Visual Effects - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
So, you want to work in the Film or Games industry? Do you imagine yourself as a creative artist or a technical director? Our BA (Hons) degree in Visual Effects is where creativity meets technology(STEAM). It will give you the skills to unleash your true mix of creative and technical abilities....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
[00:00:10] Speaker 1 That's in here, and you can see I've got a sample set to five, which is actually quite high anyway. There you go. You can see that we've got a Z buffer information in there as well so we set that back. Have a look at some of the other passes that are in there as well.
[00:00:28] Speaker 2 So I chose this visual effects course because I was always interested in movie magic as a kid and I was always trying to figure out how I did the explosions and green screen work. So I was looking around for courses and I found this one and it was a welcoming environment. And it had a bunch of facilities, a green screen studio and everything - so it just made sense to pick this course.
[00:00:48] Speaker 3 What we're trying to do here is building up all of these layers, we've got our diffuse is the base colour. You've got your speculates going to pick up all those highlights. If you think about a shiny surface, a reflective glass or something, you get those lovely highlights. VFX is across lots of different industries, from film to games to virtual reality, theme park rides. It encompasses things like programming, animation, creating creatures. It's building destruction, it's fire, it's oceans. It can be so many different things.
[00:01:20] Speaker 4 When we use hard light we use it to really provide definition. So I mentioned the shadows earlier but actually shadows can be really useful because shadows are the things that let us really see the detail, whereas soft light actually washes all of that out.
[00:01:34] Speaker 5 The reason I chose the VFX course was mainly because I wanted to create that fake environment, because I wanted to make people feel like they are living in that world like a dream that you cannot find anywhere in the real world.
[00:01:49] Speaker 3 We have very, very good connections with huge international companies. They advise us, they help us with assignment briefs. They look at our curriculum, make sure that we're keeping it on point and keeping it updated. We're really about trying to get students into industry.
So, you want to work in the Film or Games industry? Do you imagine yourself as a creative artist or a technical director? Our BA (Hons) degree in Visual Effects is where creativity meets technology(STEAM). It will give you the skills to unleash your true mix of creative and technical abilities. You could go on to work on top level productions for a range of industries, including TV, film, games, advertising, architecture, education and more.
Visual Effects is an ever expanding multi-billion-pound industry in the UK and globally with job opportunities in high demand. As demand grows for visual effects in Film, TV and Games, the demand also grows for skilled professionals who can bring these to life.
On this course, you will develop technical, creative and production skills to prepare you for a range of careers. You will learn a variety of disciplines from modelling, rigging, animation, dynamics to lighting, rendering and compositing, there is so much for you to explore. You will learn using state-of-the-art facilities and software including a Vicon Motion Capture studio, high-specification computers, industry standard software such as Maya, Nuke and Houdini and one of the largest fixed green screen studios in the UK.
You will be taught by a range of experienced staff, with a breadth of knowledge across both visual effects and the larger area of computer graphics. This includes staff with industry experience, and staff who work and innovate alongside industry in a variety of ways.
What's covered in this course?
This course has been developed alongside the visual effects industry to meet the needs of employers, so that you leave with the skills needed to secure a great career.
You will learn all aspects of visual effects production including shooting video, computer modelling, animation, matchmoving, motion capture and compositing. You will use these skills to produce digital elements such as creatures and environments, then combine them with live action video to produce convincing visual effects shots. Along with the visual elements you produce, you will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills while building your unique fusion of creative and technical abilities that are desired by industry.
On the BA (Hons) Visual Effects course, you will learn technical and creative skills underpinned by knowledge of fundamental concepts while using industry tools and best practice.
During the course, you will do a mixture of ‘hands on’ productions and technical investigations, which will teach you the practice, process, craft and technology of visual effects. These activities will help you become a proactive learner able to explore knowledge, implement best practice and critically evaluate the results of your work.
Aligning with the industry practice of collaboration, you will get the opportunity to work with students from related disciplines such as animation, games and film. This will allow you to broaden your horizons and help you understand how your visual effects and computer graphics skills can fit into other existing and emerging industries.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
I enjoy exploring the software that the course provides for us, as I did not have much experience of using it before I started on the course – it is really interesting! “BCU provides us with licences to industry-based software at home too for practice and assignment purposes, which has really helped to develop my confidence to the software I know is used in industry.
Anshita Adhikari Student
Why Choose Us?
- Learn from our experts - Our course staff have a wealth of experience to share with you. Course Leader, Lianne Forbes has worked on movies such as Harry Potter, Bladerunner 2049, Star Trek Into the Darkness, Hugo and Game of Thrones – to name a few!
- Student satisfaction - Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2025).
- Industry-standard software - You’ll learn how to use industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, SideFX Houdini, Foundry Nuke along with many others so that you graduate prepared to step straight into an exciting role. We will also provide you with a personal license to access these software's too!
- State-of-the-art facilities - You’ll have access to our Vicon, 8 camera, motion capture studio and our high spec computer labs running, with access to all the industry software you need. You’ll also have access to our cutting-edge facilities across Millennium Point and the £65 million Parkside campus, both located in City Centre. Find out more about our campuses.
- Highly employable graduates - The unique combination of technical and artistic knowledge and skills you gain will enable you to move into roles within various exciting industries.
- Gain first-hand experience in industry - You will have the opportunity to network and make key contacts with people in industry, gain work experience and to take a placement year between your second and final year.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open yet for this event, register your interest and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 22 March 2025
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
- Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
Applicants will also need to submit a good portfolio.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The Modelling module introduces you to the world of 3D digital artistry, focusing on the creation, manipulation, and optimisation of 3D models. Covering both organic and hard surface modelling techniques, you will familiarise yourself with using industry-standard tools and best practices and gain experience crafting detailed models that can be used in games, animations, and other digital media production pipelines.
The skills developed in this module with underpin your use of 3D assets throughout the course.
Looking at forms in films, students will learn how visual languages are being used and how to compose shots that are translatable to other mediums such as animation. You will learn to storyboard and create effective animatics and to succinctly convey ideas and vision to produce short a film(s) as a group and individually. Expect to pitch your ideas individually and as a team.
This module will provide an in-depth exploration of the Technical Director role; Matchmoving. Matchmoving also known as Camera Tracking is a key area within visual effects, it has become known for being a great entry point into the industry for those looking at the 3D route. The module will use industry level software, to implement various tracking methods and techniques; explore lens distortion; develop onset visual effects skills. You will develop an understanding on how the Matchmoving role relates to other visual effects disciplines and wider production pipeline, as well as how to layout and deliver completed matchmoved shots.
This module provides students with technical skills and experience to Texture, Shade, Light and Render models for use in visual effects shots. The module aims to develop your skills to a high level allowing you to develop knowledge of balancing CGI texturing, lighting and rendering to match reference images. The module will provide you with experience of using industry-standard software and tools. It will also provide you with the unique mixture of art, science and maths skills needed to work in Technical Director roles such as Texture, Look Development or Lighting.
The purpose of this module is to give students an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 3D Animation production. This module allows students to experience the challenges of completing the research, development, and production of a 3D Animated short film. Working in a small production team, students will research appropriate pre-production and production workflows to develop and produce a narrative short film with a focus on animation principles and visual storytelling.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The Procedural Modelling module delves deep into the principles, techniques, and applications of generating 3D content algorithmically rather than manually. Aimed at technical artists, this course will explore the potentials and boundaries of creating detailed, adaptive, and scalable models using procedural techniques, emphasising the synergy between art and code.
The purpose of this module is to give students an up-to-the-moment introduction to the working methodologies of 3D video game character art production and this module allows students to experience the challenge of completing the research and development of a 3D video game character asset. Working individually, students will research appropriate production workflows and retopology creation methodologies, to define and develop their own unique game characters. The focus of the module will be solely on the 3D game development disciplines of character artist. This is due to the complexity and distinct specialisation that this role has within industry.
This module provides knowledge and experience of digital video compositing, exploring the fundamental principles and techniques of compositing using professional node based compositing skills and tools. The competent use and application of these techniques are core practical skills within the course programme and fundamentally important to a variety of careers within the visual effects industry.
This module will provide an in-depth look at Dynamics and Simulations. This module will consist of an exploration into creating and simulating physics such as setting fire to objects, breaking glass, adding dust to scenes and destroying various geometry.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:
The Collaborative Practice module is designed to break down the silos between disciplines in game development and digital art. Through guided exercises, real-world case studies, and hands-on collaborative projects, students from varying backgrounds will learn to communicate effectively, understand the needs and constraints of each discipline, and work together harmoniously to achieve shared goals.
The purpose of this module is to enable you to develop professional attributes and subject skills through experience in the work place, and to critically reflect upon your learning in that context. You will normally be expected to arrange your own placement, with support from academic staff and ADM Careers+.
Creative careers can take people to a wide variety of, sometimes, unexpected destinations. Learning to see and exploit opportunities can be the key to a rewarding portfolio career making good use of your creative skills whilst earning a living from doing what you love, whether it's producing creative artefacts, performing, offering a service or consultancy. Learning to promote and ‘pitch’ those ideas to others is core to developing a successful independent, creative and entrepreneurial career. This module will build your skillset to enable you to talk confidently about you and your work. It will also help you to find or create opportunities, some may even come as a surprise to you!
This module provides an opportunity for you to apply your knowledge and skills to an external, professional brief. The brief will be set by or in discussion with an external client/agency/community and could be a ‘real life’ problem to be solved, or a simulation. The resulting project should consider sustainability and address relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals as a key aspect of contemporary creative industries work. The module provides an opportunity for you to engage in a responsive, imaginative and professional manner with an aspect of your subject area, which contributes to the development of employability skills within the supportive infrastructure of the University. You will collaborate with students, and where relevant with other stakeholders, and will be supported to approach the project with curiosity, openness, critical thinking, innovation and practical and technical skills, in order to produce project outcomes and/or solutions which meet the required brief.
Professional Placement Year (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Art with Honours Visual Effects with Professional Placement Year, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 6 modules listed below as well as the following Level 5 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The Virtual Production module will introduce you to the converging worlds of film, animation, and interactive media through the lens of virtual production. As real-time technologies continues to advance, the lines between traditional filmmaking and digital content creation are blurring. In this module, students from technology, design, and technical art backgrounds will delve deep into the techniques, tools, and collaborative processes that define virtual production in modern content creation.
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration &/or your own professional practice. The module enables you to create either an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines or your own self-defined project.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and theoretically informed research project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. It is important that we can support you appropriately, so you will be guided towards choosing a research topic which is relevant to your discipline and in which your lecturers have expertise. The outcome may take the form of a written dissertation or a practice-based portfolio.
Download course specification
Download nowYou will develop key skills through an assessment strategy that reflects industry needs. Assessments will be varied and predominantly focused on coursework. The practical application of technology and the craft of production are key features of the course, which are also emphasised in the style and focus of assessments.
The first year of the course focuses on developing your fundamental skills and knowledge in using digital video production to capture live action elements, using 3D modelling and software graphics tools to create virtual elements, and using compositing tools to combine live action and virtual elements
Your skills will be developed further in your second year, with specialist subjects such as motion capture, shader development, dynamic simulations, programming visual effects tools in python, and research and development. You will also experience more demanding and collaborative production experiences.
Your final year is about refining your skills and realising your full potential. You will undertake a carefully planned, high-quality film and visual effects production, undertake an investigation (exploring a technical area of your choice), develop a well-defined career plan and examine how your skillset fits into a variety of industries.
Hear from our students
Gabriel Trinc is a Visual Effects graduate, now working in the industry at Framestore. This video, filmed during his time at BCU tells us why he chose the course and what he has enjoyed most – plus his advice for future students.
Student Showreel
Watch a selection of the work that our students studying BA (Hons) Visual Effects have produced.
Attendance requirements
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
Athena Swan Bronze Award
We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
Employability
Employment Opportunities
There is currently a shortage of skilled creatives in the CGI and VFX industries, so once you gain your degree the chances of employment in the industry are good – though getting on the first rung of the ladder can still be challenging. Salaries can be high compared to production jobs like camera operators, producers and so on where supply outstrips demand.
Engaging with industry and gaining work experience during your studies is essential if you are going to be taken seriously in the job market. Getting work experience in film and visual effects production can be challenging, so we encourage you to be agile. We will also help you engage with a broad range of opportunities, as well as offering options for extra awards and recognition.
You have the option undertake an assessed sandwich year between your second and third year, which will provide you with valuable work experience and give you the real-life skills you need.
The second-year Collaborative Practice and final-year Production Project modules have been designed so that you can use your work in industry as a basis for the module’s assessment.
The University has a Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you’ve developed throughout the programme with broader employability attributes, which will enhance your employability options upon graduating.
Placements
There are a range of opportunities for you to gain industry experience during your studies. Examples of activities our student have done include:
- Working as an Editor and Visual Effects Artist for an animation house
- Working as an Animator for a charity project
- Working as a runner on one of our commercial productions
- Working part-time for a production company
- Doing a placement year between the second and third year of the course
- Submitting work to festivals and competitions such as the Rookies
- Collaborating with other students and local film makers on productions
- Setting up a YouTube channel
- Working directly for clients
Jobs after graduation
Companies and jobs our students have gone on to work at:
- VFX Production Assistant at Framestore
- Matchmove Artist at Framestore
- Junior Previs Artist / Shot Creator at The Third Floor
- Junior 3D Generalist at Bigtooth Studios
- Animation Coordinator at Sun Creatures
- Junior performance Capture Technician at Centroid Motion Capture
- Junior Cinematic Artist at Trailer Farm
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
As a Visual Effects student, you will be based in Millennium Point, part of our expanding £400 million City Centre Campus. The campus features labs, software, professional sound studios, computer games labs and industry-standard facilities to develop your practical skills in audio, video and multimedia application development, content creation and more.
Our facilities in Millennium Point have undergone a £6.5million investment with a new maker area, engineering labs/equipment and IT equipment.
Thanks to our partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle, Juniper, SAS and LPI you will have access to the latest technology and facilities that reflect advanced professional practice. Our students also have access to software such as the Adobe Suite including Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
Our staff
Lianne Forbes
Senior Lecturer and Course Leader in BA Visual Effects
Lianne has 14 years of high-end VFX film industry experience. Her focus is on forging strong links between the University and industry. She plans to develop student awareness of industry practices and produce more opportunities for them to engage with industry professionals.
More about LianneMathew Randall
Senior Lecturer
Dr Mathew Randall is a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University in the UK, where he lectures in visual effects and computer graphics. He is a member of the Graphics and Vision Research group, specializing in real-time analysis and manipulation of motion captured performances and applications of virtual production technology. He is a senior...
More about MathewSandeep Singh Chahil
Lecturer
Sandeep has a background in corporate video production, having spent several years producing content for commercial video projects. He’s experienced in all stages of this process, with a strong technical knowledge of hardware and software systems.
More about SandeepJay Patel
Senior Lecturer
Jay has been involved with the delivery of ERDF projects. Since the successful completion of these projects he has moved into teaching. He currently delivers a variety of modules such as Audio Visual Technology, Moving Image Technology and Mathematics for Media.
More about JayDr Michael Bickerton
Course Leader
Dr Michael Bickerton is Course Leader on the BSc (Hons) Digital Film Production course. Michael has been producing and teaching film for over twenty-five years. He has international production experience and has taught on prestigious courses (such as the UK Film Council’s 'Introduction to Screenwriting').
More about Michael