Course summary
This course is currently taught by Confetti, but from September 2025 will be taught by the Nottingham School of Art & Design (NSA&D). Course content and learning outcomes will not change VFX has become an integral part of the production process for film, television and advertising. On this course, you’ll explore the VFX industry for moving image products while developing the skills required of a VFX artist across a range of disciplines. Study this visual effects degree and you’ll explore the VFX industry for moving image products whilst developing the skills required of a VFX specialist. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the different areas through studio practice, as well as academic research and study. By the end of the course you’ll have developed a strong portfolio of VFX work, tailored to your own career aspirations. On this course you’ll be working on industry-standard software, such as NUKE – which has been used throughout the development of award-winning movies like Star Wars and The Avengers. On this course, you'll study in our brand new £9.1 million digital media hub - Confetti HQ - and have access to: Industry Spec Workstation PCs Industry-standard digital film cameras and lights Bookable Green Screen studio space Professional Studio facilities Specialist Software including: Autodesk Suite (Maya, Motion Builder &Mudbox), Nuke, Mari and Modo Adobe Creative Suite, Zbrush, Quixel 2, Wacom Cintiq 13HD Touch Tablet
Modules
Year 1 Asset Production for VFX Sequences (20 Credit Points) Learn about the range of assets available in VFX production; in particular you’ll develop an understanding of the relationship between principal photography and the visual effects professional. Creating 3D Content for VFX (40 Credit Points) You’ll be given an introduction to the main principles behind creating 3D content and how it integrates with other aspects of visual effects. The module also introduces the notion of the virtual camera and how the 3D software camera needs to match and replicate cameras used on set. Foundation in VFX Compositing and Matte Production (40 Credit Points) You’ll develop a strong foundation in VFX Compositing and Matte Production. You’ll also develop your skills in 2D graphics manipulation whilst learning the basics of layering, masking, keying, depth, notions of colour space, project set-ups and flexible, reusable templates. Matte Painting and Environment (20 Credit Points) 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI) has changed the matte painters’ job. This module will explore matte-painting and the role of the ‘environment’ technical team. You’ll also spend time exploring the history of compositing and its roots in early cinema. Year 2 3D Matchmoving and Rig Removal (20 Credit Points) You’ll explore the application of camera movement within an image and the difference between object-tracking and camera-tracking. You’ll develop skills in the creation of realistic and professional VFX sequences and learn the important process of rig-removal. Rigging, Digital Sculpture and Creature Effects (40 Credit Points) Explore the role of the rigger and the working relationship and interactions with animators and modellers. You’ll learn to create, test and maintain various character, vehicle and cloth set-ups, working with animators and modellers to meet the technical needs of a project. Effects Animation (40 Credit Points) During this part of the course you’ll work in our industry-standard Foley Suite learning how particle systems, structures, cloth, fluids and crowds move under the forces of physics. You’ll develop your understanding of how VFX software is used to simulate complex behaviours and phenomena, such as fires, breaking glass and fluids. Industry Practice (20 Credit Points) During this module you'll undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.
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:
- I700
- Institution code:
- N91
- Campus name:
- Confetti - Nottingham
- Campus code:
- 4
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 64 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MPP
Access to HE Diploma
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level
We also consider equivalent qualifications and combinations. Please contact Nottingham Trent University Admissions team for further information.
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Nottingham Trent University
50 Shakespeare Street
Nottingham
NG1 4FQ