3D Foundation Part-time

Module information

• Introduction to Maya
• The user interface
• Introduction to modelling
• Introduction to textures 
• Introduction to lighting, shading and rendering
• Modelling
• NURBS curves and surfaces
• NURBS surfaces to polygons
• Polygonal modelling
• Topological rules 
• Modelling continued
• Polygonal modelling continued Organic modelling
• Non-linear modelling
• UV mapping techniques (organic and hard surface) 
• Colour and Lighting Lighting – traditional cinematographic and photographic techniques 
• Colour theory, three point lighting
• Natural lighting
• Indirect lighting techniques
• Image based lighting
• Matching lighting
• Advanced lighting
• Introduction to Basic Texturings 
• Hypershade
• Texturing masterclass
• Image manipulation with Photoshop
• Texture distressing with Photoshop
• Non-destructive texturing workflows 
• Camera projection mapping
• Texturing and Surface Techniques Displacement mapping
• Maya nodes
• Raytracing (reflections, refractions and shadows)
• MentalRay shaders
• Material properties and case studies (MIA shaders)

The course also includes:

• A free online primer course before you start studying, so your foundation skills are up to speed. 
• Access to our unique Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) – where you’ll find additional resources to supplement your training throughout the course, and for 12 months afterwards free of charge. 
• Escapee Alumni after care and career support including help and advice with your CV, showreel and job applications. 
• Free Autodesk Software when you register with the Autodesk Education Community (full details will be available in your welcome pack if you choose to study on this course). 
• Access to software including Maya and Photoshop.

Fees and funding

Fees: £4,750

Early bird offer

Save £500 when you pay in full at least 3 months before starting. Payment plan Pay £1,000 deposit to reserve your place and then five instalments of £750 on weeks 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24.

Funding for UK students

You may be able to get funding to help cover the cost of the course. For independent advice, and to find out more about your options, visit direct.gov.uk/adult learning or call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900.

If you’re a UK resident, you can apply for a Professional Career Development Loan (PCDL). PCDLs are bank loans to pay for courses and training that help with your career. You may be able to borrow between £300 and £10,000.

Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays the interest while you’re studying. It’s best to apply at least three months before starting your course, to give your bank time to process your application. 

To be eligible for a PCDL, you must be 18 or over, have been living in the UK for at least three years before your course starts and planning to work in the UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) after you graduate. 

To apply, find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Complete and return the application form to your bank and they’ll decide if you qualify for a loan. 

Funding for international students 

We recommend you visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs website at ukcisa.org.uk. The Council doesn’t provide funding directly, but it will give you all the information you need about studying and living in the UK, including visas and funding.

We do our best to find funding solutions for overseas students. 

For example:

• If you’re from Sweden, you may be able to get help from the Swedish loan and grant course. Find out more at csn.se
• Spanish students should visit the government website empleo.gob.es for useful information on studying, employment and emigration, plus details of grants available to Spanish students.
• If you’re from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Burma, you may be able to get funding from the Charles Wallace Trust, to help towards your living costs and educational development in the UK. Find out more at wallace-trusts.org.uk

How to apply

You must be over 18 and have a good understanding of written and spoken English, and feel comfortable using a computer. A working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop would be an advantage.

We welcome and encourage applications from students with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Stage 1 - Apply

Call our Admissions Team on 020 7348 1920 or email admissions@escapestudios.com and we’ll talk you through the application process and confirm the next available course. We’ll also send you an application pack including an application form. Please complete and return it to us by email or post. Alternatively, you can download the form here.

Stage 2 - We'll consider your application very carefully

Our Admissions Team will take a look at your application and if you meet our entry requirements, we’ll invite you for a one-to-one meeting. We’ll do our best to get back to you with our decision within two working days. 

Stage 3 - One-to-one meeting

You’ll meet with a member of our Admissions Team who’ll assess your potential to succeed on the course. It’s also a great chance to present your portfolio of work if you have one, and ask any questions you may have about the course, Escape Studios or the industry in general.

We’re looking for passionate and committed students who have the desire and work ethic needed for a career in VFX.

If you’re an overseas student, we can arrange this meeting by phone or Skype. 

Stage 4 - Your offer

If we feel you have what it takes to succeed on the course, we’ll make you a formal offer of a place on the next available course.We’ll send you a registration form, which needs to be completed and returned to the Admissions Team, and we’ll also ask you to pay a deposit. Places on our courses are strictly limited, so we can only secure your place once you’ve returned your completed registration form and we’ve received your deposit. 

If you would like to talk to us about anything to do with applying for a place please call our Admissions Team on 020 7348 1920 or emailadmissions@escapestudios.com

Why not come and take a look?

We hold regular open days where you’ll be able to see our studios and find out more about us and the VFX industry.

We’ll also show you examples of our students’ work and depending when you come, you may even hear from one of our industry partners.

Alternatively, you can book a one-to-one advisory session with a member of our Admissions Team.

Book your place

Simply fill in the form on the Open Days page and we’ll be in touch to confirm your booking.

We’ll also send you more information about what to expect on the day, and how to get here.