Visual Effects with a Foundation Year - BSc (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 BSc (Hons) degree in Visual Effects is where creativity meets technology. It will give you the skills to unleash your true mix of creative and technical abilities....
- Level Foundation
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject Film, Animation and Photography
- Location City Centre
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.
So you want to work in the Film or Games industry? Do you imagine yourself as a creative artist or a technical director? Our BSc (Hons) degree in Visual Effects is where creativity meets technology. 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.
About the Foundation Year
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BSc (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four).
The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study programme that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of your degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all of the modules of the Foundation Certificate.
Introducing STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking, prototyping and business development. Our £70 million pound building is the home for all of our Computing courses.
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.
As a Bachelor of Science (BSc) course there is an emphasis on Technical Director (TD) roles such as: Matchmoving, Rigging, Dynamic Simulations, Motion Capture and Python/Pipeline Development, which are in particular demand within the visual effects industry. You will learn technical 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 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?
- Brand new facilities at STEAMhouse - This state-of-the-art building will become the new home for its School of Computing and Digital Technology from the start of the 2022 academic year. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects
- State-of-the-art facilities - You’ll have access to our cutting-edge facilities across Millennium Point and the £62 million Parkside campus, both located at our City Centre 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
- Top 5 in the UK for Animation and Games Design (Guardian League Table 2024)
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus 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: 19 October 2024
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: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 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: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 4 years
-
TBC
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
Course in Depth
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The Foundation Mathematics module provides the basic knowledge and mathematical skills which will equip the students to continue their studies to an undergraduate programme. The module will be focused on mathematics related to the field of computing. The interactive taught sessions will use fundamental mathematical in discussions to broaden understanding of the theory and practice introduced in the module. Additional support materials will be made available on the module Moodle website.
This module will provide you with an understanding of the role of digital technologies in transforming industries and sectors. It will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to core concepts of science for digital technology, and an understanding of the fundamental aspects of science essential for studying and working with digital technologies.
You will learn systems thinking methodologies to model systems supported by digital technologies, enabling you to understand different aspects of technology, and to design your own solutions. Moreover, this module will help you to develop essential academic and personal study skills necessary for success in higher education. It will provide you with basic research, academic writing, and reflection skills. These skills are vital for your transition to higher education and will enhance your learning and academic growth.
This module provides the skills necessary to design a web based application around a clear understanding of the business information requirements, a structured design of an interface and the development skills necessary to implement a solution.
This module will provide you with an introduction to digital media technology and will allow you to explore technology-driven change in the media industry. This module will introduce the fundamentals of audio / video capture and editing allowing you to explore workflow practices. You will document your development process, including aspects such as storyboarding and risk assessments and will create an artefact that relates to technology in your chosen degree or industry.
During the journey within higher education, developing your independent study is an essential skill to support shaping the knowledge to become more useful and applied within practice. This module aims to provide you with necessary skills and tips that should support you to work independently within your discipline and to successfully apply project management tools and techniques to a mini project related to your subject discipline.
Foundations of Programming aims to provide you with the fundamental principles and practice-based activities needed to begin developing software programmes. The module details the anatomy of a structured software programme that includes the creation of a programme algorithm, a logical, simple and organised programme flow and the generation of pseudo and programming code. The module uses a combination of theory and practice-based sessions designed to engage students in group and individual activities to identify the components of a software programme and to apply their knowledge into hands-on software programming activities. During the module sessions you will acquire the basic skills to design and create software programs.
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.
Learn coding through 2D game creation
Lights, Camera, Action! Shooting video for VFX
This module will develop your key understanding of audio visual acquisition technologies for digital film production. The module addresses how images and audio are captured using sound and video recording equipment in a film production environment.
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.
Bringing life to characters
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.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Digital puppeteering
3D computer animation is the cornerstone of modern visual media production, and is an essential requirement for working in film visual effects.
This module aims to develop your 3D animation and production skills, introducing you to core computer animation techniques. You will be expected to plan and produce high quality, 3D computer animations suitable for use in visual effects production pipelines.
As well as developing technical skills, the module aims to provide you with an authentic experience of planning and producing computer animation from storyboarding to managing assets and designing production pipelines.
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.
Dive into VFX technology
For graduates wishing to pursue a technical career in digital media production, be it Film or visual effects production, then a comprehensive understanding of the low level capture, processing and distribution technology is essential. To complement this a fundamental understanding in the methods for conducting research into the technology, the design and the limitations of this technology is essential.
Project based team work
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines, or with academic staff. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities and with the support of academic staff. Within this module framework, several kinds of collaborative opportunities are available.
For example, with the approval of your supervisor, you can determine a project based on your own interests; your supervisor may set you a predetermined project to enable you to work with other students in a way that is appropriate to your subject area; or there may be opportunities for you to collaborate with staff on research projects. In all cases, you must apply your subject skills to an interdisciplinary project which will be agreed in advance with your supervisor.
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):
Your project, your team, your choice
Working in the wider community of production, it is important to consider your part in the overall creation of an artefact. Being able to work independently; demonstrating problem solving skills; identifying and improving your own performance and; working other team members, are all traits that will be demanded of you in a typical work-place setting.
Your personal investigation into VFX technology
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Real-time production VFX shots using games engines
The aim of this module is to translate your existing skills to working in a Virtual Production workflow. Virtual Production is an approach that uses real-time tracking and game engines to perform post-production in real-time during the production phase and has been used in many production including: The Lion King, The Mandalorian, Avatar, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Guardians of the Galaxy, War of the Planet of the Apes and Game of Thrones, and is often referred to as the future of film making.
Get ready for industry, building your showreel
In order to become an effective professional practitioner, one needs to develop industrial awareness including current production and business practices, technologies and pipelines and trends and emergent technologies and how they are shaping industry. This module offers you the opportunity to research aspects of your sector, the impacts of technology and how they are driving change. You will analyse your profile as a professional practitioner and consider career opportunities and development. You will explore different approaches and theories as you develop a professional outlook to the industry, with the focus being the drive to find opportunities and routes and of attaining industry-specific work.
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.
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
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 BSc 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 KiraDr Carlo Harvey
Associate Professor, Director of Future Games and Graphics
Dr Carlo Harvey is an Associate Professor in Computer Games Technology at Birmingham City University, in the School of Computing and Digital Technology. He teaches C++ for Games, Computer Graphics and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning. He is the Director of Future Games and Graphics overseeing the research arm for Games and Graphics within...
More about CarloJay Patel
Senior Lecturer
Jay is a Lecturer in the School of Digital Media Technology. 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