- Undergraduate
- Clearing
Visual Effects (VFX) BSc (Hons)
Overview
Start your studies in September 2024 - call our Clearing hotline and find the right course for you.
Clearing lines are open from 9am - 5pm on weekdays.
Why study at UWL?
- In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
- University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
- Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 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.
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/kMe8EosiA4Q/maxresdefault.jpg)
Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:
Start date:
If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.
Why study Visual Effects (VFX) with us?
![A collage of students](/sites/uwl/files/styles/testimonial_slider/public/2019-02/Collage%20%282%29%20small%20squares.jpg?h=83bcce71&itok=ENEiNjj2)
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.
![Based in London](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2024-02/152.png?h=f2922f9b&itok=vn3-DFPZ)
![screen alliance](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2024-02/31_0.png?h=f2922f9b&itok=lNx2a5U3)
![The visual effects course features industry talks](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-12/80.png?h=57024e64&itok=ehPMAbuv)
![Visual effects course includes hands-on workshops](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2023-12/82.png?h=57024e64&itok=9HTjtZGm)
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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Environmental Effects
This module is an exploration of dynamic parameter driven simulations. These are the advanced skills that bring final touches to creative scenes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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?
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?
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.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a portfolio.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) 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?
Fees & funding
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:
The fee above is the cost per 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.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
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.
View full details, including conditions and eligibility.
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:
The fee above is the cost per 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.
Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.
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.
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.](/sites/uwl/files/styles/statistic/public/2022-09/Staff%20Profile%20700x700%20%285%29.png?h=031b01a4&itok=LQVoTdoZ)
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
![visual effects garage](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2021-12/visual%20effects%20garage.jpg?h=78c48170&itok=O4ADNKZQ)
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
Start your studies in September 2024 - call our Clearing hotline and find the right course for you.
Clearing lines are open from 9am - 5pm on weekdays.
Find out more about Clearing
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/MWcF5tMlFAU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/MWcF5tMlFAU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![How to apply to the University of West London title on a blue circle. Woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is to the left and is featured throughout the video.](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/how%20to%20apply.jpg?h=c673cd1c&itok=eoplaw-u)
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
![How to apply to the University of West London title on a blue circle. Woman with blonde hair and blue eyes is to the left and is featured throughout the video.](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/how%20to%20apply.jpg?h=c673cd1c&itok=eoplaw-u)
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Search for courses
Visit to Futures Festival at Pinewood Studios
![Visual Effect students visiting Pinewood Studios](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/VFX%20Pinewood.png?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=U5Qiej5K)
UWL Visual Effects students recently visited Futures Festival at the iconic Pinewood Studios.
![VFX students visit Pinewood Studios](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/VFX%20Pinewood%202.png?h=a610a299&itok=K29gQc7u)
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](/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2022-11/VFX%20Pinewood%203.png?h=a610a299&itok=bW2TIwfj)
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 Showreel 2023](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2023-06/London%20School%20of%20Film%20Media%20and%20Design%20VFX%20showcase%202023%20thumbnail.png?h=c673cd1c&itok=P-UUBtFc)
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2023
!['BA (Hons) Visual Effects Showreel 2022'](https://www.uwl.ac.uk/sites/uwl/files/styles/16_by_9_960_x_540/public/2023-03/vfx%20yt%20thumbnail.png?h=c673cd1c&itok=jHfHolBB)
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2022
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2021
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/sLvXL3xNbKE/maxresdefault.jpg)
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2020
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/9aesgjGkw4Q/maxresdefault.jpg)
BA (Hons) Visual Effects graduate showreel - 2019
![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/bnC9gKDaCsU/maxresdefault.jpg)
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](/sites/uwl/files/styles/two_column_medium_up/public/2024-01/thumbnail_Framestore_0.jpg?h=ec7cd9ac&itok=VR4CXHee)
Student life at UWL
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.