Course summary
This full-time, two-year programme provides students with the skills and technical expertise needed for careers in Visual Effects (VFX), Virtual Production, and Animation. Designed to meet industry demands, the course blends practical training with industry-standard tools and techniques, preparing graduates for roles in film, television, and interactive media. Students will gain hands-on experience with virtual production workflows, pre-visualisation, 3D asset creation, animation, and cinematography, developing a strong foundation in real-time technologies and digital content creation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert tuition, this course ensures graduates are ready to enter the industry with job-ready skills and a competitive portfolio. Industry-Standard Facilities at E3 Studios, Belfast providing students with a real-world production environment, ensuring they gain practical experience in industry-standard workflows. Students will have access to professional-grade facilities, including: • 450sqft LED Virtual Production Stage • Vicon Motion Capture Stage • XR Technology • Fully-equipped TV Studio • High-end PC Workstations Software & Tools The course provides training in a range of industry-leading software, including: • Unreal Engine – A key tool for real-time rendering, virtual production, and interactive media. • Nuke – Professional compositing software for visual effects. • Autodesk Maya – Industry-standard software for 3D modelling, rigging, and animation. • Adobe Creative Suite – Tools for compositing, editing, and digital content creation. • Substance Painter & ZBrush – Essential for texturing and digital sculpting. • Shotgrid & Perforce – Workflow and version control software used in major studios. Expert Teaching & Industry Connections The course is delivered by industry-experienced lecturers, including specialists in VFX, cinematography, 3D modelling, and real-time production workflows. The teaching team ensures that students receive current, industry-relevant training in techniques used by major film, television, and animation studios. Additionally, as an Epic Games Academic Partner, the course benefits from exclusive learning resources, industry insights, and access to cutting-edge developments in Unreal Engine and virtual production technologies. This partnership ensures that students are trained to meet the evolving demands of real-time VFX and interactive media industries. Career Development & Industry Success This course is designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed to enter careers in VFX, virtual production, animation, and digital content creation. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in: • Film and TV production studios • VFX and post-production companies • Animation and game development studios The programme is built on a strong foundation of industry collaboration and practical learning, ensuring students develop job-ready portfolios and gain exposure to real-world production environments. Belfast Met has a proven track record of training students who have progressed to work on major productions such as Captain Marvel, The Irishman, Game of Thrones and many more. While this is the first iteration of this specific course, it is delivered by a highly experienced teaching team with deep industry connections. Students will benefit from: • Careers and employability support • Networking opportunities • Portfolio development • Guest lectures For full course details, including entry requirements and deadlines, visit: https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents/ Before applying, please review the full Terms and Conditions here https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/5idjrsdi/belfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-202526.pdf
Modules
Key Skills & Modules Throughout the course, students will develop expertise in: • Virtual Production & Real-Time Workflows – Training in LED volume technology, camera tracking, and real-time rendering using Unreal Engine and other industry tools. • Pre- and Post-Visualisation Techniques – Developing pre-vis and post-vis sequences with software such as Nuke and Unreal Engine. • 3D Modelling, Rigging & Asset Creation – Building and refining digital assets using Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. • Principles of Animation & Motion Capture – Understanding animation fundamentals and hands-on experience with motion capture systems. • Cinematography & In-Camera VFX – Learning techniques for shot composition, visual storytelling, and merging real-world and digital elements. • Tech-Visualisation & Scene Conceptualisation – Using digital tools to accurately pre-visualise and refine production designs.
Assessment method
Module Level / Credits Assessment Assets 1 Level 4 / 40 Coursework Assets 2 Level 4 / 40 Coursework Pipelines 1 Level 4 / 20 Coursework Pipelines 2 Level 4 / 20 Coursework Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
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:
- U972
- Institution code:
- B07
- Campus name:
- E3/Springvale Campus
- Campus code:
- E
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Belfast Met will not be sponsoring new applications for a student visa for the academic year 2025-26. More information on Right to Study and applying with overseas qualifications is available on our Frequently Asked Questions page on our website https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/how-to-apply/application-faqs/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Please click on the course page link to find out more about entry requirements for this course.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Additional entry requirements
Other
Following receipt of application, applicants will enter a Pre-Entry Advice process. Applicants must complete this process before moving to the next stage.
English language requirements
There are minimum English Language requirements for full-time Higher Education programmes. Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE English Language. The College may accept an equivalent level of qualification. Some courses may require higher than the minimum Grade C/4. You are advised to check the individual course entry requirements. You can find these within the Entry Requirements section under each individual course. Where a GCSE grade in English is specified as the only qualification accepted, other English competency qualifications may not apply. If you have not achieved GCSE English Language Grade C/4 or an equivalent level, you will be asked to provide evidence of English Language competency. Other qualifications may be accepted as evidence of level of competency on a case-by-case basis. To provide evidence of English Language competency, please contact us on 028 90 265 265 or email [email protected] You will be referred to the appropriate curriculum area who will guide you on your next steps. Where an ESOL qualification is used, the appropriate level must be achieved across all skills - Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening. Applicants should also check the English language criteria for progression to other further and higher education institutions as these may vary.
Please click on the link below for more information about course entry requirements.
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
| EU | £3110 | Year 1 |
| England | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £3110 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £3110 | Year 1 |
| International | £7735 | 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
The College reserves the right to introduce bursaries, offer concessions and vary fees within this schedule during the financial year to ensure optimal participation.
The College reserves the right to vary fees within this schedule during the financial year in line with amendments to Government policy.
Applicants and students will be informed, at the earliest opportunity of any rate change.
All course fees must be paid, or payment terms agreed with the College in advance of course commencement.
Please refer to our Fees and Charges Policy 2025-26 available from the Public Documents section of our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/media/qu1lwkoq/fees-and-charges-policy-2025-26_.pdf
Fees are payable annually.
The fees for 2025 and 2026 have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing [email protected] for other options.
Sponsorship information
Our Student Funding service provides advice and guidance to students on funding opportunities available in support of their studies. We aim to inform students about the range of financial assistance available, the relevant criteria and how these funds can be accessed. Please visit our website at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/life-at-the-met/students-support/student-finance/ to find out more information.
Provider information
Belfast Metropolitan College
Titanic Quarter Campus
7 Queens Road
Belfast
BT3 9DT