The BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects course at Norwich University of the Arts (Norwich) is designed to inspire and capture the imagination of its students, balancing fundamental principles with cutting edge techniques. We embrace creativity in all aspects of the course and aim for outcomes with artistry and storytelling at their core, which explore innovative methods of moving image creation and inspire new audiences.
KEY FEATURES
Share the first-year curriculum with BA (Hons) Animation, allowing you to study the fundamental skills of thinking and working in animation and visual effects and provide students with a solid grounding in the basics needed for both disciplines
Develop an understanding of visual/film language components such as narrative structure, design, colour and composition
Work in relation to sustainability, diversity, and global contexts; question how the work you create, and the methods you use, can be used to make a difference to others
Work towards project outcomes through a process of conceptualisation, experimentation and iteration, with each stage refining communication, meaning and resolve
Learn the importance of collaborative working, presenting/pitching, time/project management, communication skills, responding to creative briefs, academic writing, and giving and receiving feedback
Attend guest lectures and masterclasses, portfolio reviews, and participate in internal/external conferences, exhibitions and careers events, as appropriate
Develop the observation, reflection, criticality, emotional intelligence, organisation and autonomy required of a contemporary artist together with an aptitude for problem solving
Participate in a studio culture which facilitates peer-learning and helps build working relationships in support of collaborative practice
From Year 2, specialise in either CGI (computer-generated imagery) or visual effects
DIPLOMA IN CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Diploma in Creative Professional Development offers undergraduate students the chance to spend a year between Year 2 and 3 of their course exploring their employability options through a structured programme of input sessions and work-based learning. The aim of the course is to provide you with an opportunity to gain industry insight, develop your employability skills through a series of supported experiences, expand your network and build your confidence in the workplace.
YOUR FUTURE
By the end of your degree, you will have developed a professional portfolio of work and a plan to market to promote yourself and show your ‘creative edge’ to your employers. BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects prepares you to join Norwich graduates who have already gone on to work at ILM, DNeg, Framestore, The Mill, Epic Games, and more.
The course is an active member of Access:VFX, providing additional access to top visual effects houses, animation and games studios, and a graduate mentorship programme. It also prepares you with a transferable skillset that supports your career beyond the existing creative industries – where team working, collaboration, problem solving, an ability to research, and project manage are always highly desirable.
OUR STUDENTS’ WORK
Explore our online showreel – celebrating the very best Norwich University of the Arts graduate work. Scroll each reel to explore at nuagradshowcase.com
Ways to study this course
Campuses
Norwich University of the Arts
Study options
BA (Hons) • Full-time • 4 Years
Start dates
21/09/2026
Application codes
Course code:
W605
Institution code:
N39
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
Norwich University of the Arts has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
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
55%
55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
80%
80 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
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