Art of VFX and Virtual Production

Step into the world behind the screen and learn how today’s most spectacular visual experiences are created. From blockbuster films to cutting-edge television and high-impact advertising, this course is designed for those who want to craft the extraordinary.
The UK is home to globally respected VFX studios and award-winning filmmakers, and this degree places you at the heart of that creative and technical ecosystem. You’ll explore how industry-leading artists bring together live action and digital elements to produce seamless, photo-real results—whether that’s creatures, environments, or entire worlds.
You’ll learn in a dynamic studio environment that mirrors professional practice, supported by experienced staff who guide you as you develop both creatively and technically. Collaboration, feedback, and project-based learning are central, helping you build the confidence and discipline expected in the industry.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience across the full VFX pipeline. Core skills include rotoscoping, keying, tracking, match moving and colour grading, before progressing into advanced techniques such as on set virtual production, real-time digital set creation and destruction, matte painting, and digital character development. You’ll also explore simulations including fluids, cloth, and particle dynamics—equipping you with the tools to create complex, believable visual effects.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed a strong portfolio and a professional mindset, ready to enter the fast-growing world of visual effects and virtual production.

YEAR 1
Compositing for VFX (20 credits)
Asset Integration & Invisible VFX (20 credits)
3D for VFX (20 credits)
Creative Development (20 credits)
Creative Practice (40 credits)

YEAR 2
Digital Environments for Visual Effects and Virtual Production (40 credits)
Digital Sculpting (20 credits)
Motion Graphics (20 credits)
Performance Capture (20 credits)
Dynamics & Technical FX (20 credits)

YEAR 3
Advanced Digital Environments and Virtual Production (40 credits)
Major Project (40 credits)
Professional Futures (40 credits)

WHAT ARE CREDITS?
As a guide, 20 credits typically represents around 52 hours of tutor contact time (e.g. lectures/workshops/feedback) and 148 hours of self-study time (usually over the course of a semester). These numbers may increase or decrease depending on the nature, length and level of the module, especially towards the end of the course.

We don’t believe in exams. All assessment takes the form of coursework, portfolios, presentations, and a limited number of essays. If you are being taught visual effects, you will submit a portfolio of industry facing work with a focus on quality over quantity. If you are being taught how to present your work or research, you will do a presentation your relevant to your project. In other words, all assessment is directly related to the skills being taught and directly applicable to life within industry. You will be offered feedback along the way, via formative submission points, with official summative submissions falling at the end of first and second semesters.