HDip in 3D Modelling & Animation, 2017
When Katie Hughes began her postgraduate studies at LYIT, she knew that enhancing her undergraduate skills was the key to securing employment in the Design industry. Having studied her undergraduate degree, with a specialism in 3D Modelling, at Ulster University (UU) Katie had planned to travel; however, her plans changed and she secured part-time work which kept her in Ireland. She contin
ued to practice 3D modelling in her own time and unable to secure work in this industry, Katie decided to study the Higher Diploma in Arts in 3D Modelling & Animation at LYIT. The Higher Diploma is a postgraduate programme aimed at Design graduates, interested in developing skills in this growing and ever- evolving industry.
Katie says, “I had been working part-time when I saw this programme advertised and what attracted me originally to this programme was the 3D Modelling element of the course. I had previously studied 3D Modelling at undergraduate level and I felt that this would benefit me.”Katie had taken time out following her undergraduate studies but realised that in order for her to progress her career prospects postgraduate study was required.
“You need experience to secure work, you need work to secure experience, it can be a difficult challenge for an undergraduate just out of college or university.” Katie says, “Before applying to the course, I had applied for many jobs in this industry, mainly in Belfast and Dublin, but with little success. The work placement element of this programme really appealed to me and I thought I’d give it go. I was very fortunate that one of my former lecturers in UU, Mark Cullen, was now lecturing on this programme at LYIT, and his encouragement further spurred me along the way. Class sizes are small, the students in my class were fantastic; so many of them had virtually no experience in 3D Modelling, but the course delivery made it easy to comprehend, and this meant that everyone grew their strengths in this area along the way.”
“I personally gained in confidence, I found myself refining my techniques, and when I entered my work placement with Urban 3D Design in Derry, I went from strength to-strength. Urban 3D Design agency specialises in 3D visualisation, architectural and graphic design. Following completion of my studies I secured permanent employment with Urban 3D and I couldn’t be happier.”
“You need experience to secure work, you need work to secure experience, it can be a difficult challenge for an undergraduate just out of college or university.”