Course summary
Visual Effects is one the fastest growing industries, with the UK’s sector generating an impressive £1.6bn in 2021 (source BFI). It’s an exciting time to join the industry, whether you want to apply VFX to big films, commercials or TV series. On this degree, you’ll gain knowledge of 3D VFX and 2D compositing, providing you with the technical and creative skills that the industry is looking for. You’ll also start building your experience, industry network and graduate with a shiny showreel to open the path to a successful career. You’ll be taught in our London studios by experienced tutors who’ve worked on the likes of Thor: Love and Thunder, and Gladiator. Why choose this course
- Ranked 3rd in the UK and 10th in the world for Production Excellence in Visual Effects by The Rookies
- Based in London - home to some of the best post-production studios in the world
- Work on industry-standard briefs and experience real-life scenarios, just like in a professional studio
- Successful alumni - you’ll join our community of thousands of Escapees, many of whom have gone on to work at some of the world’s top studios including Rare, Rockstar, Ubisoft, DNEG and Framestore. 47 Escapees worked on Avengers: Endgame, 26 on The Mandalorian, 23 on Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 3 and 16 on Stranger Things
- Work in a studio environment that mirrors current industry practice, using professional software such as Maya, Nuke and ZBrush
- Professional input - our advisory board of experts help develop and keep this degree up to date. You will also receive feedback on some of your work from industry professionals
- Specialisms: 2D vs 3D - you’ll be introduced to both 2D compositing for VFX and 3D for VFX, so you can decide which you enjoy most and best lends itself to your skillset.
Modules
First year (Level 4 - 120 credits) Students on our BA/MArt Animation, Games, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics degrees study common modules in their first year. This will give you the all-round skills needed to become a professional, and a chance to choose a different specialism if you change your mind before your second year (subject to availability). Creative foundations - craft (30 credits) Creative foundations - project (30 credits) Computer animation - core (15 credits) Video game art - core (15 credits) Compositing for VFX - core (15 credits) 3D for VFX - core (15 credits) Second year (Level 5 - 120 credits) You’ll start to specialise in VFX and work in teams on industry-style projects and be introduced to both 2D compositing for VFX and 3D for VFX. You’ll have the opportunity to try each specialism in your first term, so you can decide which you enjoy most, and which best lends itself to your skillset. Our tutors and industry professionals will help guide your decision. In professional visual effects studios, collaboration between 2D Compositors and 3D Artists is essential. This is exactly how we run our projects, so you’ll work closely with those who’ve chosen a different pathway – a real taste of life in industry. 3D for VFX - Pro (30 credits) Compositing for VFX - Pro (30 credits) Specialism (15 credits) - Options include: Modelling Texturing FX Look development Rotoscoping Prep Industry studio project (45 credits) Third year (Level 6 - 120 credits) You’ll be working in a team just like a fully functioning independent studio, alongside developing an in-depth knowledge of your chosen specialisation. Advanced specialism (30 credits) Professional practice (30 credits) Professional studio project (60 credits)
Assessment method
Formative assessment: The majority of modules contain at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment for which you receive feedback. Formative assessments are developmental and do not count towards your overall module mark. Summative assessment breakdown: For Level 4 and 5 modules, your assessment will be split into two parts: 75% Product - You will be required to create a product (short computer animation, rendered image of a 2D or 3D object composited shot, etc.) to a specified brief, then present it in front of a panel and demonstrate how you have met the learning outcomes in your work. 25% Retrospective - You will be required to write a reflective analysis and present this for moderation and assessment. Level 6 One module will be assessed just like level 4 and 5 modules; for two other modules (Advanced Specialism, Professional Practice), 100% of the mark will be based on a self-evaluative portfolio. In order to progress to the next stage (from first to second year, and from second to third year), you will have to achieve 120 credits at the end of the academic year. For further information, please see the Student Handbook: https://www.pearsoncollegelondon.ac.uk/for-students/current-students/student-handbooks.html
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
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:
- I702
- Institution code:
- P34
- Campus name:
- Escape Studios
- Campus code:
- P
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We are able to accept applications from international applicants.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 - 120 points
A level - CDD - BBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM - DMM
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 - 30 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
Once we receive your UCAS application, you’ll be invited to submit an online portfolio of your work. We take students who have the talent to succeed, and we know the best way to judge this is not limited to a set of academic grades. Our tutors will review your portfolio to determine whether we can offer you a place. Head over to our website to find out more and download our portfolio guide. Please copy paste the link into your browser: https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in speaking and listening |
English language requirements
https://www.escapestudios.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/
Student Outcomes
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
England | £9250* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
EU | £17995* | Year 1 |
International | £17995* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Provider information
Escape Studios
6 Mitre Passage
London
SE10 0ER