Bournemouth University - BA (Hons) Visual Effects (with Foundation Year option)

Bournemouth University

BA (Hons) Visual Effects (with Foundation Year option)

This is the ideal course if you want to work in the feature film visual effects industry or related fields. You'll learn about the entire visual effects post-production pipeline, with an emphasis on theory, principles, and the creation of assets and shots. Create a high-quality demonstrative portfolio of work related to the knowledge and production of professional-quality visual effects for feature films.
Depending on your career goals, you can tailor your studies to be more technical or artistic, and you will benefit from supportive tutors who will provide tailored and personal feedback on your work.
Access specialized resources such as a new green screen and motion capture studio and animation labs outfitted with industry-standard software.

Study at the National Centre for Computer Animation

The NCCA is one of the most established and highly regarded centers for computer graphics and animation education and research. As one of the very few research-intensive animation centers in the UK, our expertise ensures our courses remain at the forefront of education and helps define new industry practices. 

The NCCA is ranked as the UK’s top animation school, second in Europe and third internationally (Animation Career Review 2022 International Animation School Rankings).

Entry Requirements

  • An art, design, mathematics, or technology subject including Art, Computing, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Mathematics, Media Design, Photography, Physics, or Product Design. BTEC - Art and Design (Diploma or Higher). CTEC - Digital Media (Diploma or Higher)
  • 112–128 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent, including 32 points in one required subject.
  • 112–128 UCAS tariff points with any combination of Distinction, Merit, And Pass grades.
  • If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Career Prospects

Our computer animation courses are extremely well-regarded in the industry, so our graduates rarely have difficulty finding work once they complete their course.
Through the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), you will have the opportunity to work with some of the UK's leading computer animation organizations during your degree and make valuable contacts before graduating.
Our NCCA graduates have worked on some of the most successful films in recent history, including Avatar, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Interstellar, Gravity, and Alice in Wonderland, to name a few. Our graduates work all over the world, with many working for the industry's top animation and production houses, software houses, and computer game and digital media companies.

As a visual effects artist, you will be able to apply for various roles in various capacities once you graduate. These are some examples:

  • Modelling
  • Texturing
  • Lighting
  • FX Technical Direction
  • Look DevTechnical Direction
  • Digital Matte Painting
  • Compositing.

Course Details

This course will use tools and design work created by students on our Computer Animation courses in Art & Design and Technical Arts to create visual effects work, similar to how the feature film visual effects industry works. As a result, neither the technical aspects of mathematics and programming nor the more creative aspects of character design and story generation are covered in the course.
This course is typically taught by a variety of staff with relevant expertise and knowledge relevant to the unit's content. Senior academic staff, qualified professional practitioners, and research students will be included. You will also benefit from industry guest lectures on a regular basis.

Foundation Year

Core units:
Art & Design in Creative Industries
Algorithmic Thinking
Digital Tools
Study Skills for Creative Industries

Year 1

Core units
Introduction to Production Tools
History of Visual Effects
Visual Storytelling & Pre-Visualisation
Asset Integration 1:
Post Visualisation & Shot Development
Visual Effects Photography & Acquisition

Year 2

Core units
Image Processing for Visual Effects Production
Modelling & Texturing
Group Project
Asset Integration 2:
Option units (choose 2)
Lighting & Rendering
Rigging & Animation for Visual Effects
Technical Effects
Personal Inquiry
Real Time Graphics Systems
Scripting for DCC
Character Rigging

Final Year

Core units:
Final Major Project & Dissertation
Master Class
Asset Integration 3
Option units (choose 1)
Digital Fabrication
CG and Animation for Cultural Heritage
Digital Matte Painting

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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