This bachelor's degree will lead to creative and practical skills within 3Dart, animation and visual effects (VFX) for various types of production. For example film, TV, VRexperiences, art content for games or visualisations, digital scenography for modern theatre, music festivals, concerts, events for business, and art projects.
Addressing the needs for a variety of productions will strengthen possibilities and broaden the job market for candidates. Common for all areas of production is being able to develop aesthetic visuals, through foundations in storytelling and artistic expression.
The bachelor is offered at the university's campus in Steinkjer, which has modern computer labs with updated industry standard software. There is also a renderfarm, group production suites, editing suites, and a film studio complete with a 120 m2 green screen stage. The campus offers traditional art supplies such as easels and animation tables. Students also have access to professional film supplies, camera and gear, still cameras and optics, as well as powerful projectors for digital scenography.
Applicants are expected to have foundational ITskills. A solid competence in English is required to read subject literature, and follow lectures which are all conducted in English.
Nord University has made significant investments in this field of study, and is one of the few universities offering a specialisation within the creative and practical part of 3D/VFX. The study programme is largely production oriented.
In the first year, there is an introduction to various subjects which could become areas of specialisation. The five possible areas of specialisation in the bachelor include traditional art, 3Dart, animation, technical direction and compositing. In addition, the first year includes general subjects such as storytelling and animation history.
The second year offers some specialisation within chosen areas. The first semester is lecture and practice based, with production periods starting second semester. Film students have coinciding production periods, and collaboration is highly encouraged. The university will also facilitate students wanting to start student companies, which is advisable in the second year.
The third and final year gives the opportunity for further specialisation. The first semester is lecture and practice based with advanced courses in smaller classes. The final semester is then dedicated to the bachelor production. Students are encouraged to collaborate across various specialisations to achieve the highest possible production quality. It is also possible to collaborate with students from other bachelor studies at the university, such as film or game students. Another option is to compete for attractive internships at various 3D/VFX houses.
The students also take part in arranging an annual international media festival (&Action), with guest lectures from leading studios and other industry professionals. The university also participates at other international conferences.
Project work and entrepreneurship:
The study programme focuses on project oriented teamwork. Students will get ties to external clients and must learn to tackle the needs of specific projects, both individually and in groups. There is emphasis on entrepreneurship. The university has connections to local business incubators, and can assist with business mentoring. This is usually a continuation of established student companies, which might already have a client base and wish to professionalise.
Software:
The study programme uses industry standard software, including:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Trapcode Particular Suite
- Maya
- Mudbox
- UVLayout Pro
- Zbrush
- PTGui
- Mari
- Nuke
- Arnold render
- Pixar Tractor 2
- Resolume
- DaVinci Resolve
- Shotgun Studio
In addition, specialised tools might be required for certain projects.