Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects

(R/0211/6/0032)(06/29)(MQA/FA11896)

APU-DMU DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMME

Students who are under Bachelor’s Degree Programme will have the option to opt-in for the APU-DMU Dual Degree Scheme. Under this Scheme, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts upon graduation: 1 from Asia Pacific University (APU), Malaysia and 1 from De Montfort University (DMU), UK.

To know more about APU-DMU Dual Scheme, please click HERE.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) receives perfect 5-Stars on Online Learning in the latest QS Stars Rating System

“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 (commonly shortened to Visual FX or VFX) can be added to live-action, captured through techniques such as matte painting; rear- and frontscreen projection; miniature or forced perspective sets; computer graphic objects, characters, and environments; and compositing of images recorded in any number of ways. A high demand of 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 - although some graduates may move onto positions within archi- tectural visualisation, re-touching/ advertising agencies or postgraduate study. VFX is predominantly about 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 modelling, coupled with green screen/compositing techniques. Design methodology, concept origination, speculative design, visualisation skills, life drawing, physical sketch and facsimile modelling provide traditional design skills.

This programme 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 organisational qualities, communication skills necessary for the effective exchange of ideas, information and teamwork; with particular emphasis on understanding production ‘pipelines’ associated with VFX industries.

Collaborative Industrial Partners

Portfolio & Interview Guide For Application Into APU Design Programmes

Design Student Portfolios

Duration

3 Years (6 Semesters)

Course Fees

Malaysian Fees:

Year 1
RM 31, 700.00

Year 2
RM 32, 800.00

Year 3
RM 33, 800.00

International Fees:

Year 1
RM 32, 000.00

Year 2
RM 33, 100.00

Year 3
RM 34, 400.00

Total: Malaysian - RM 98,300 | International - RM 99,500

Intake

• 25 Jul 2024
• 24 Sep 2024
• 21 Nov 2024

Award

Degree awarded by APU, Malaysia

Entry Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 1 OF THE DEGREE:
STPM	• A Pass in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any 2 subjects.
A-LEVEL	• 2 Passes (Grade A-D) in A-Level.
UEC	• 5 Grade B’s in UEC.
MATRICULATION/ FOUNDATION	• A Pass in Matriculation or Foundation studies with minimum CGPA of 2.00.
DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 2 OF THE DEGREE:
RELATED DIPLOMA	• A Diploma (Level 4, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, or its equivalent • A pass in DKM / DLKM / DVM with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 subjected to HEP Senate/ Academic Board’s approval.
PORTFOLIO	Note: Pass an Interview OR submission of Design Portfolio as required.

Equivalent qualification and / or experience which is recognised by the Senate / institution.

ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS	• IELTS : 5.5 • TOEFL IBT : 46 • Pearson (PTE) : 51 • MUET : Band 4

Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Programme Outline

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 is an integral part of the learning process.

Core Modules

Cinema Film Analysis
Illustration for Concept Art
3D Pipeline
Creative Project
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

Advance 3D Pipeline
Digital Compositing
Digital Illustration
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 emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills. They are exposed to advanced 3D Modelling and Compositing skills on software’s 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.

Core Modules

Character Creation
Animation Techniques for Games
Advanced Digital Compositing

Digital Film Production
Set Design
Effects and Simulation

Elective Modules

CGI Production
Digital Sculpting

Visual Culture
Production Planning and Management

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 an year end show that will involve industry partners and potential employers which provides them the avenue for immediate employment.

Core Modules