• Undergraduate

Visual Effects (VFX) BSc (Hons)

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Overview

Overview

Why study at the University of West London? 
  • Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
  • Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Would you like to join the UK's fastest-growing economy? Visual effects (VFX) is the process of creating digital effects for films, advertisements, television, games and augmented reality (AR).

As an industry, it is worth over £71bn to the UK economy alone and demand for skilled graduates is only increasing.

On this course, you will create dramatic Hollywood blockbuster effects as well as the subtler changes used in AR and 3D architectural visualisation. You will also learn to use advanced software, professional equipment, and develop the techniques you need to build believable worlds.

During the course, industry practice modules will give you direct exposure to VFX roles and career opportunities. The course is a member of UK Screen Alliance.

See our final year students' work in the showreels below and find out more on our ARTSFEST page.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.
With Foundation Year
Duration: 4 years

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Visual Effects (VFX) with us?

Why study Visual Effects (VFX) with us?

A collage of students

What our students say…

If you are looking to get into VFX, this is one of the best places to start. You will get the opportunity to learn the range of skills needed to work in the industry, like animation, modelling and motion capture from people who work in the industry. There is a real sense of community, with some of the best facilities in London, and supportive staff.

Felim Boulheouchat
Next
Based in London
screen alliance
The visual effects course features industry talks
Visual effects course includes hands-on workshops
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Based in London, the centre of the UK’s creative industries, this innovative VFX course places you at the heart of the action. It aims to give you a dynamic, contemporary and hands-on experience as you learn to work with advanced materials and techniques.

The course has been designed with input from some of the leading effects facilities, including DNeg, and developed with advice and guidelines from the professional body Creative Skillset. 

In lectures and hands-on workshops, you will be able to build your skills and knowledge. Alongside the development of your technical skills, we will introduce you to regular industry practices. By taking part in 'class crits' you will get used to the industry use of 'dailies'.

You will learn how to make your work both imaginative and realistic, using professional software, equipment and tools, including:

  • Maya
  • Nuke
  • Zbrush
  • Substance Painter
  • 3D Equalizer

You will also have excellent technical resources at your disposal, including:

  • computer labs
  • a Vicon Motion Capture system
  • a fully equipped green screen studio
  • professional cameras
  • professional lighting
  • LIDAR scanner

In addition, you will have 24-hour access to a new library and learning resource centre.

See the work of final year students in the showreels below.

Learning opportunities

We will also provide excellent learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Trips to VFX facilities in Soho and around London. industry talks with artists and recruiters giving you direct contact with people already working in the business, and visits to iconic locations such as the world-famous Pinewood Studios.

Compulsory modules

Level 4 will help you gain primary VFX skills to understand the historical foundations of visual effects, how methods have evolved and how to use software applications. The year starts off looking at the essential techniques of matte painting, 3D modelling, texturing, using cameras and bringing it all together to create believable and immersive worlds. There is a dual focus on understanding the physical world and how cameras capture it and the processes of creating realistic computer-generated content. You will also explore the difference between CGI perfection and the imperfect natural world. Your studies will cover capturing the physical world on camera and translating it onto the screen in a structured and cinematic way.

  • Principles of VFX

    Principles of VFX establishes the historical context of VFX, exploring the development of the methodology and understanding the nature and demands of film. It covers the current terminology in VFX and its origins.

  • VFX Toolbox

    VFX Toolbox develops the Digital Toolbox module. It takes the models and assets developed in Digital Toolbox and starts to blend them with live backplates and interactive environments. This module is a chance for you to apply the compositing skills that are theoretically explored in CGI Foundations and generate real visual effects shots. The emphasis is on understanding workflow, pipeline and generating visually stunning work. This is a chance to bring all the theoretical and practical skills learnt in Level 4 together and generate a portfolio-ready piece of work.

  • Digital Toolbox

    Through a series of connected hands-on tasks, you will explore the techniques and approaches to creating realistic digital artefacts. In a workshop environment, you will gain new skills, from image manipulation in industry standard Photoshop to modelling, texturing and lighting 3D environments with Maya.

  • CGI Foundations

    CGI Foundations is designed to provide a theoretical underpinning of the creation and manipulation of Computer Graphics. This module focuses on the technical ideas and concepts behind the processes we undertake in common applications like Maya, Nuke, Unreal, or Unity. The technical concepts will be presented independently of any individual software package, and as such will be highly transferable. Having completed the module you will be better able to navigate the many divergent software tools available to the computer artist, as you will be able to draw upon a broad technical understanding of the underlying concepts upon which graphics software is designed. It will also encourage you to think independently of any one software package therefore potentially facilitating the creation of more innovative and original ideas.

  • Digital Sculpture

    Beginning with an exploration of abstraction models of facial design, and progressing through observational drawing and clay modelling, you will develop your understanding of proportion and human anatomical features. You will go on to use the industry standard software Zbrush to model a character, exploring various problems and the tools to overcome them.

  • Visual Narrative

    Visual Narratives will give you an overview of the key creative principles underpinning cinematic pre-production and planning. It covers narrative structures commonly used in film and animation. You will develop storyboards and take these into pre-visualisation. You will explore structure in cinematography including composition, camera angles, camera moves and editing rules. This module culminates in a collection of animatics, previz and stop motion work.

Compulsory modules

Having secured the concepts, learnt how to generate strong 2D and 3D assets for visual effects in Level 4 you will have gained a strong knowledge and critical understanding of the principles of visual effects. The course at Level 5 looks beyond asset creation and looks at methods of animation, rigging, nodal compositing systems, 3D tracking, and motion capture. By the end of Level 5 you will understand the main methods of enquiry into visual effects.

  • The Composite

    In the Composite module you will learn the complex nodal compositing tool and bedrock of the VFX industry Nuke. The concepts of compositing explored in previous modules are applied using the professional workflow. This module will prepare you for entry level positions in effects houses, or to take on an internship in the summer break.

  • Current Trends of VFX

    This module will introduce you to later and more recent developments in computer graphics and related digital art / media theory. While the Principles of VFX module introduced you to pre-CGI visual effects, this module will explore post-CGI.

    You will be introduced to a variety of theoretical lenses such as Manovich's writings on software and the advent of digital, Gunning's photographic truth claim and the notion of indexicality, Baudrillard's simulacra and the 3D digital model, Cassetti's writing on Sutured Reality in the cinema and other recent texts on CGI in digital cinema. 

  • VFX Animation

    By the end of this module, you should have a solid foundation in visual effects animation and be able to create compelling and realistic VFX sequences using industry-standard software and pipelines. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, enabling you to produce high-quality VFX that meet industry standards.

  • Character Animation

    You will gain first-hand experience of building an animation in stages, from layout to blocking through to animation and refinement. At the end of the module you will have created and documented the development of a piece of character animation that will show your ability to generate a considered and emotional performance.

  • Rigging and Creature FX

    Rigging & Creature FX explores the role of the rigger, and you will gain an understanding of the process of rigging. You will explore the tools that are available to the rigger, and how these tools can be used to create realism and dynamism in the animation of a 3D model.

  • 3D Matchmoving

    The 3D Matchmoving module concentrates on the process of achieving an accurate camera solve, and matching object geometry and motion from film plates. You will work with professional cameras and lens’ in the studio to develop your understanding of the problems of acquisition, learning that fixing problems in post can be avoided if good procedure, preparation and care is taken at this stage. It is in the matchmoving and 3D compositing stages that the many diverse elements of a VFX shot can finally come together in context. Matchmoving is a vital role in the VFX pipeline and enables much of the ‘magic’ we accept as de-rigueur effects today. Emphasis is placed on how 3D matchmoving as a cornerstone of career progression and accurate 3D matchmoving is crucial to produce believable CGI shot.

Compulsory modules

At Level 6 you will generate ideas through the analysis of concepts at an abstract level with a command of specialised skills and the formulation of responses to well-defined and abstract problems; you will go on to exercise significant judgement across a broad range of functions; and accept responsibility for
determining and achieving personal or group outcomes. Level 6 has the final module in the strand engaging in the theoretical understanding of VFX and a focus on preparation for industry practice.

  • Environmental Effects

    This module is an exploration of dynamic parameter driven simulations. These are the advanced skills that bring final touches to creative scenes. 

  • Professional and Industry Practice

    The Professional and Industry Practice module enables you to use creative, digital marketing techniques to promote yourself as a Visual Effects artist. It explores tools for promoting professional identity and enabling networking opportunities across multiple domains. You will build professional showreels demonstrating appropriate labelling of roles and breakdowns.

  • Live Brief

    You will have the opportunity to apply all skills acquired over the course. Briefs will be set by industry professionals replicating an industry scenario. You will be required to analyse the problem, build a structured response to the visual effects task, then plan, execute and present a visual effects shot.

  • Investigative Study

    Investigative Study is the final exploration of the theoretical underpinning of VFX and is the basis of the Major Project in semester 2. It a systematic understanding of key aspects of the field of study, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, informed by, the forefront of lens and CGI developments in visual effects.

  • Project

    In the final year of your degree course, you will create your own project with a high degree of independence. You will be allocated a supervisor and then given the freedom to create a piece of work, which you feel really represents you as a student. You will be guided and supported, but this is your vision and your chance to show the world what you have achieved while you’ve been at UWL.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

96-112 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:      

  • A Levels at grade C, C and C, or above   
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Merit   
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 - 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a portfolio.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
6.0 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the 4 individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept. 

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents. 

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a portfolio.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

Level 5 (year 2) entry
To directly enter the second year of this course you will need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 120 undergraduate credits at Level 4 or a CertHE in a related subject area.

Level 6 (year 3) entry
To directly enter the third year of this course you need to show appropriate knowledge and experience. For example, you are an ideal candidate if you have 240 undergraduate credits (at Levels 4 and 5), a DipHE, Foundation Degree or HND in a related subject area.

Looking for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) with Foundation Year?

View Foundation Year course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students have received our Full-time Undergraduate Student Bursary.

Additional scholarships specifically for students in the fields of film, media and design are also on offer.

View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

Funding your studies
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Additional costs

There are additional costs for this course that are not included in the tuition fees. See the links below to get a better idea of what to expect:

Please note:

  • Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
  • Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
  • If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
  • If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Financial support for international students
Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Angus is smiling and has shortish brown hair. He is wearing a black jumper and is photographed in front of a black background. He has hazel eyes.

Angus Luscombe

I am the course leader of BSc (Hons) Visual Effects at the London School of Film, Media and Design, with a keen interest in anatomy and the human form and how that is translated into digital sculpture. I studied up to Masters level at Middlesex University and continue to enjoy exploring new and developing technologies. I have an extensive portfolio of 3D projects, which demonstrates my work for clients such as the Fulham Football Club, Darlow Smithson and Mediahouse.

I am the course leader of BSc (Hons) Visual Effects at the London School of Film, Media and Design, with a keen interest in anatomy and the human form and how that is translated into digital sculpture. I studied up to Masters level at Middlesex University and continue to enjoy exploring new and developing technologies. I have an extensive portfolio of 3D projects, which demonstrates my work for clients such as the Fulham Football Club, Darlow Smithson and Mediahouse.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

visual effects garage

Once you graduate you could go on to be a:

  • roto artist
  • compositor
  • texture artist
  • 3D generalist
  • animator
  • environment artist
  • matchmove artist
  • visualiser
  • matte painter
  • modeller
  • architectural visualiser
  • product visualiser
  • games artist

Companies that our graduates have gone on to work for include:

  • Industrial Light and Magic
  • Weta Digital
  • Cinesite
  • BlueBolt
  • The Imaginarium Studios
  • Goodbye Kansas Studios
  • Smoke & Mirrors
  • Jellyfish Pictures
  • ENVY
  • Automatik VFX
  • GSR Productions
  • Blockhead studios
  • Clear Angle Studios
  • Transistor Studio
  • Lidar Lounge

You may decide to specialise in a related area or explore a new subject. Please see our postgraduate courses for a range of options.

How to apply

How to apply

Search for courses

Visit to Futures Festival at Pinewood Studios

Visual Effect students visiting Pinewood Studios

UWL Visual Effects students recently visited Futures Festival at the iconic Pinewood Studios.

VFX students visit Pinewood Studios

For over 85 years, Pinewood Studios has been the base for many productions from large-scale films to television programmes and also hosts Futures Festival, the biggest free careers event for those looking to start a career in the Film & TV industry.

VFX students visit Pinewood Studios

Located just over 11 miles away from UWL's Ealing campus, our students got to meet employers and industry professionals while exploring the incredible facilities.

Final year VFX student showreels

BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2024
BA (Hons) Visual Effects Showreel 2023
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2023
'BA (Hons) Visual Effects Showreel 2022'
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2022
'BA (Hons) Visual Effects Showreel 2021'
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2021
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2020
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2019
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2018

UWL VFX students visit Framestore

November 2023 saw a group of 19 Visual Effects (VFX) students and three staff members visit the London offices of animation and visual effects company Framestore for a careers presentation. The creative studio is responsible for effects on top films including Barbie and the Paddington movies, as well as working in TV and advertising.

The UWL students watched a video presentation in the company’s top floor cinema, before taking part in a question-and-answer session with one of Framestore’s recruiters.

Framestore started out in 1984 creating the music video for Norwegian band a-ha’s single 'Take on Me'. We’ve been visiting their London offices for three years now and some of our students have worked on projects there too,”

                                                           Angus Luscombe, Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects.

Find out more about UWL VFX students recent visit to Framestore. 

VFX students visit FrameStore

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.