Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

BA (Hons) in Visual Effects

Program outline

This program is specifically designed to provide students with:

• The knowledge and skills to support the study and development of conceptual artwork, digital assets for both film or games industries and visual effects (VFX) work as a creative and dynamic activity. 
• To develop the organizational qualities, communication skills necessary for the effective exchange of ideas, information, and teamwork; with particular emphasis on understanding production ‘pipelines’ associated with VFX industries.

Degree level 1

Level 1 of VFX will focus on getting the basics right. The students will be exposed to drawing and concept sketching techniques, creative thinking for visual design, understanding the importance of research and analysis in conceiving a concept. Technically they will be introduced to the VFX workflow via Digital Art and Illustration, 3D Modelling, and Compositing Techniques. Team Work, Project Management, and Presentation are an integral part of the learning process.

Common modules

• Creative Project
• Illustration for Concept Art
• Cinema Film Analysis
• 3D Pipeline

Specialized modules

• Advance 3D Pipeline
• Digital Illustration
• Digital Compositing
• Motion Graphics

Degree level 2

In Level 2, the modules strengthen the core skills of the students. Moving on from Year 1 the students are trained to emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are exposed to advanced 3D Modelling and Compositing skills on software that are currently used by the VFX Industry. The students have the choice of selecting their elective module to strengthen their skills in their field of choice.

Common modules

• From Script to Screen
• Digital Film Production
• Effects & Simulation
• Rigging for Animation
• Visual Culture

Specialized modules

• Character Concept Design
• Advanced Digital Compositing
• Set Design
• Digital Sculpting
• CGI Production

Internship (16 weeks)

Students will undertake a short Internship/ Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.

Degree level 3

In Level 3 the students will be implementing their prior knowledge and skills to create professional portfolio projects as part of the final year projects. From Proposal Pitch, Pre Production, Production, and Post Production the students go through the entire process to create their FYP with constant guidance from experts and industry professionals. The students are given the opportunity to exhibit their showreel in a year-end show that will involve industry partners and potential employers which provides them the avenue for immediate employment.

Common modules

• Sound Design
• Animation Techniques for Games
• Research Project Report
• Exhibition Design

Specialized modules

• Team VFX Project: Proposal
• Team VFX Project: Production
• VFX Project: Proposal
• VFX Project: Production

MQA compulsory subjects*

• Ethnic Relations (M’sian Students)
• Islamic & Asian Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malaysian Studies (Int’l Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Workplace Professional Communication Skills
• Employee & Employment Trends
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.)

“Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film”.

Visual effects (Visual FX or VFX) can be added to live-action, captured through techniques such as matte painting; rear and front screen projection; miniature or forced perspective sets; computer graphic objects, characters, and environments; and compositing of images recorded in any number of ways. The high demand for CGI has made visual effects more accessible and hence its presence is felt all around us.

The VFX award is for applicants looking for:

• A career in the film, post-production, or games industries, while some graduates may move onto positions within architectural visualization, re-touching/advertising agencies, or postgraduate study.
• Ideas and concept generation for film or games, covering characters, vehicles, products, clothing, sets, and environments, ultimately taking those ideas through to finished concept artwork or 3D models.

More than ever, the film and games industries need tangible, exciting plots/scenarios with characters, environments, and props to match them. Students develop ideas sometimes as 2D artwork concepts, complemented by accurate 3D digital modeling, coupled with green screen/compositing techniques. Design methodology, concept origination, speculative design, visualization skills, life drawing, physical sketch, and facsimile modeling provide traditional design skills.

Career options

• 2D Artist
• Previs Artist
• 3D Generalist
• Modeler
• Lighting Artist
• Matchmove Artist
• Matte Painter
• Storyboard Artist
• Rigger
• Animator
• Motion Graphics Artist
• Digital Compositor
• Producer
• Technical Director
• Concept Artist
• Roto Artist
• Texture Artist
• VFX Coordinator
• Creative Director