BA (Hons) Special Effects (Full Time)

The BA (Hons) Special Effects at Southampton Solent University is the only course in the UK that offers a choice between studying animatronics and/or visual effects within the same degree structure.

The course has been designed to closely follow industry practice and prepare students for work within the special effects sector of the film, television and leisure industries.

Its multidisciplinary nature will produce students that are multi-skilled and up-to-date with the generic tools and principles used within special effects, as well as having an understanding of the production processes. You will be able to specialise in animatronics or visual effects in Year 2 and continue this specialism through to Year 3 units.

You can focus your assignments across a wide range of applications in film, television, museums, art galleries, theatre and live performance. The course structure also allows students to specialise in both animatronics and visual effects and to work within a team in the final year to produce a combined artefact.

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Industrial focus

Close links with industry and Skillset provide opportunities for work experience within special effects companies.

Course content

Year 1

Five core units and one option unit:

• Introduction to Animatronics
• History of Special Effects
• Life Drawing
• Character Design for SFX
• Animation Narrative for SFX.

Options:

• Animation
• Stop-Motion.

Year 2

Two core units:

• Digital Character
• Analysing Special Effects Film and TV.

Animatronics route core units:

• Computer-Aided Design
• Control and Signal Writing
• Prosthetics and Make-up Effects
• Animatronics Design.

Visual Effects route core units:

• Digital Animation
• Screen Writing Techniques
• Visual Effects Cinematography
• Video Technologies.

Students may ‘mix and match’ the animatronics/visual effects units above to reflect their academic interests and career direction.

Year 3

Four core units and one option unit:

• Special Effects Pre-Production
• Special Effects Professional Practice and Management
• Dissertation
• Special Effects Major Project.

Options:

• Digital Portfolio
• Curriculum Plus (Work-based Learning, Foreign Language, Community volunteering).

Why choose Solent?

This unique and groundbreaking course is the only one in the UK that offers you the choice between studying animatronics and/or visual effects in the same degree programme.

Its benefits include:

• Flexibility that allows specialisation to enhance your employability.
• You will work in a modern, industry-standard environment, with specialised facilities in the area of animatronics, prosthetics and visual effects.
• You will have access to a stop-motion studio, equipped with high-definition cameras as well as green/blue screen facilities.
• We will build your confidence in using the latest post-production software.
• This course is taught by lecturers with many years of real-world industry experience. Employers will recognise that your education and training is provided by tutors who understand current industry practice, using industry-standard facilities.

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Assessment

Presentations, group projects and essays. Industry representatives will be invited to review your work, particularly in Year 3 of the course.

Projects/work experience

Students will be encouraged to develop links with special effects companies such as Neal Scanlon Studios, Cinesite, Double Negative, Competent Crew FX, Dr Frames FX, Artem, Pew36, BBC Special Effects, Creature Shop, Shepperton Studios, Pinewood Studios, LCI and the Movium of London (film museum).

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Key career skills

Creative thinking, presentation, research, project management, visual communication, evaluation and problem solving.

Industry quote

Phil Attfield, Managing Director, Competent Crew FX

“The Solent University BA (Hons) Special Effects course challenges students to expand their art and design, engineering, digital and practical skills across a range of units and assessments that are applicable to developing industry requirements. The course provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop their skills not only in an academic environment, but also through close associations with industry.”

Supported by:

Competent Crew FX

Dr Frames FX

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Key info from UNISTATS