Visual Effects UK Dual Award Degree at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)
Best BA (Hons) in Visual Effects at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU) Malaysia
Get An Outstanding Visual Effects Degree in Malaysia at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)
Award-winning Asia Pacific University (APU) is the only private university in Malaysia offering the BA (Hons) in Visual Effects. After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students may enter the Foundation in Design or Diploma in Design & Media (Animation & Visual Effects) before continuing on to the BA (Hons) in Visual Effects.
“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 front- screen 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 architectural 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.
In this article, you will find out more about the Visual Effects degree at APU, the course information, intake dates, entry requirements and facilities. Upon completion of the degree, students will receive a degree from APU and another from De Montfort University, UK.
What you will Study in the BA (Hons) in Visual Effects at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)
The Visual Effects degree programme at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU) is specifically designed to provide:
- 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.
APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme – Double Your Advantage
- APU’s partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK enables students to be awarded Dual Awards – separate degree certificates from each institution – and enhances not just teaching and learning experiences, but also career prospects.
- Upon graduation, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts: 1 from APU, Malaysia and 1 from DMU, UK.
Both degrees are recognised locally & internationally. - The APU-DMU Dual Degree Programmes are offered under an approved collaboration in accordance with the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education as published by the United Kingdom Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).
Admission 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.
Application Process
As part of the entry requirements into the APU Design Degrees, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit either one of the following for evaluation together with complete educational documents:
• Portfolio Submission
• Interview
What You Will Study in the Industrial Design Degree at APU
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
- Team VFX Project: Proposal
- Team VFX Project: Production
- VFX Project: Proposal
- VFX Project: Production
- Research Project Report
- Venture Building
- Exhibition Design
- Intellectual Property Basics
Elective Modules
- Sound Design
- Virtual Production
MQA Compulsory Subjects*
- Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (M’sian Students)
- Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
- Philosophy and Current Issues
- 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)
Career Options
- 2D Artist
- Previs Artist
- 3D Generalist
- Modeller
- Lighting Artist
- Matchmove Artist
- Matte Painter
- Story Board Artist
- Rigger
- Animator
- Motion Graphics Artist
- Digital Compositor
- Producer
- Technical Director
- Concept Artist
- Roto Artist
- Texture Artist
- VFX Coordinator
- Creative Director
