This module enables you to demonstrate to a high level, the in-depth practical skills and theoretical knowledge accumulated during your programme of study.

The major aim of the project and portfolio is to allow you to extend and unify your understanding of a chosen subject as developed in underlying modules. The outcome of this study will be 2 created artefacts illustrating your knowledge and practical skills.

The production is supported by an academic supervisor, who will help you to develop your ideas.

The project and portfolio could be (but is not limited to) a series of character models, a large scale environment, a dissertation and academic paper, a game, a series of game prototypes, a system or framework for a computer game.

60 mins x 12 weeks of supervision.

Students will be allocated 1 hour of supervision time per week for 12 weeks with
their supervisor.

This may take the form of face-to-face meetings at the University, email
correspondence or online discussion via Teams / VLE forums

Reference to the module handbook for study guidance.
Access to Staffordshire University library
Access to internet sources through Staffordshire University library.
Provision as appropriate of case materials by tutor and / or external organisations.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Online sources are more applicable; they will be suggested by supervisors during study.
Ahearn, L, 2008, 3D Game Environments: Create Professional 3D Game Worlds, Focal Press
Bailey, S. 2003 Academic Writing: A practical guide for students, Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.
Barzun, J. & Graff, H. F. 1992 The Modern Researcher, London: Harcourt & Brace.
Berry, R. 2000 The Research Project: How to Write It, London: Routledge
Busby, J & Parrish, Z & Wilson, J, 2009, Advanced Level Design with Unreal Technology: Using Unreal Engine 3, Sams
Chin, R, 2012, Beginning iOS 3D Unreal Games Development, Apress
Cordone, C 2011, Unreal Development Kit Game Programming with Unreal Script, Packt Publishing
Fedor, 2007, Creative Essence: The Face, Ballistic
Goldfinger, 1992, Human anatomy for artists the elements of form, OUP USA
Isbister, K, 2006, Better Game Characters by Design, Morgan Kaufmann
Keller, 2011, Introducing Zbrush 4, Wiley & Sons
Kingslien, 2011, Zbrush Studio Projects: Realistic Game Characters, Wiley & Sons
Lanning, Petroc, and Baysal, 2007, D'artiste Character Modeling 2: Digital Artists Masterclass, Ballistic Media
Leedy, P. 2009 Practical Research: Planning and Design: Pearson.
Marshell, L & Rowland, F 2004 A Guide to Learning Independently, London: OUP.
McKinley, M, 2012, Maya Studio Projects: Game Environments and Props, John Wiley & Sons
Mooney, T, 2012, Unreal Development Kit Games Design Cook Book, Packt Publishing
Spencer, 2011, Zbrush Creature Design, John Wiley & Sons
Spencer, 2011, Digital Clay: Character Creation with Z-Brush, John Wiley & Sons
Spencer, 2010, Digital Sculpting Human Anatomy, John Wiley & Sons

1. SELECT AND ANALYSE APPROPRIATE RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS, TO CRITIQUE EXISTING PRACTICES IN GAMES DESIGN IN ORDER TO DEVELOP FUTURE WORK IN A RATIONAL AND INNOVATIVE WAY.
[Enquiry]

2. PRODUCE CREATIVE PROPOSALS COMPARABLE WITH PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FROM INVESTIGATION, OR IN RESPONSE TO IDENTIFIED OPPORTUNITIES OR REQUIREMENTS, USING APPROPRIATE THINKING AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTISES.
[Problem Solving]

3. DEMONSTRATE MASTERY IN THE SELECTION AND USE OF APPROPRIATE GAMES TECHNOLOGY PROCESSES IN YOUR OWN WORK, AND A CRITICAL AWARENESS OF THE PROCESSES OF DISTRIBUTION AND RECEPTION OF YOUR WORK.
[Application]

4. EVALUATE YOUR OWN WORK AND THAT OF OTHERS, CRITICALLY AND INDEPENDENTLY, WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING AND DEVELOPING YOUR OWN PRACTICE USING COMPARISONS WITH PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES AND A HIGH LEVEL OF ACADEMIC ACTIVITY.
[Reflection]

5. USE VARIOUS FORMS OF COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ORAL PRESENTATIONS) AS APPROPRIATE, DURING AND ON COMPLETION OF THE WORK PROCESS, TO ELICIT INFORMATION, TO EXPLAIN, DEBATE AND PERSUADE, ADAPTING TO AUDIENCE AND CIRCUMSTANCES AT THE LEVEL OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND ACADEMIC DISCOURSE.
[Communication]

6. PLAN AND IMPLEMENT ACTION AT A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, IDENTIFYING TARGETS AND ORGANISING RESOURCES, AND MANAGING YOURSELF EFFECTIVELY.
[Analysis]

7. CARRY OUT INDEPENDENT LEARNING AT A POSTGRADUATE LEVEL AS A BASIS FOR ACADEMIC STUDY, LIFELONG LEARNING AND FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
[Learning]

Online portfolio and negotiated learning contract. (Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) 20% weighting

Two new portfolio pieces based on the negotiated learning contract. (Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4 ) 80% weighting

This module enables you to demonstrate to a high level, the in-depth practical skills and theoretical knowledge accumulated during your programme of study.