Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9DT
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
School of Creative and Digital Industries
Email:creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk
Phone:028 9026 5321
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Digital Art & Animation for Visual Effects and Virtual Production
- FD
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 07/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- E3/Springvale Campus
- Awarded by:
- The Open University
Course summary
This full-time, two-year programme provides students with the skills and technical expertise needed for careers in Visual Effects (VFX), Virtual Production, and Animation. Designed to meet industry demands, the course blends practical training with industry-standard tools and techniques, preparing graduates for roles in film, television, and interactive media.
Students will gain hands-on experience with virtual production workflows, pre-visualisation, 3D asset creation, animation, and cinematography, developing a strong foundation in real-time technologies and digital content creation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert tuition, this course ensures graduates are ready to enter the industry with job-ready skills and a competitive portfolio.
Industry-Standard Facilities at E3 Studios, Belfast providing students with a real-world production environment, ensuring they gain practical experience in industry-standard workflows.
Students will have access to professional-grade facilities, including:
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450sqft LED Virtual Production Stage
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Vicon Motion Capture Stage
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XR Technology
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Fully-equipped TV Studio
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High-end PC Workstations
Software & Tools
The course provides training in a range of industry-leading software, including:
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Unreal Engine – A key tool for real-time rendering, virtual production, and interactive media.
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Nuke – Professional compositing software for visual effects.
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Autodesk Maya – Industry-standard software for 3D modelling, rigging, and animation.
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Adobe Creative Suite – Tools for compositing, editing, and digital content creation.
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Substance Painter & ZBrush – Essential for texturing and digital sculpting.
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Shotgrid & Perforce – Workflow and version control software used in major studios.
Expert Teaching & Industry Connections
The course is delivered by industry-experienced lecturers, including specialists in VFX, cinematography, 3D modelling, and real-time production workflows. The teaching team ensures that students receive current, industry-relevant training in techniques used by major film, television, and animation studios.
Additionally, as an Epic Games Academic Partner, the course benefits from exclusive learning resources, industry insights, and access to cutting-edge developments in Unreal Engine and virtual production technologies. This partnership ensures that students are trained to meet the evolving demands of real-time VFX and interactive media industries.
Career Development & Industry Success
This course is designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed to enter careers in VFX, virtual production, animation, and digital content creation. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in:
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Film and TV production studios
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VFX and post-production companies
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Animation and game development studios
The programme is built on a strong foundation of industry collaboration and practical learning, ensuring students develop job-ready portfolios and gain exposure to real-world production environments.
Belfast Met has a proven track record of training students who have progressed to work on major productions such as Captain Marvel, The Irishman, Game of Thrones and many more.
While this is the first iteration of this specific course, it is delivered by a highly experienced teaching team with deep industry connections. Students will benefit from:
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Careers and employability support
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Networking opportunities
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Portfolio development
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Guest lectures
For full course details, including entry requirements and deadlines, visit: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents/
Before applying, please review the full Terms and Conditions: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfastmet.ac.uk%2Fmedia%2Fgjoj3uq4%2Fbelfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-2026-27-v1-oct-2025.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK
Modules
Key Skills & Modules
Throughout the course, students will develop expertise in:
• Virtual Production & Real-Time Workflows – Training in LED volume technology, camera tracking, and real-time rendering using Unreal Engine and other industry tools.
• Pre- and Post-Visualisation Techniques – Developing pre-vis and post-vis sequences with software such as Nuke and Unreal Engine.
• 3D Modelling, Rigging & Asset Creation – Building and refining digital assets using Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter.
• Principles of Animation & Motion Capture – Understanding animation fundamentals and hands-on experience with motion capture systems.
• Cinematography & In-Camera VFX – Learning techniques for shot composition, visual storytelling, and merging real-world and digital elements.
• Tech-Visualisation & Scene Conceptualisation – Using digital tools to accurately pre-visualise and refine production designs.
Assessment method
Module
Level / Credits
Assessment
Assets 1
Level 4 / 40
Coursework
Assets 2
Level 4 / 40
Coursework
Pipelines 1
Level 4 / 20
Coursework
Pipelines 2
Level 4 / 20
Coursework
Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
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:
- U972
- Institution code:
- B07
- Campus name:
- E3/Springvale Campus
- Campus Code:
- E
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2026-27. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/
International Qualifications
Belfast Met and University partners (UU, QUB and OU) must verify that applicants holding international qualifications meet course entry requirements before they can be enrolled onto a course.
To help us verify that course entry requirements are met, applicants must:
• Provide a full English language translation of your qualifications. Belfast Met will only accept the full English translation from UK ENIC www.enic.org.uk. UK ENIC is the UK National Information Centre for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills.
• Ensure that the translation provides clear evidence that your qualifications meet or exceed the course entry requirements. UK ENIC can also help with Statements of Comparability and UK Qualification Reference Statements. There is a charge for this service.
• For more information on UK ENIC, visit their website at www.enic.org.uk .
• The Department for Communities can also provide information and/ or help with qualification equivalencies. For more information, visit their website at: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
Minimum 64 UCAS Tariff points
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Numeracy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/hfcicz0g/apl-guidance.docx
It is essential that applicants check entry requirements for each programme they are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have been completed and certified by the start date of the course to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Please note that in the event of undersubscription to a course, entry requirements may be lowered.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Other
- You must ensure that you meet the following non-academic entry requirements, for courses running during academic year September 2026 – August 2027: You must be 16 years old by 1 July 2026 (born before 2nd July 2010). You must provide proof of your right to study in the UK. For courses with work placement, you must also provide proof of your right to work in the UK. You must provide photographic evidence of your identity. Access NI/ SOSCARE - Admission to certain courses will be subject to satisfactory Access NI/criminal records and SOSCARE checks. Criminal Convictions Disclosure - The College has a student Criminal Convictions Disclosure Policy therefore you must disclose criminal convictions when applying or enrolling onto a course. More information is available on our Student Criminal Disclosures webpage: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-criminal-disclosures/ Failure to disclose will impact on your place at the College including work placements. The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision before offers are made, to reflect required academic standards as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation. This will be clearly communicated in the entry requirements on course details page.
English language requirements
There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4.
You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply.
If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email studentportal@belfastmet.ac.uk. You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps.
Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.
Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.
Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements. https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/higher-education/entry-criteria-higher-education
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.
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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £3235 | Year 1 |
| England | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3235 | Year 1 |
| International | £8045 | Year 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
Tuition fees apply to the College financial year beginning 1 August 2026 and ending on 31 July 2027 and are chargeable in each year of study. Tuition fees are payable in full at the time of enrolment and can comprise course fees, registration fees or any other charge relating to the course. Payment is accepted by cash, credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard), direct debit or World Pay. For more information on 2026/27 Fees and Charges, please read Belfast Met’s Fees and Charges Policy 2026-27 at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents
Sponsorship information
Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.
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