Careers Brief - 3D Computer Generated Imagery FdSc/BSc
3D CGI Architectural Visualisation pathway
3D CGI Modelling and Animation pathway
Overview
The Foundation degree in 3D Computer Generated Imagery offers you the opportunity for progression onto an Honours degree top-up programme or direct job entry. An Honours degree, with its additional training and experience, is likely to give you a career advantage.
The BSc (Hons) 3D Computer Generated Imagery Top-up degree can lead to progression onto postgraduate courses or research, or direct job entry.
Computer generated imagery has become a growth area in the visual communications industries both in the UK and the global market, with a wide range of applications. You could be working as a generalist or specialist within a team, producing interactive software using 2D and 3D graphical images for computers, interactive websites, CD ROMs, DVDs, films, TV and special effects.
You could be employed by a games manufacturer, media company (TV/Film), effects studio, design consultancy, publisher, advertising agency, educational or training provider or corporate body or work as a freelancer on contract.
Success in your course will not only demonstrate a high standard of computer generated graphic and multimedia solutions, but also the key transferable skills and competencies in demand by employers. Key skills such as: creativity; time management; attention to detail; effective communication delivering presentations and the ability to work successfully both in a team and independently.
It is essential to keep up to date with relevant software and be able to adapt to change.
Go to the website links below to find out more.
Further Study
Top-up degrees are designed as direct progression from Foundation degree to achieve an Ordinary or Honours degree, though entry may be selective.
Go to www.thecollege.co.uk/courses/ for information on the BSc (Hons) 3D Computer Generated Imagery Top-Up degrees, awarded through Bournemouth University. Progression is usually dependent on achieving a required level of Foundation degree qualification.
Alternatively, with your Foundation degree you could transfer onto a related Honours degree. Entry point would depend on your grades, experience and overlap between courses but could be the final year.
To search degree courses go to www.ucas.com/ (UCAS - Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for the UK). Use the university/college links for course details.
You will need to use UCAS to apply for courses. Contact the Course Tutor of your chosen course to find out your position, before you make your formal application.
Find out how much this will cost you. Where is the funding coming from? Go to the university/college website for information on course costs and finance and to www.direct.gov.uk/uni/ for additional help with student support.
With a good Honours degree (First or 2.1), you may progress onto an appropriate higher level degree to attain a Masters and/or PhD doctorate. This could be to develop your area of study to a more in-depth practical and/or academic level or to gain other specialist training.
For information on postgraduate study and finance, go to the national online directory at www.prospects.ac.uk/study.htm .
Useful Links
The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media – Careers section:
Go to sector sub-headings.
Creative Choices - supporting the individual and business in the creative industries and cultural sector
e-skills UK - Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
BCS The Chartered Institute for IT
Drop down sub-heading 'Qualifications, Training, Careers' to click on 'Careers' + 'Students'
Go to Divisions 'Blitz Academy Career Advice' - careers guidance website for those interested in a career in games
http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpwithyourcareer/jobprofiles/
Government Careers Advice service
www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/
Jobs4U Careers Database - click on sub-heading ‘Job Families & Articles’
www.prospects.ac.uk/starting_out.htm
Graduate Prospects - national careers website for HE students studying in the UK:
Drop down ‘Job sectors' to go to 'IT and information services'
Drop down ‘Jobs' and click on ‘What jobs would suit me?’ to use Prospects Planner
http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/
Government Careers database and links to jobs nationally. Search by either clicking on side-heading ‘Careers’ and choose a category or type in job title.
Check out '4 TALENT'
University of Brighton Careers Service - go to sub-heading 'Looking for work' and click on 'Researching careers' - extensive links for Animation and Illustration
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/multimedia.htm
University of Kent Careers Service page – summaries, links, employing companies and agencies
The Knowledge Online for film, TV, video & commercials production industries
The Guardian newspaper online - key source for current media news and jobs
The Directory of Design Consultants
Creative Handbook
Freelance UK – everything for the creative freelancer
Go to 'Starting out' and 'Running your business'
The Association of Illustrators – illustration resources for commissioners and practitioners
BECTU The Media & Entertainment Union
The Chartered Society of Designers promoting professional practice for the benefit of design and designers
Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators
TIGA - national trade association representing games developers in the UK and Europe
Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association
The British Interactive Media Association
IT Jobs Watch - tracking the IT market
The Institution of Engineering and Technology - go to sub-heading 'Careers & Training'
Go to the Job Applications section of this Careers Guide for advice and help with making applications.
