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Computer Animation & Visual Effects

Course details
  • 2 Study options
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

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.

We offer a January intake for this course, which is specifically designed for international students, offering a unique opportunity to seamlessly join our main course while receiving tailored support to prepare you for your second year. For more information and to apply, please visit the course page on our website.

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1: Modelling & Texturing | Principles of 3D Animation | Procedural Content Creation | Lighting & Look Development | Image Manipulation for Animation & VFX | Concept & Story

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
B50

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level

112 - 128 tariff points (grades BBC–ABB) from a minimum of 2 A levels.

T Level
M

120 UCAS tariff points

UCAS Tariff
112-128

112 - 128 tariff points including a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent

Scottish Higher

112 - 128 tariff points from Scottish Highers

Access to HE Diploma

112 - 128 tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, Pass grades.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English Language or English Literature and Maths grade C (or grade 4 in the reformed GCSE grading) or equivalent qualifications.

Scottish Advanced Higher

112 - 128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two Scottish Advanced Highers

Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)

Accepted as part of the overall tariff.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

Accepted as part of the overall tariff.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D*D

112 tariff points

Extended Project

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by two A-level sized qualifications to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

Accepted as part of the overall tariff

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28-31

28 - 31 points

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM

112 tariff points

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Accepted as part of the overall tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DMM

112 tariff points

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

Accepted as part of the overall tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

We accept this qualification, but it must be accompanied by an A-level sized qualification to meet the overall UCAS tariff.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

112 - 128 tariff points

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.

Additional entry requirements

Portfolio
Please see provider website

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

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & InternationalTBC

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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