Visual Effects is for anyone interested in creating the stunning visual effects seen each day from the latest Hollywood and televisual epics to the creative innovation of high impact TV adverts. The United Kingdom is renowned for its skilled film makers and now boasts some of the biggest visual effects houses in the world. Using the finest innovations in technology, this course covers the seamless integration of photo real computer-generated creatures, environments, assets and people.
This year, the main activities within the programme will take place within a classroom/studio/online setting. This will allow you and the staff to develop a mature and informative relationship concerning your study. Not only is this a supportive and welcoming environment but it mimics the professional arena where you will be expected to organise your working patterns based upon set goals.
Circumstances surrounding COVID-19 enabled us to develop a flexible approach to your teaching and learning with the option to deliver aspects of the course both onsite and online. Throughout the pandemic, this has been a successful strategy to control numbers and preserve social distancing in the building, reducing the need for unnecessary travel by both students and staff but it is also very important to develop your ability to operate, collaborate and deliver work online – a vital and forward-looking employment skill recommended by our industry partners in the Futureworks’ Industry Advisory Group.
It is important to note that this is not a distance learning / online course. Online activity will be a part of the course in addition to onsite studios and labs as it is an important transferable skill you will need in industry.
Your studies will cover the key areas of visual effects; from Rotoscoping and Keying to Tracking, Match moving and colour correction. Further in-depth studies such as virtual production, digital set creation and destruction, matte painting, digital character creation, fluid, cloth and particle dynamics will refine your skills, will support you in becoming an accomplished visual effects artist.
Course Details - Modules
HE Level 4 (Year 1):
Introduction to Compositing (40 credits),
Introduction to 3D Modelling (20 credits),
Content Creation for VFX (40 credits),
History of Visual Effects (20 credits).
HE Level 5 (Year 2):
Visual Effects Studio Project (40 credits),
Character Creation & Motion capture for VFX (40 credits),
Motion Graphics & UI Development (20 credits),
Contemporary Visual Effects (20 credits).
HE Level 6 (Year 3),
Professional Studio Practice (40 credits),
Professional Specialism (20 credits),
Honours Project (60 credits).
Course Details – Assessment Method
We want to do everything we can to prepare you for working within the creative industries, and this is reflected in the way we teach and assess you. The course is mostly coursework based, which means your tutors will be able to give you constant, constructive feedback. Presentation techniques will give you valuable experience of how to present your thoughts and ideas successfully and enthusiastically, so you are better at selling your ideas to prospective employers.
The written work is an important part of assessment and will improve your communication skills. A combination of lectures, tutorials, peer reviews, discussions and observations will ensure that you’re industry ready. External visits will present you with a wider range of topics and the opportunity to expand your portfolio, whilst guest speakers will help you to understand film production and media industries, how it works and how you can make your mark on it.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January 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:
W614
Institution code:
F98
Campus Name:
Futureworks (Manchester)
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
As part of the selection process you may be required to declare any unspent criminal convictions. Please see https://futureworks.ac.uk/how-to-apply/degree-course/making-an-application/ for further details.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course