Visual Effects with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
The Visual Effects with Foundation Year will develop your creative knowledge and academic skills so that you feel confident and ready to start the first year of the degree programme. You will be welcomed into a friendly, lively and energetic environment at Margaret Street, just a short walk from City Centre Campus....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location Margaret Street
This course is:
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.
The Visual Effects with Foundation Year will develop your creative knowledge and academic skills so that you feel confident and ready to start the first year of the degree programme.
You will be welcomed into a friendly, lively and energetic environment at Margaret Street, just a short walk from City Centre Campus. Here you will have access to a range of creative studios, technology and software to expand your knowledge of practical skills, creative exploration and conceptual thinking.
The two first semester modules will form the building blocks for future work and will explore core principles of creative practice focussing on the development of technical confidence, study skills and productivity.
The two final semester modules will encourage a positive integration between research and practice, challenging decision making and technical competency.
This semester is designed to empower you with independent learning skills appropriate for your future BA studies.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you will have the flexibility to continue to the BA Visual Effects degree programme, or an alternative appropriate degree, if you discover that another degree is preferred during the foundation year. Our foundation year tutors will have conversations with you about next steps throughout the year.
BA (Hons) Visual Effects degree
After you successfully complete the foundation year, you will have the option to progress onto the first year of the BA (Hons) Visual Effects degree, based at City Centre Campus, 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.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- Learn in a unique environment at Margaret Street - The foundation year is taught at Margaret Street which combines a range of technology and software with creative studios, to allow you to develop your creative and digital skills
- State-of-the-art facilities - You’ll also have access to our cutting-edge facilities at City Centre Campus including the £70 million STEAMhouse Building and £62 million Parkside campus. See our facilities
- Excellent equipment - Work with real light and sound as well as digital light, sound, video, geometry and dynamic simulations
- Highly employable graduates - The unique combination of technical knowledge and practical production will enable you to move more quickly into key production roles within industry
- Gain first-hand experience in industry - You will have the opportunity to network and make contacts with people in industry, gain work experience and to take a placement year between your second and final year
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.
Next Open Day: 28 June 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
80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
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
- 4 years
- £9,535 in 2025/26 ✱ Important note for this price
(↩Back to price) * The Government is proposing to increase the cap on full-time regulated tuition fees to £9,535 for 2025/26 and the University is planning on increasing fees to that maximum level once legislation is enacted. Part-time fees are charged pro-rata, where applicable.
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
- 4 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
You are not required to submit a portfolio for this course.
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Module description to be confirmed.
Module description to be confirmed.
Module description to be confirmed.
Module description to be confirmed.
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Build your own worlds and characters
This module provides students with the technical skills and experience to produce 3D models and turntable renders for use in visual effects.
The skills developed in this module will inform and underpin the use of 3D models throughout the rest of your course.
The module aims to develop your modelling skills to a highly competent standard, developing your knowledge of the fundamentals of 3D modelling as well as providing you with experience of using industry-standard modelling tools. By the end of the module you will be able to approach modelling productions by drawing on a suite of 3D modelling methods and tools. The module will also provide an overview of how 3D assets are used in a variety of industries.
Module description to be confirmed.
Where VFX starts. Match camera and object movement
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.
Integrate CG with real world images
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.
Module description to be confirmed.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Module description to be confirmed.
Unlock a world of possibilities using our motion capture studio and coding
This module provides knowledge and experience of designing and developing bespoke add-ons and extensions to industry standard software. You will learn to programme scripts to make visual effects and games production more efficient and extend the capabilities of existing software. The development and implementation of bespoke visual effects tools is a key part of the competitiveness of games and visual effects companies, allowing them to make themselves more efficient and capable than their competitors.
Seamlessly combine real world and CG to complete the VFX illusion
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.
The art and science of blowing things up
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.
The module will use industry level software and will cover various methods and techniques in order for the student to control and artistically direct simulations. The module will enable them to; fracture geometry; constrain elements of the simulation, and create a variety of realistic simulations.
Professional Placement Year (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Visual Effects with Foundation Year and Professional Placement Year, a student must successfully complete all of the modules listed 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):
Module description to be confirmed.
Module description to be confirmed.
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.
Student Showreel
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 a runner on one of our commercial productions
- Working for crewing agencies
- Working part-time for a production company
- Doing a placement year between the second and third year of the course
- Submitting work to crowdsourcing competitions and film festivals
- Collaborating with other students and local film makers on productions
- Setting up a YouTube channel
- Working directly for clients
- Organising and running events.
Facilities & Staff
OUR FACILITIES
You will have access to our 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.
We are currently undertaking a £400 million investment programme in our facilities, including a major expansion of our City Centre Campus. This includes our brand new £70 million development, STEAMhouse, which is the new home to Computing students. This state-of-the-art centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and equipment, as well as opportunities to collaborate with businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.
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 SandeepKira Summers
Programme Leader, Lecturer
Akira Summers has been working in software and technological development since the year 2000. Starting off in web development and interactive media, she has held many development roles and spent several years working as an embedded game programmer, multimedia developer and learning technologist.
More about KiraJay 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