Visual Effects in Live Events at Academy of Live Technology - UCAS

Academy of Live Technology

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: University of Bolton

Visual Effects in Live Events (Taught)

Course summary

MA Visual Effects in Live Events is a programme which combines art and technology to prepare students for careers as visual effects artists and designers for Live Events. The programme will balance theory and practice to explore cutting edge workflows and technical integration. During the programme, students will study the technical application of the key digital content techniques alongside professional processes such as concept and character development, pitching to clients and entrepreneurial skills. Alongside your professional skills development, you will develop key transferable skills such as critical reflection, communication, adaptability, problem solving, teamwork and leadership. We will support you to advance your technical knowledge and experience, alongside your critical thinking skills in order to develop and establish your own professional practice. All the modules are industry focused with opportunities for student to engage in placement activity as part of your research. During the programme you will benefit from the opportunity to collaborate with peers and students on other courses, working together on shared modules and projects. Throughout the programme you will be supported by our experienced staff team, extensive industry partners and masterclasses from established industry professionals. The programme builds on Backstage Academy’s close relationships with the Live Events Industry and offers an unrivalled opportunity for you to engage in live projects and develop plans for new creative opportunities coupled with a higher level of academic study and learning.

Assessment method

Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are completed before the end of the module. Module assessments typically involve written coursework, project work, oral assessments and portfolios. Our team of academic and professional staff will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help you gain and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. You can expect practice-based enquiry, self-directed study, lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and work-based learning. It’s important to realise that the time spent with a tutor during formally scheduled activities is only a small part of the learning time identified for a module. You’ll also be expected to spend a significant amount of time in guided independent study, such as general background reading, preparing for seminar activities and working on assignments. We are committed to supporting you throughout your learning journey. Over time, our guidance will purposefully become less structured and prescriptive. This will encourage you to develop confidence and independence in your studies and take responsibility for managing your own learning time as you increase in autonomy. The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to help you achieve the overall aims of the curriculum, as well as the learning outcomes for individual modules. As well as assessing your achievement, it helps to organise and develop your learning. Assessment feedback can help you develop your skills and an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. The types of assessment you’ll be required to complete fall into two general categories: formative and summative. Formative assessments help in learning and developing knowledge and skills. Summative assessments, on which grades are allocated, reflect the quality of the learning that has been achieved. Formative assessment will take place via tutorial discussion, group workshops including peer and tutor review, and guidance on work in progress. Formative feedback will be provided face-to-face via discussion, online or in written form. Summative assessments consist of both practical and applied theoretical work. These will include a range of assessments including practical projects, written work, presentations and portfolios.


Entry requirements

You should have at least a lower second class (2.2) honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject or five years’ relevant work experience. If you hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, you may provide a transcript or other documentation that details your prior study. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate your professional experience via a portfolio of attested work. Please contact the programme leader to discuss your options. If you wish to gain admission on the basis of five years’ relevant work experience, you’ll be required to attend an online or face-to-face interview and present evidence in the form of a portfolio of work and examples that demonstrate your suitability and aptitude for the course. The evidence should be presented in electronic format and attested by an independent person. The independent person could be a current or former lecturer or an employer who has a more senior role than yourself. The University is looking for candidates who can demonstrate a clear style and commitment to their professional practice and who will benefit from experiencing this area of study. We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent).


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £5250 Whole course
Northern Ireland £5250 Whole course
Scotland £5250 Whole course
Wales £5250 Whole course

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

As part of our commitment to access and widening participation, we offer a range of bursary and additional financial support for prospective students. There is also a hardship fund available to eligible students who experience financial crisis. To find out more, please contact us on 01977 659880 or email [email protected].

Visual Effects in Live Events at Academy of Live Technology - UCAS