This module is designed to enable you to attain professional levels of competence by analysing problems, researching information, developing strategies, generating ideas and developing tangible design specifications, all of which are intellectually challenging and demanding.

You will be expected to participate in the negotiation and execution of a major piece of design work, from design brief / initial specification, resource assessment (self / team / physical), through to project and asset management. This brief will be wholly negotiated with staff / peers, to consider personal and team skills (where appropriate) and opportunities offered via commercial or competition briefs.

You will negotiate a programme of study which demonstrates and exploits the knowledge and experience you have gained to date, being one which is approved following discussions between yourself, peers (team based) and your supervising tutors and / or external examiner.

You are expected to demonstrate high levels of project management and self-organisational skills, working harmoniously with internal staff teams, peers, team members and technical support staff where appropriate.

The programme will result in a substantial body of work representing a minimum of 300 hours of your input; the ultimate objective being the origination and execution of a major `portfolio' piece.

Introductory briefing/lecture.
Individual and group tutorials will take place on a weekly basis (bar assessment weeks)
You will present your work in progress and receive constructive criticism and feedback.
Feedback will generally be verbal in nature, so you may wish to take notes during such sessions.
Tutorial group sessions will provide both personal and peer commentary (about your peer's work) - all of which may help inform your personal project / guidance.
These sessions will be key to developing the constituents of your final submission.
Independent study, you will be required to engage in selective research and the production of creative solutions for your own negotiated project
Technical instruction/ surgeries as appropriate.

Key Information Set Data:
Project supervision / Tutorial - once per week, booked using Blackboard
Demonstration - as required / based upon individuals requirements / staff time / expertise and availability
Practical classes and workshop - as required / based upon individuals requirements / staff time / expertise and availability
Formative assessments (Time spent completing formative assessment activities in a supervised environment). Once, at start of module - see Blackboard for timing of this stage.

Please see VFX Programme Specification for definition of above.

16% Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities
84% Guided Independent Learning

VFX NPS-B (2012-2013) - KEY texts will be housed in the Thompson Library, other texts are listed as further reading or useful sources of information- Staff will update these lists as newer titles appear.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/O5ATE37W4VWE

Periodicals

-EDGE magazine
-CINEFEX magazine
-3D World (http://www.3dworldmag.com/)

Web Based Resources

-http://www.stashmedia.tv/

High Spec Labs (for Cry Engine work / intensive rendering output),
Green Screen
DSLR - for backplates / HD video capture
Dedicated Studio Space for group tutorials

Please note: The department cannot support software not licensed by the university.

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.
The module handbook will be available ONLINE, via Blackboard, listed under the appropriate module entry.

Coursework 100%

Personal project based upon a negotiated learning contract

Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8