BA (Hons)CGI and Visual Effects

Core modules

VFX Toolkit

This module introduces you to the creative and technical world of visual effects (VFX) for film and television. You’ll explore how digital effects are used to enhance or transform live-action footage, learning the key techniques that bring cinematic magic to life. Through a combination of practical exercises and guided tutorials, you’ll experiment with a range of VFX methods - from compositing and rotoscoping to tracking, keying and 3d compositing.

3D Art 101

This module explores some of the key theories and software techniques required for creating 3D art assets and render them using different software. The module seeks to demonstrate a practical and reusable asset creation pipeline that can be applied to different scenarios and explain the theory and techniques required for good asset creation. Many of the skills learned will provide the foundational knowledge required to create 3D art assets for use in games and visual effects.

Architectural Visualisation

This module immerses you in the world of architectural visualisation. You’ll learn how to craft compelling environments that bring architectural designs to life and communicate spatial experiences effectively. Through hands-on exercises and guided tutorials, you’ll explore visualisation techniques, including modelling, texturing, and lighting as well as integration of 2D environmental elements, such as people, flora and fauna, to create realistic and engaging visual narratives.

Behind the Plates

This advanced module builds on your core compositing skills by focusing on film-grade plates and the complex challenges they present. You’ll explore refined workflows and tackle demanding visual problems through targeted exercises and practical shot work. By engaging with more intricate footage and higher production standards, you’ll develop the confidence and technical depth needed for complex visual effects.

Core modules

VFX Live Brief

During this module you'll apply advanced compositing and problem-solving skills to film-quality visual effects shots. Working to professional standards, you will troubleshoot complex technical issues, follow industry workflows, and manage a live brief from concept to completion. Through guided workshops and independent production, you will produce a professional breakdown reel and reflective journal demonstrating technical innovation, iteration, and industry engagement.

Virtual Production

This module gives you the opportunity to collaboratively explore the exciting area of Virtual Production from the perspective of your chosen specialist area. In this way you can apply learning from your own practice to this highly interactive and interdisciplinary format.

Making Things Move

In this module you'll be immersed in the creative and technical world of animation for games, film and television. You’ll discover how animated elements are crafted to enhance storytelling, and bring characters to life. Through hands-on exercises and guided tutorials, you’ll explore essential animation techniques, such as keyframing, timing, and motion principles, to character rigging, digital puppetry, and integrating secondary animation.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Thinking Procedurally

With the complexities of modern digital production, it is often not efficient to produce individual assets, but rather produce procedural definitions which can be used to generate multiple assets with differing properties. This more technical approach to asset creation is highly sought after and is becoming ubiquitous in the games, CGI and VFX industries. This module explores node graphs and visual scripting methods to create procedural asset definitions of increasing complexity using Houdini.

Capture Technologies

In this module, you'll explore different capture technologies in a simulated studio environment, transforming the physical world into digital assets. Typical technologies you'll use will be mocap, photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, HDRI capture and on-set data. You’ll experiment, research and test one method in depth to build specialised, industry-ready skills.

Creature and Character

In this module you'll dive into the world of humanoid character development and sculpting. You'll learn about humanoid anatomy, muscle groups and physiology, combining this knowledge to build exciting characters. You'll also build a solid knowledge of sculpting software, while being made aware of key industry techniques to visualise your designs using the software.

Core modules

Destruction FX

It might be a stereotype, but Hollywood VFX blockbusters seem to have things exploding, buildings collapsing, tidal waves, smoke, fire and other forms of disaster. While the computer can help you create these effects, the artistic considerations such as drama, narrative and impact are key and the way you control the simulation involves a very different skill set. In this module you'll learn how to set up, combine and control these simulations to make them look and behave in the way you want them to as an artist.

Project Sprints

In this module you'll build industry ready skills through mini projects designed to boost your technical confidence and prepare you for your final major project. You’ll explore new tools and workflows, complete essential previz and concept work, and shape the expertise you want to showcase to future employers. Each mini project targets a specific technique or pipeline element, helping you discover the methods best suited to your creative goals. You’ll also collaborate with students working on similar topics to share knowledge, solve problems, and strengthen your practice.

Final Major Project

Showcase your talent and demonstrate your expertise with your major final year project. This module brings together everything you’ve learned and offers your biggest opportunity to collaborate across the course and with other creative disciplines. Your project will sit within art, technical art, or research, allowing you to specialise in the area that aligns with your skills and career ambitions. Working in a studio environment and independently, you’ll develop a substantial creative or technical outcome.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Capture Technologies

In this module, you'll explore different capture technologies in a simulated studio environment, transforming the physical world into digital assets. Typical technologies you'll use will be mocap, photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, HDRI capture and on-set data. You’ll experiment, research and test one method in depth to build specialised, industry-ready skills.

Thinking Procedurally

With the complexities of modern digital production, it is often not efficient to produce individual assets, but rather produce procedural definitions which can be used to generate multiple assets with differing properties. This more technical approach to asset creation is highly sought after and is becoming ubiquitous in the games, CGI and VFX industries. This module explores node graphs and visual scripting methods to create procedural asset definitions of increasing complexity using Houdini.

The Creature Shop

One of the most exciting areas within digital character art is creature FX. This practical, studio-based module introduces you to the key technical and creative elements of the field, giving you a strong foundation you can continue to develop as you specialise in your final major project (FMP). Typical topics covered include rigging and muscle systems, hair and fur grooming, cloth and flesh simulation, and facial blend shapes.

Creature and Character

In this module you'll dive into the world of humanoid character development and sculpting. You'll learn about humanoid anatomy, muscle groups and physiology, combining this knowledge to build exciting characters. You'll also build a solid knowledge of sculpting software, while being made aware of key industry techniques to visualise your designs using the software.