UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills

Media, Photography & Games / Full Time / Level 3 Extended Diploma

The diploma will provide you with a Level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to three A Levels. As well as the delivery of relevant and up-to-date course content that has been written by the industry to replicate today's real-world work environment, you will have unprecedented access to industry mentors and industry-designed live briefs, set and assessed by a group of leading companies from the sectors being studied. Over two years, you will build a portfolio relevant to industry needs and as preparation for either working in these sectors or as a progression to Higher Education or Higher Apprenticeships.

The essential feature of this qualification is that the content is being driven by industry. The design of the qualification has been in response to direct input from an industry representative group of employers from across the games, animation and VFX industries. The qualification structure has been designed on the principle of a two-year, full-time Diploma (1080 hours) that covers all of these elements: the fundamentals, industry working practice and technical learning about each and all of the games, animation and VFX industries. By studying all three areas, you will be able to make the connections between them and acquire transferable skills so that, towards the end of the Diploma, you will be equipped to make a more considered career decision.

Due to the content, the style of deliver and the assessment methodology that underpins this qualification, there are a number of possible progression routes available to you. The inclusion of research, presentation, essay writing and exams as assessment tools will ensure that, if you progress to a degree-level course, you will be well served with the acquisition of study skills that will support you to be able to cope with the independent learning that will be required of you at any Higher Education institute.

A clear understanding of how the games, animation and VFX industries work in practice, and experience of working to a specific industry brief in a way that replicates industry methods of project management, will ensure that any student choosing to progress their learning and career path through a Higher Level Apprenticeship or a Degree Apprenticeship will be able to start work immediately. Abilities in the basic concepts of art, maths and programming will be of great support to students, Apprentices and new employees whatever their progression route.

All of the following modules are compulsory and will be taught across the two years.

Fundamental Artistic Skills Practicing fundamental artistic concepts such as sketching, lighting, colour, composition, perspective and volume, you will understand how traditional processes have been developed and integrated into digital art software systems and processes for games, animation and VFX for a range of different purposes.

Fundamentals of AnimationUsing industry-standard software, you will be able to design and produce an animation sequence in both 2D and 3D, utilising traditional techniques in the process.

Fundamental Maths and Logic SkillsGaining an understanding of geometry and proportion will enable you to develop core 3D skills, while understanding numbers and number systems will help you integrate basic mathematical concepts useful for problem solving and simulation in a range of procedural processes. Using probability, statistics and random numbers will all help in the context of creating interactive media products, specifically visual scripting in a game engine.

Story/Playboarding You will understand the functions and differences between a storyboard and a playboard, understand storytelling concepts, be able to use traditional and digital techniques to produce a story/playboard and be able to present a story/playboard to an audience.

Core Principles of Game Design Beginning with the core principles of game design, you will understand the significance of games platforms and technologies on the development of game design, understand the significance of age, gender and culture on game design and be able to critically analyse a range of games from a gameplay perspective.

3D Tools: Principles and Practice Grounded by industry pipeline processes, you will understand the basic components of a 3D model, understand the function of textures, know how to use a 3D modelling package effectively, be able to produce 3D models using effective texturing and sculpting techniques and understand the benefit of good workflows and efficient techniques for creating 3D models all using commercial 3D modelling software.

Common Working Practices in the Games, Animation and VFX Industries Through applicable research and seminars, you will learn how to communicate and sell a vision, be able to produce a holding vision document, understand job roles, career structures and business models across the games, animation and VFX industries, know how games, animation and VFX businesses raise funds and revenue, understand how products in the games, animation and VFX industries are taken to market, know the regulatory, ethical and legal requirements applicable to the games, animation and VFX industries and be able to work effectively to an Industry Brief.

Art and Design for Imagined Worlds Using critical research and analysis as a starting point,you will understand the concept of an imagined world in relation to the games, animation and VFX industries, be able to use traditional techniques and digital processes to produce art with accompanying sound for an imagined world concept.

Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods: You will review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your tutor. You will peer review classmates coursework. You will undertake a large project in each industry area. You will create a portfolio of work.

We encourage all students to read widely in the areas of Games, Animation and Visual Effects. We support independent learning from the start of the course and provide access to recommended video tutorials.

This qualification has an incredible amount of support from industry partners and different higher education institutions. It is an amazing opportunity to learn in detail all of the different industry roles and pipeline processes, as well as putting industry-standard skills into practice before choosing an appropriate progression pathway, such as university study.

The basic requirement is four GCSEs at grade 4 or above to include English language or Literature and/or mathematics at grade 4 or above.

Awarding Body:
UAL

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk