10Jan
Undergraduate This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.
The Northern School of Art has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Open days
Course summary
Visual Effects (VFX) play a major part in creating the magic that brings worlds to life on screen. This technical and creative programme will challenge you to plan and produce visual effects for a range of productions, using industry-standard software and processes. The BA (Hons) Visual Effects programme places an emphasis on development of technical skills in environment creation and compositing, using collaborative activity with other programmes in the faculty to apply learning to real projects for screen and stage. You will practise skills in teamwork, problem-solving, organisation and pre-production, with close links to industry. Working with our industry partners, we have developed this degree to reflect the industry you are aiming to enter, providing relevant technical and practical experience, with a strong academic basis, which could lead to further postgraduate study or research roles. You will learn directly from experienced professionals who will guide you with practical insights and up-to-date knowledge, ensuring you stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. We will also support you in building essential networking skills and creating meaningful connections within the VFX industry, with opportunities to undertake placements during the duration of the programme. If you are a technically minded, creative person, with a desire to work in the screen and related industries, this exciting programme could be for you. Be a part of bringing imagination to life through Visual Effects.
Modules
Year One – Foundation and Orientation In your first year, you will be encouraged to experiment with fundamental techniques using 3D modelling and animation software and hardware. You will be introduced to the world of visual effects and explore its role in the production pipeline. You will utilise practical and creative skills to develop ideas for visual effects elements and sequences, with a particular focus on narrative, storytelling and world building. Creative thinking will be applied to looking at the current landscape of visual effects including, for example, the development of AI. • Introduction to Visual Effects • Creative Thinking • Modelling, Lighting and Surfaces • Narrative and Storytelling • Production 1 – World Building Year Two – Development and Exploration In year two, you will explore specialist advanced skills in compositing, procedural effects, camera tracking and motion capture, developing understanding through practice and taking an experimental approach. You will engage with industry through a live brief, employing professional ways of working that may lead to work placement opportunities. You will also work with the wider faculty to develop and realise your part in a large-scale multi-disciplinary project. Academic skills will be further enhanced through the Creative Discussion module, which challenges you to respond to theoretical and contextual issues of modern visual effects. • Advanced Visual Effects • Creative Discussion • Live Project • Production 2 Year Three – Consolidation and Expertise In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as an independent illustrator. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study. • Specialist Practice 1 • Specialist Practice 2 • Dissertation and Report • Professional Futures and Final Show
Assessment method
In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.
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:
- W613
- Institution code:
- C71
- Campus name:
- The Northern School of Art
- Campus code:
- H
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We do not currently accept students from outside of the UK. However, we can accept applications from those have evidence of pre-settled status to live, work and study in the UK. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 96 points
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | 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
As with most creative programmes delivered at higher education, this programme will have additional costs such as material and basic tools and contribution towards educational visits to ensure successful completion of the programme. The School offers financial support packages to help with this, whether this be through means-tested bursaries and/or grants. In addition, the School offers subsidised resale of course materials, free use of studios etc. More detailed information is provided at the interview stage; however, if you require this sooner please contact [email protected]
Provider information
The Northern School of Art
University Level Campus
Church Square
Hartlepool
TS24 7EX