflows for film and television this is the course for you.

What are the entry requirements?

(a) A primary honours degree Level 8 or equivalent. 
AND
(b) Sample DIGITAL Portfolio of previous work (eligible applicants must submit by the deadline TBC), may include the following:
• Digital 2D and 3D characters and models
• Digital generated imagery
• Sample 2D/3D animation
• Concept art, matte painting
• Branding, Graphics, Illustration
• Examples of implemented code, Games/Websites/Software
• Examples of implemented code, for animation tool development, or pipeline, systems or networking.
• Storyboards
• Examples of shot video/film, highlight reels of work, please note which elements you worked on.
• Photographs and videos of traditional art media such as sculptures, paintings and prints
• Examples of professional work from the wider media industry

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) / Special Case Registrations: Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above, but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should notify the Flexible Learning Office and request consideration under RPL. Please submit your application online and then email all your supporting documents to Springboard@lit.ie

This is a Level 9, Postgraduate Diploma, which can lead on towards a Masters Degree,it is expected that candidates would be comfortable with technology. Ideal candidates would be those with previous design experience that may require enhanced technical qualifications to further their career. Prior experience with technology would be an advantage. This understanding is usually demonstrated with a Portfolio of Previous Work or RPL.

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

Semester 1

3D Content Creation - Friday (4 hours) On Campus (Clonmel)

  • Designing and Modelling 3D props, environments and characters
  • Texturing and Look development
  • Pipeline and Workflow considerations
  • Design goal and methodologies, developing an eye for form and volume

Compositing - Friday (4 hours) On Campus (Clonmel)

  • A practical understanding of the building blocks of 2D Compositing
  • Design analysis, understanding what makes a shot look right and visually coherent
  • Manipulating colour and light

 Business of Entertainment and Media - Thursday (4 hours) Online

  • Defining client and project goals
  • Production pipelines from script to shoot to post to distribution
  • Understanding job roles and expectations on digital projects
  • Case studies of Animation Visual Effects and digital media industries

Previsualisation - Thursday (3 hours) Online

  • Cameras and the language of cinema
  • Layout, shot composition and set dressing
  • Previs output and final approval

Semester 2:

Fx for Film - Thursday (3 hours) Online

  • FX Fundamentals
  • Pyro simulations, RBDs, Explosions
  • FX to Lighting

Advanced Compositing - Thursday (3 hours) Online

  • A grounding in 2D pixel math operations, allowing under the bonnet manipulation of images
  • Developing a cinematographer’s eye
  • CG Compositing

Acquisition for Visual Effects - Friday (3 hours) On Campus (Clonmel)

  • Onset acquisition fundamentals, cameras, lights etc.
  • On set production shoot for VFX
  • Matchmoving, motion capture and photogrammetry
CG Lighting - Friday (4 hours) On Campus (Clonmel)

Are there opportunities for further study?

This course can lead onto a separate Masters award which includes
- Portfolio and Professional Development
- Master’s project

This masters will run subject to demand and will cost approx €2,500 (TBC).

What are the career prospects?

3D Modeler, Texture Artist, Character Designer, Lighter, Compositor, Matchmove artist, Animator, Rigger, Matte Painting, Concept Artist, CG Supervisor, VFX Supervisor.

More Information

Delivery

This programme will commence in September and run for a duration of 9 months in a blended format both Online and On Campus at TUS Clonmel 

Timetable Details (Indicative)

Number of Weeks: 30

Number of Days per week: 1 day Online / 1 day On Campus (Clonmel)

Delivery Day: Thursday / Friday

Number of Hours per day: 6 - 8 hours

Times: 9am-5pm

Location Campus: TUS Clonmel

What will the time commitment be?

Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due.

Assessment

Assessment is primarily through set artistic projects and some written reports and presentations there are no terminal exams.

Qualification

Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Visual Effects for Film, TV & Animation (Level 9, 60 ECTS)

Application Deadline

TBC

Portfolio Deadline - TBC programme leader

For queries relating to the course

Email: springboard.midwest@tus.ie

Fees

The total fee for this programme is €7,000. This programme is funded by the National Training Fund under Human Capital Iniatitive Pillar 1 and all successful applicants will receive 90% funding for employed applicants and 100% funding for unemployed applicants.

The 10% fee to be paid will be €700 for all successful employed applicants.

Click here for all Flexible Learning Policies & Procedures