Course summary
[LEADING TO BA (HON’S) DEGREE] This is a full-time practical course designed for those who aspire to build a career in the visual effects and post-production industries. The programme offers intensive hands-on training in 3D modelling, compositing, digital environments, and practical effects, using industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Nuke, and DaVinci Resolve. The HND Level 5 Diploma is a vocational qualification equivalent to the first two years of a UK university degree, providing a direct pathway into advanced study or entry-level positions within film, television, animation, and games. Students will gain the creative and technical skills needed to produce professional-quality visual effects, from concept development to final compositing, preparing them for the fast-growing screen industries.
Subject options
This course offers the following subject options:
- Creative Media Production
Modules
Module A: Process and Practice [Year 1] Assessment 1: Concept and Development [85 Credits] This unit introduces you to the creative and technical foundations of visual effects. You will learn how to develop a VFX scene from concept to screen, exploring shot planning, to integrate VFX. Through pre-visualisation and storyboarding, you will interpret scripts into visual sequences and prepare VFX breakdowns. You’ll gain skills in 3D modelling, texturing, and lighting, while using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and Z-brush. You will also explore digital compositing concepts using Nuke and After Effects, learning how to plan layers, match live-action plates, and integrate CG assets. The unit culminates in a pre-production portfolio that includes concept art, animatics, and a VFX shot plan. You will also learn the benefits of using AI as a development tool for various aspects of VFX. Assessment 2: Creative Project [35 Credits] In this practical production unit, you’ll create a short visual effects sequence or integrated live-action scene. Working from a set brief, you’ll take responsibility for shooting source footage, tracking, keying, and compositing visual elements into a final piece. You’ll gain hands-on experience with green screen production, camera tracking (MatchMove), digital matte painting, and practical effects integration. Industry tools such as Nuke, DaVinci Resolve Fusion, and Adobe After Effects will be used to complete your composite. You’ll submit a final VFX sequence with an accompanying production journal and reflective evaluation detailing your creative and technical process. Module B: Professional Creative Practice [Year 2] Assessment 1: Personal Professional Development [45 Credits] This unit focuses on collaboration, pipeline workflow, and career development within the visual effects industry. You’ll work as part of a multi-disciplinary production team alongside filmmakers, animators, and sound designers to deliver a live project for an external or simulated client. You’ll take on professional roles such as VFX supervisor, compositor, or CG generalist, learning how to manage assets, coordinate across departments, and maintain version control using tools such as ShotGrid, Houdini, and DaVinci Resolve Studio. Alongside production work, you’ll develop your personal portfolio and professional online presence, aligning your creative identity with industry expectations. Assessment 2: Advanced Specialist Practice [75 Credits] This capstone unit allows you to specialise in an area of visual effects that reflects your career goals, whether compositing, CG environments, 3D character work, or simulation effects. You’ll design, produce, and deliver a substantial VFX sequence or short film showcasing advanced technical ability and artistic direction. You will lead the process from concept design through to render and post-production, using professional workflows and rendering pipelines (e.g., Arnold, Redshift, Unreal Engine). The unit concludes with a showreel-ready project, pipeline documentation, and a critical reflection, demonstrating both creative maturity and readiness for employment or further study within the screen industries.
Assessment method
Assessment is through a series of assignments including research modules, hands-on practical exercises and group projects. Units are interlinked to replicate “real world” scenarios and offer the opportunity for students to build a range of skills to maximise employment opportunities.
How to apply
14Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- VE11
- Institution code:
- R02
- Campus name:
- Raindance Film School - New Campus
- Campus code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
International applicants
Raindance Film School is a licensed Tier 4 sponsor, authorised by the UK Home Office. As such, we welcome applications from international students.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 - 64 points
A level - A* - C
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
Access to HE Diploma
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 |
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £8950 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £8950 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £8950 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £8950 | Year 1 |
| International | £9950 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Sponsorship information
Student finance is available.
Provider information
Raindance Film School London
10a Craven St
London
WC2N 5PE