TUS | Certificate in Technical Art & Pipeline | ESF+ 2024/2025

• This course has closed.

Programme Overview

This specialised programme addresses the growing need for skilled technical artists in the Film and TV and Game industries. Designed for those looking to bridge creative and technical aspects of production, the course offers focused training in streamlining workflows, managing large-scale data, and problem-solving within complex production environments. This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education in technical art, covering a wide range of topics essential for success in VFX, CG Animation and game development.

With hands-on experience in industry-standard tools and techniques, students will develop the expertise to support efficient, high-quality production pipelines. This award aims to prepare graduates for immediate contributions in professional settings, equipping them with understanding of how and why technical art skillsets are vital to bringing ambitious artistic visions to life.

This programme was designed and developed by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet in collaboration with TU Shannon with input from industry experts into the course content.

Course Content

Course Content (title of modules with brief summary):

This programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and industry-relevant education in technical art, covering a wide range of topics essential for success in VFX and game development. The curriculum includes:

• Technical Art fundamentals: We look at how both visual effects and games studios currently handles tasks and data as it moves through their pipelines. This can be examined through case studies of how challenges are tackled on individual productions. Consideration is given to how to organise and automate a smaller part of an artist’s workflow.
• Technical Art Techniques: Learners learn how to identify and automate tasks within industry standard software such as Maya, Unity, Unreal or Houdini.
• Scripting and Technical Art Tools: Developing proficiency in scripting languages like Python to automate tasks, create custom tools, and streamline workflows.
• Pipeline Development and Optimization: Understanding the principles of efficient pipeline design, implementing best practices for asset management, version control, and optimization.
• Industry Practices and Collaboration: Learning about professional workflows, communication protocols, and collaboration strategies employed in VFX and game development studios.

Materials & Equipment

Materials – while the course is focused on producing digital content some pencils and a sketchbook can be useful for developing early visual development.

Equipment: While students will primarily use their own computers, the programme will provide access to remote workstations equipped with industry-standard software packages, including Autodesk Maya, Foundry Nuke, Houdini, and Unreal Engine. This access ensures that all students have the necessary tools to complete their coursework regardless of their personal computer setup.

Communication and Participation:

 In addition to Moodle, the programme will leverage Microsoft Teams to foster communication and collaboration. Teams will be used for live lectures, Q&A sessions, group projects, and one-on-one consultations with lecturers. This blended approach ensures a dynamic and engaging learning experience for all students.

Participant profile/Who can apply

This programme is tailored for individuals with a passion for the dynamic field of technical art and a strong desire to master industry-standard tools and techniques. Ideal candidates will possess a blend of artistic sensibility, technical aptitude, and a keen interest in the intersection of creativity and technology.

Entry Requirements:

• Educational Background: Applicants should typically hold a Level 8 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a related field, such as Animation, Film Production, Game Design, Computer Graphics, or Computer Science.
  
• Prior Experience: While not mandatory, some prior experience in the VFX, Animation or Games industry, or a related creative field is desirable. This could include internships, freelance work, personal projects, or active involvement in relevant extracurricular activities.

Recognition of Prior Experience & Learning

We welcome applications from individuals who may not possess the specified academic qualifications but can demonstrate significant relevant experience and skills. RPL applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature and duration of prior learning and its alignment with the programme’s learning outcomes.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) – Assessment

If you would like your application to be assessed under RPL please select YES on the TUS course online application form.

Once you have submitted your online application you will then receive an email acknowledgement with further instructions on RPL.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

Course Delivery

The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change. Modules are to be delivered over 12 weeks in an online learning format : 1 evening per week (Thursday) x 2 hours per evening x 12 weeks***
There will be a 1 hour induction session on 18 December 2024 ***

• Mode Part Time , Online
• Number Semesters 1
• Number of Weeks 12
• Number of Days/Evenings per week 1 evening per week
• Delivery Day/Evening Thursday
• Number of Hours per day/evening 3 hours

Assessment

Assessment (type(s) i.e. examinations, projects, presentations, etc.):

This programme employs a variety of assessment methods to gauge student learning and provide opportunities for them to demonstrate their understanding and application of key concepts and technical skills. Assessment strategies include:

• Practical Assignments and Projects: Students will complete a series of practical assignments and projects that simulate real-world VFX and game development workflows. These assessments will evaluate their technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and creative application of learned techniques.
• Portfolio Development: Throughout the programme, students will build a professional portfolio showcasing their best work. The portfolio will serve as a culmination of their skills and a testament to their readiness for industry employment.
• Technical Tests and Demonstrations: Students may be required to complete technical tests or demonstrations to showcase their mastery of specific software packages, tools, or techniques.
• Presentations and Critiques: Group and individual presentations will provide opportunities for students to communicate their ideas, receive feedback from peers and instructors, and develop their presentation skills.
• Written Assignments and Reports: Written assignments and reports will assess students’ understanding of theoretical concepts, industry practices, and their ability to articulate technical information clearly and concisely.

Tutor

David Purcell comes from an Engineering background, having worked across Europe for companies such as Alcatel and General Electric in training roles on systems ranging from submarine telecommunications networks to sensor systems for the oil and gas industry.

A personal passion for visual arts led to him migrating into VFX, CG and Compositing, putting those skills to work on TV shows such as “Kin”, “Bodkin”, “Dr. Who” among others.

A passionate advocate of bridging the fields of art, creativity and technology through continual learning and practical application.

CCIS Membership Support

TO QUALIFY FOR CULTURAL & CREATIVE INDUSTRIES SKILLNET MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT FOR THIS COURSE APPLICANTS MUST BE RESIDENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND & NOT IN RECEIPT OF
a) a bursary
b) a scholarship or
c) grant aid

THIS PROGRAMME IS CO FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND AND THE EUROPEAN UNION (EUFUNDS.IE)

All programmes are provided without discrimination. This includes discrimination based on gender, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. An inclusive environment that welcomes participants from diverse communities is promoted.

Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet is required to collect Special Category Data from those who wish to avail of supports for this programme. If you are successful in your course application to TUS, you will be asked to fill out a special category data questionnaire which will be present on the registration/payment page. Further data will be collected at the following milestones.

• the course completion date
• 6 months post certification

Campus

TUS is a multi-campus university spread across seven campuses throughout Ireland’s Midwest and Midlands region. With principal campuses at Limerick and Athlone, TUS understands the importance of working with key stakeholders across industry and society.

Costs/fee

€500 (This course would cost €1400 without CCIS Membership Support)
Note: Refunds cannot be considered once the course has commenced.

Application process

1. Fill out the Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet membership application form below.
2. If your CCIS Membership application is successful, you will be notified and directed to the TUS Course application link
   You may have already submitted a TUS course application. In this instance just proceed to the CCIS Membership application below and wait for a response.
3. If your TUS course application is successful and you are offered a place, a CCIS Registration & Payment link will be sent to you.
4. You will be asked to complete a mandatory Special Category Data questionnaire before proceeding to CCIS payment.

Academic Queries

Contact Richard Gavin
Email: richard.gavin@tus.ie

CCIS membership application deadline

CCIS Membership Application Deadline: We will be accepting applications into January but the Christmas break may cause a delay in processing.

If you experience any difficulties with your CCIS membership application please contact susantalbot@furthr.ie with a Subject Heading of: TUS | CCIS Application | [Course Name]

Important: All Course Applications To Be Made Separately via TUS. A link to this application will be sent to you if your CCIS membership application is successful. TUS Course Application Deadline: Please check the TUS website