Overview
This course features a range of study areas reflecting current issues and professional practices in short film, animation, mobile video and sound for visual media. Study will also include the traditional skills and approaches associated with this demanding sector. The focus of the course is in visual post-production techniques and the use of applied visual effects.
The FdA Visual Media Production is a course designed to provide you with the practical, critical and theoretical tools required by the contemporary media production and post-production industries. You will develop the problem-solving and reflective abilities necessary for study and subsequent work within these industries. The programme has a focus towards film and television post-production, editing and compositing with strong elements in 3d animation and motion graphic visual effects – an area in which skills shortages has been identified (Skillset Workforce Survey 2005)
The art of post-production is being seen more frequently within present day film releases and TV programs, we aim to give students the opportunity to enter this industry and produce visually stunning pieces of work.
Content and Modules
This course equips students with a broad range of technical and research skills needed to work in the visual media production industry. Students will benefit from a strong practical emphasis on production. The course blends the creative aspects of the job including filming and camera operation, film and audio editing, compositing and film FX, animation for short film alongside contextual and cross-media studies such as professional practice and script writing.
As well as developing the practical, industry specific skills required this course allows students to develop transferable skills such as independent thinking, problem solving, flexibility and becoming a reflective professional.
Modules studied
Year One: Narrative composition; Personal Development/Pre production; Camera skills; Audio processes; Film Editing; Motion graphics; 3d CGI modelling.
Year Two: Post-production process; Filming in High Definition; Major project planning and preparation; Research for Industry Practice; Film and TV Compositing; Major project realisation.
Further Information
The course has 12 modules studied over two years; each module is assessed in different ways using, for example, essays, practical production and reports.
Reflecting on work experience and personal skills is an important part of the course and will be used as evidence for learning.
The course enhances graduates' employability within a range of media based industries, or alternatively provide access to a range of related Honours degrees at UCS.
Student testimonial
“The course offers me the ability to learn new things, we get the opportunity to use so much great equipment, professional cameras, editing suites and up to date software. The course has knowledgeable tutors and good technician support, who will loan you the cameras and a full shooting kit for projects... and we get to go on industry trips, exhibitions and conferences.”
Robin Goodman, Second year student