Skip navigation
Animation and VFX at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS

Course summary

Our HNC in Animation and VFX is designed for those who want to dive into the exciting world of digital animation and visual effects. This course offers a practical introduction to the key skills and knowledge required to start a career in this creative industry. The course covers the basics of animation and VFX, from the initial idea to the final production. You will learn about the processes involved in creating animated content and visual effects, including storyboarding, 3D modelling, and compositing. Throughout the course, you will develop a strong foundation in the technical aspects of production while also nurturing your creative abilities. You will have the chance to work on a range of projects that reflect real-world industry practices. These projects will help you build a varied portfolio of work that showcases your skills in both animation and VFX. Throughout the course, you will have gained hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools, giving you a solid starting point for a career in the field. The course also encourages you to think critically about the role of animation and VFX in today’s world. You will explore how these creative forms of expression can communicate ideas within different social and cultural contexts. This broader understanding will not only enhance your technical skills but also make you a more thoughtful and reflective practitioner. In addition to practical skills, the course aims to develop your intellectual abilities. You will engage in activities that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are essential for anyone looking to work in animation and VFX, where innovation and originality are highly valued. Lectures and workshops form the core of your learning experience, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. You will be guided by experienced tutors who have a deep understanding of both the artistic and technical sides of animation and VFX.

Modules

Our Philosophy We believe in a holistic approach to learning and teaching that combines creative exploration with technological mastery. Our goal is to equip students with both practical skills and intellectual insights, fostering innovation and professional development throughout their studies. Our staff are passionate artists and animators, dedicated to providing the best support to help your work stand out. We offer opportunities to bring your imagination and storylines to life, find your passion, and realise your dreams. Whether you are interested in film, conceptual design, modelling, or any form of animation, we help you find what you love and bring it to life. Whether 2D, stop frame, 3D — it’s all-immersive in digital animation. Year 1 In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in animation and VFX through modules such as Visual Studies and Introduction to Character Animation. You will explore virtual production, 3D modelling, and environment design, while also developing your academic and professional skills. You will gain insights into animation perspectives and the positive impact of VFX. Visual Studies (20 credits) Introduction to Virtual Production (20 credits) Environment Design (20 credits) Introduction to Character Animation (20 credits) Academic and Professional Development (10 Credits) Introduction to 3D Modelling (10 Credits) Animation Insights and Perspectives (10 Credits) VFX for Positive Impact (10 Credits)

Assessment method

A lot of the briefs and coursework and submissions ask you to create something fresh, new, inspiring — and all industry leaning. You have creative input on new worlds and imaginings. Visually enriched tutorials, lectures, presentations, overviews and exercises — always with an eye on concept; always thinking on how to extend this work for showreels. Feedback can often be illustrated and/or filled with more visual tips and guides to help with alternative designs, movements, narrative structure, etc, etc. We ask you to engage with some amazing kit. We harness technology — we control it - via drawing, cintiqs, model-making, 2D and 3D software, production techniques and skillsets. We provide a lot of the basics, with specific challenges to get you off the ground — and in HE — ask you to fly high.

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

Application codes

Course code:
AVF9
Institution code:
T80
Campus name:
SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea
Campus code:
T

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.  For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.  International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.   For full information read our visa application and guides.    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements


English language requirements

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Acceptable Evidence of English

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-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

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
Channel Islands £9535 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9535 Year 1
EU £15525 Year 1
International £15525 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

Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities. However, it is likely that art and design students will incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing. Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies. A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100 but you may well already have much of the equipment required so check with us first. Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase. Depending on distance and duration, optional study visits can vary in cost from approximately £10 to visit local galleries and exhibitions to £200+ for overseas visits – these costs cover things like transport, entry to venues and accommodation and are normally at reduced rates for our students.
Animation and VFX at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS