BA (Hons) Visual Effects and Motion Graphics Bachelor's degree at Teesside University

The principles of animation are the foundation stone for any animator. Originally created by Disney, they have been used by generations of animators to create convincing animation across movies, TV series, games and commercials.

Learn the principles of 2D animation, using hand-drawn techniques to create animation exercises.

Explore the principles of 3D animation using industry standard techniques and software using a range of methods including the layered method and pose to pose.

Delve into the history of animation and motion design, from its earliest beginnings to today's diverse styles and applications.

You learn how to create 3D models, incorporating principles of topology, efficiency, and suitability.

Edit and apply captured, procedural and painted textures to 3D objects, using UV maps and image editing software.

Create attractive lighting for 3D objects and scenes, studying topics such as direct and indirect lighting, light types, shadows and colour temperature.

Study physically based rendering techniques including theory, practice, rendering passes, layers and the rendering pipeline.

Learn the principles of forward and inverse kinematics, joints and skeletons, skinning and weight painting and applying control rigs.

Use the motion capture studio to learn how to direct actors and capture motion. Learn to clean data, apply it and import it into a real time engine.

Develop skills in simulation and procedural VFX to enhance rigid body dynamics, cloth, hair, fur and creature FX.

You are introduced to a variety of technical areas of animation and VFX production.

You are introduced to cinematography and learn about film language, shot composition, camera moves and lighting.

Develop your own visual interpretation of a script or narrative and produce a moving storyboard (animatic).

You are introduced to a range of compositing techniques for live-action and 3D computer-generated imagery, 2D and stop-motion animation, lighting and digital 2D painted backgrounds.

When planning and visualising sequences for animation and live action, you need to understand the pre-production process and the tools and techniques you can use.

You focus on destruction effects, using industry-standard techniques to create exciting VFX shots. Examine fracturing, rigid body dynamics (RBD), particle systems and fluid effects.

You study motion graphics design tools and techniques, including motion effects generation, motion design, layout and animating to music. You also study the history of motion graphics and the iterative development of a sequence.

You work in a team to produce an animation or visual effects sequence based on an industry style brief. Experience working in a production environment with industry input and feedback, and target specific production skills in your chosen field of study.

You get the opportunity to experiment in a specialist area of your choice in animation, games and visual effects. Develop your independent learning skills and take ownership of your chosen direction through the assessment. You also research professional roles related to your specialism, identifying the graduate skills you need and developing an online presence. AI literacy improves employability, making you more competitive in the job market. You also investigate the responsible use of AI in ani

You explore the VFX and digital compositing pipeline in a range of contexts, from initial planning and acquisition to the final output of a finished shot. You study the techniques required to produce exciting visual imagery using industry-standard software, developing the skills to create seamless composited motion sequences, integrating live action, CG content and photographed elements.

You have the option to spend one year in industry learning and developing your skills. We encourage and support you with applying for a placement, job hunting and networking. You gain experience favoured by graduate recruiters and develop your technical skillset. You also obtain the transferable skills required in any professional environment, including communication, negotiation, teamwork, leadership, organisation, confidence, self-reliance, problem-solving, being able to work under pressure, a

Work alongside your project supervisor to develop a large-scale piece of individual work relating to your chosen specialism and career aims.

You choose from a selection of briefs which reflect specialist industry roles, such as realistic creature animation, effects simulation or puppet making. Explore your specialism and develop your professional skills such as pitching ideas, costing and scheduling, working to a tight brief and responding to client changes.

You work in a team to produce a short film or visual effects sequence in a style of your choice. It could be a high-end visual effects sequence, a motion graphics title sequence or a short film. Each member takes on a production role to mimic the industry pipeline. You gain experience of teamwork, and a showpiece for your portfolio.