Technical Art and Visual Effects

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).

Examples of 3D modelling/animation and/or engine exposure and portfolio and/or Coding or scripting experience should be collated in a showreel, breakdown reel or a ‘making of’ video where possible. Code or scripting can be demonstrated in short demos, either captured, pre-rendered or as a small application.

Videos should be provided as HD 1080p MP4 if possible (to keep the file size down) or provide links to YouTube/Vimeo examples, and please provide any access passwords required to view the work. You can also share links to websites with examples of your work on it.

PDF’s can also be submitted to document your production processes, and to show any pre-production, concept work, static images or other examples of technical art and visual effects work.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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.

World class facilities

You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art virtual production studio (ViPRE – Virtual Production Research Environment) - the only one in the UK. The system is used in cutting-edge movie production and has seen the University film real-time scenes shot hundreds of miles apart – a feat never accomplished before.

Information for international students

All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements. Please see https://www.abertay.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/ for our full list of accepted qualifications.

Fees and funding

If you’re a Scottish student, or if you meet the residency requirements, and are planning to study this course, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan.