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Computer Animation & Visual Effects (with Foundation Year option)

  • BA (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time including foundation year
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
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More about Bournemouth University

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Graduating from the NCCA will have you join a 30-year legacy of world-class animation & VFX specialists. Whether you are artistic or technical, this cutting-edge course combines disciplines so you can bring your characters, creatures, and worlds to life.

Why study BA (Hons) Computer Animation & Visual Effects at BU?

  • Study a degree that will give you the expertise, skills and portfolio to excel in the visual effects, computer animation, and computer games industries

  • We consulted with our friends in the industry to ensure this degree replicates the latest industry practices to match the professional tech and facilities you’ll be taught in. We can’t wait to see you develop the skills to conceptualise, storyboard, and design your original ideas.

  • Make invaluable contacts through regular industry guest speakers, many of whom are alumni. You’ll also be invited to one of the UK’s largest visual effects, computer animation, and games festivals – The BFX Festival.

  • Tailor your studies with option units in the second and final years to develop your skills in 3D animation, visual effects, and technical arts – or work across specialisms reflecting a range of industry practices

  • Work on projects that simulate real-world challenges and scenarios; you'll benefit from supportive tutors who provide tailored and personal reviews of your work

  • Access specialist facilities including a green screen and motion capture studio, as well as animation labs equipped with industry-standard software.

Modules

During the Foundation Year, you will study Art & Design in Creative Industries | Algorithmic Thinking | Digital Tools | Study Skills for Creative Industries | Foundation Project.
In Year 1 as part of the Degree you will study Introduction to Production Tools | Programming Principles | Visual Narrative & Design | Technical Arts Production | Mathematics for Computer Graphics | Moving Image Theory & Practice

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time including foundation year • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
W617
Institution code:
B50
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Foundation

Bournemouth University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
W617
Institution code:
B50
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - 48 - 72 points

48 - 72 tariff points including a minimum of 1 A level or equivalent.

AccessBU: AccessBU provides you with the opportunity to tell us about your circumstances that are not always evident in your UCAS application. This widening access initiative also considers relevant criteria such as being in care or if you live in an area with a low participation rate in Higher Education - if you are eligible, your offer could be up to 16 UCAS tariff points below the published tariff.

Apprenticeships: We recognise the transferable knowledge and skills gained through apprenticeships and welcome applications from students with a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship recognised by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Deferred entry: We are happy to consider eligible applicants for deferred entry. If you have already submitted your application, please submit your deferral request through our website.

Direct entry: We welcome applications from students who have previously studied at degree level at other institutions and wish to transfer onto a BU course. Our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedure enables credit awarded from one institution to contribute to a BU award, subject to an application process. Please visit our RPL webpage for more information.

Mature applicants: We recognise that mature applicants may have a wealth of experience rather than formal qualifications, so we’ll consider your application on these merits if included in your application. You’ll need to apply to BU in the usual way through UCAS and you may be invited to an interview to discuss your suitability for the course based on the experience you tell us about in your application.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Please note that this information reflects historical entry requirements for UK 18-year-olds who pursued A level and BTEC qualifications. Please see the relevant course page of our website for the most up-to-date details on this course’s entry requirements and selection methods. Our offer-making process is based on your potential to succeed on your chosen course and considers a range of factors. This course also has additional selection methods, such as a portfolio.

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

85 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

93 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
EU£20685Year 1
International£20685Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Important information about fees: The UK, ROI & CI fees listed for the 2026/27 academic year have been confirmed by the UK Government (subject to Parliamentary approval). In line with the maximum fee limits set out in Regulations, tuition fees will increase annually thereafter in line with inflation (using RPI-X, a measure of inflation).

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