Architectural Visualisation - MA

Entry requirements

A 2.2 or higher honours degree in multimedia, art or design or a related subject. All applicants must present a portfolio.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications. 

International students

Please see our International website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, international fee-paying students cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages. 

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Teaching and assessment

Modules are taught over three terms, concluding with a Major Project Visualisation, which accounts for one third of the programme. The content of the visualisation is agreed with programme staff and you build a showreel to a professional standard. Each module is assessed by practical assignments. The project work is assessed on the outcome of the project itself.

Programme aims

This programme aims to:

• enable you to develop advanced level skills, knowledge and understanding of digital simulation and 3D modelling, which will equip you to become a highly skilled professional in architectural visualisation
• train you in the requirements and skills needed for work in high definition
• produce professionally-trained architectural visualisers who are highly skilled in using state-of-the-art 3D modelling and visual effects software
• provide proper academic guidance and welfare support for all students
• create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and offer you an environment where you can develop your potential.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the computer animation production process and pipeline roles
• the principles of architectural modelling for visualisation and games
• the technical terms and methods used in film editing
• the fundamental concepts of digital video technology
• current developments in the architectural visualisation industry and related market sectors
• the relevance of architectural visualisation within the contemporary television and film industries
• the cultural context of architecture in film.

Intellectual skills

You develop intellectual skills in:

• the analysis and interpretation of 3D modelling issues.
• the ability to relate technological options to practical implementation.
• the ability to identify and solve complex problems and issues in the generation of an architectural visualisation
• the ability to identify ideas for enhancing a production’s aesthetic quality by the use of complex video effects
• the ability to demonstrate independence and creative and critical thinking
• the ability to evaluate creatively evidence to support conclusions.

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in:

• use of appropriate software tools, techniques and packages to produce and develop complex architectural visualisations
• the ability to use drawing as a way of planning, visualising and explaining work in a time-based medium
• the ability to read and make storyboards and animatics at a professional level
• the ability to apply management techniques to the planning, resource allocation and execution of an architectural visualisation project
• the ability to prepare reports and presentations relevant to architectural representation and visualisation.

Transferable skills

You gain the following transferable skills:

• the ability to generate, analyse, present and interpret data
• use of information and communications technology
• personal and interpersonal skills, working as a member of a team
• an ability to communicate effectively, in writing, verbally and through drawings
• the ability for critical thinking, reasoning and reflection
• the ability to manage time and resources within an individual and group project
• the ability to learn independently for the purpose of continuing professional development.

Fees

The 2020/21 annual tuition fees for this programme are:

• Home/EU full-time £8140
• International full-time £19800

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk

Additional costs

General additional costs

Find out more about general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent. 

Funding

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

• University and external funds
• Scholarships specific to the academic school delivering this programme.

Research areas

Digital Media

The Digital Media group is a multidisciplinary group with interests in many areas including social computing (eg, social networking, computer mediated communication), mobile/ubiquitous computing, human-computer interaction and digital arts (eg, computer games, 3D animation, digital film). Our work is applied across a wide range of domains including e-health, cultural heritage and cyber influence/identity.

Current research themes include:

• interface/interaction design and human-computer interaction
• cyber behaviour/influence
• social computing and sociability design
• natural user interfaces
• virtual worlds
• online communities and computer-mediated communication
• mobile applications
• digital film-making and post-production.

Staff research interests

Dr Jim Ang : Senior Lecturer in Multimedia/Digital Systems

Ania Bobrowicz : Senior Lecturer in Digital Arts

Mr David Byers Brown : Senior Lecturer

Howard Griffin : Director of Graduate Studies (PGT), Programme Director MA Architectural Visualisation

Stephen Kelly : Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering

Dr Richard Misek : Senior Lecturer

Dr Les Walczowski : Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering

Careers

We have developed our programmes with a number of industrial organisations, which means that successful students are in a strong position to build a long-term career in this important discipline. You develop the skills and capabilities that employers seek, including problem solving, independent thought, report-writing, time management, leadership skills, team-working and good communication.

Building on Kent’s success as the region’s leading institution for student employability, we offer many opportunities for you to gain worthwhile experience and develop the specific skills and aptitudes that employers value.

Study support

Postgraduate resources

Students on the programmes in Architectural Visualisation, Computer Animation and Digital Visual Effects work in a dedicated, state-of-the-art suite, equipped with leading-edge PC workstations running Alias™ Maya and Foundry Nuke. There is also a photographic studio and a production studio with green screen and motion capture facilities. The School is also equipped with a 3D body scanner – one of only two in the UK.

Support

As a postgraduate student, you are part of a thriving research community and receive support through a wide-ranging programme of individual supervision, specialised research seminars, general skills training programmes, and general departmental colloquia, usually with external speakers. We encourage you to attend and present your work at major conferences, as well as taking part in our internal conference and seminar programmes.

Dynamic publishing culture

Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Recent contributions include: IEEE Transactions; IET Journals; Electronics Letters; Applied Physics; Computers in Human Behaviour.

Global Skills Award

All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.