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Technical Art and Visual Effects at Abertay University - UCAS

Abertay University

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: Abertay University (formerly University of Abertay Dundee)

Technical Art and Visual Effects (Taught)

Course summary

The games industry's rapid growth demands innovative visual content, pushing developers to new creative heights. In parallel, the film and television industry faces similar challenges, adapting to an ever-expanding global audience and the rise of streaming platforms. This shared landscape necessitates cutting-edge content that resonates across diverse markets. To meet these requirements, there have been pioneering shifts in production approaches, placing new emphasis on real-time (RT) technologies, and interactive, immersive and programmable methods. These emerging aspects of Technical Art and Visual Effects, means the sector is changing very quickly. Employers simply do not have the time or resources to train people ‘on the job’. The lack of employable talent is well recognised and is exacerbated by the emergence of the Virtual Production (VP) Industry. Addressing the role of the Technical Artist MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects is one of the first Master’s programmes to specifically address the role of the Technical Artist. It's this role that enables the delivery of creative solutions to complex artistic and logistical production challenges. Demand for this skillset is extremely high and only set to increase. This programme will enable you to enter the industry with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches and real time software and hardware experience. The technical and creative content of this programme encompasses engine programming, pipelines, VFX, optimisation, tools development, art, and animation pipelines. The knowledge and skills learnt on this programme will enable you to enter the marketplace with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches and RT software and hardware experience.

Modules

CMP502 Programming for Games; CMP515 Technical Art and VFX; CMP516 Procedural Methods for Visual Effects and Computer Graphics; CMP517 Realtime Tool and Pipeline Development; CMP522 Realtime Graphics and Shader Techniques; CMP523 Research Methods and Practice; CMP504 Masters Project

Assessment method

You'll be taught using a mixture of lectures and practical tutorials in our dedicated production and lab spaces. There is an expectation to underpin this learning in your own time, outside of timetabled sessions. Assessment will take the form of practical projects, reports and exams. You'll produce a practice-based folio of technical art and visual effects examples in the shape of a showreel/breakdown reel or technical demo.


Entry requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2.2 or better) in a related area. These include 3D Modelling/Animation/Visual Effects, Computing or Computing related (Engineering). Consideration will be made regarding individuals with extensive experience with 3D modeling tools and/or game engines. Applicants should also submit a portfolio of work (i.e., showreel/breakdown reel, game engine demo or scripting examples).


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6With no lower than 5.5
TOEFL (iBT)78Individual elements: L-17, R-18, S-20, W-17

Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE - overall score of 169 on Cambridge Grading Scale IGCSE or GCSE in English (not English Literature) - grade C Skills for English (SQA/PSI) - B2 with Pass with Merit International Baccalaureate - English B at S5 or H4, English A no specific grade required European Baccalaureate - English Language 1 at grade 6 or English Language 2 at grade 7


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

EU £18000 Whole course
Scotland £7900 Whole course
England £10400 Whole course
Northern Ireland £10400 Whole course
Wales £10400 Whole course
Republic of Ireland £10400 Whole course
International £18000 Whole course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

There may be additional charges where the MSc is not completed within 18 months (FTE). Module fees are on a pro rata basis of 120 credits.
Technical Art and Visual Effects at Abertay University - UCAS