Topics covered include character motion and dynamics, visualisation techniques, visual content creation, video effects production, special effects model making, character modelling and bigature model making, and the business issues of digital media; additional optional modules cover make-up, the history of visual effects, animatronics and pyrotechnics; students gain experience in teamwork and project management through multi-year projects and are expected to develop a portfolio of work; supporting facilities include a design studio with 3D scanners and rapid prototyping equipment, a dedicated digital media studio, high definition production facilities and special effects modelling workshops; if students do not meet the entry requirements to start directly on the degree course, the higher national diploma (HND) offers the opportunity to begin studies; on successful completion of this programme students can top-up to a full degree; covering a wide range of areas from computer generated imagery (CGI) to effects model making and pyrotechnics, these courses have a large practical element, with students working in multi-year teams on real special effects projects; the course gives students the chance to develop a portfolio of work, gain experience and develop skills in teamwork and project management; in addition the course offers the chance to study in various academic disciplines, including video production, computing, product design, materials engineering, audio engineering and creative design; the course is made up of modules covering various aspects of designing and making models/sets, and the use of digital compositing, animation and CGI to create visual effects used in film, television (TV) and commercials.