COURSE OVERVIEW
Visual Effects play a major part in creating the magic that brings worlds to life on screen. This technical and creative programme will challenge you to plan and produce visual effects for a range of productions, using industry-standard software and processes.
The BA (Hons) Visual Effects programme places an emphasis on development of technical skills in environment creation and compositing, using collaborative activity with other programmes in the faculty to apply learning to real projects for screen and stage. You will practise skills in teamwork, problem-solving, organisation and pre-production, with close links to industry.
Working with our industry partners, we have developed this degree to reflect the industry you are aiming to enter, providing relevant technical and practical experience, with a strong academic basis, which could lead to further postgraduate study or research roles.
You will learn directly from experienced professionals who will guide you with practical insights and up-to-date knowledge, ensuring you stay ahead in this ever-evolving field. We will also support you in building essential networking skills and creating meaningful connections within the VFX industry, with opportunities to undertake placements during the duration of the programme.
If you are a technically minded, creative person, with a desire to work in the screen and related industries, this exciting programme could be for you. Be a part of bringing imagination to life through Visual Effects.
Year One - Foundation and Orientation
In your first year, you will be encouraged to experiment with fundamental techniques using 3D modelling and animation software and hardware. You will be introduced to the world of visual effects and explore it’s role in the production pipeline. You will utlise practical and creative skills to develop ideas for visual effects elements and sequences, with a particular focus on narrative, storytelling and world building. Creative thinking will be applied to looking at the current landscape of visual effects including, for example, the development of AI.
• Introduction to Visual Effects
• Creative Thinking
• Modelling, Lighting and Surfaces
• Narrative and Storytelling
• Production 1 - World Building
Year Two - Development and Exploration
In year two, you will explore specialist advanced skills in compositing, procedural effects, camera tracking and motion capture, developing understanding through practice and taking an experimental approach. You will engage with industry through a live brief, employing professional ways of working that may lead to work placement opportunities. You will also work with the wider faculty to develop and realise your part in a large scale multi-disciplinary project. Academic skills will be further enhanced through the Creative Discussion module, which challenges you to respond to theoretical and contextual issues of modern visual effects.
• Advanced Visual Effects
• Creative Discussion
• Live Project
• Production 2
Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as an independent illustrator. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.
• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Dissertation and Report
• Professional Futures and Final Show
Year Four (Optional)
Optional Master of Arts. Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year - https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/
In your first year, you will be encouraged to experiment with fundamental techniques using 3D modelling and animation software and hardware. You will be introduced to the world of visual effects and explore it’s role in the production pipeline. You will utlise practical and creative skills to develop ideas for visual effects elements and sequences, with a particular focus on narrative, storytelling and world building. Creative thinking will be applied to looking at the current landscape of visual effects including, for example, the development of AI.
• Introduction to Visual Effects
• Creative Thinking
• Modelling, Lighting and Surfaces
• Narrative and Storytelling
• Production 1 - World Building
Year Two - Development and Exploration
In year two, you will explore specialist advanced skills in compositing, procedural effects, camera tracking and motion capture, developing understanding through practice and taking an experimental approach. You will engage with industry through a live brief, employing professional ways of working that may lead to work placement opportunities. You will also work with the wider faculty to develop and realise your part in a large scale multi-disciplinary project. Academic skills will be further enhanced through the Creative Discussion module, which challenges you to respond to theoretical and contextual issues of modern visual effects.
• Advanced Visual Effects
• Creative Discussion
• Live Project
• Production 2
Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity as an independent illustrator. Working on self-initiated projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.
• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Dissertation and Report
• Professional Futures and Final Show
Year Four (Optional)
Optional Master of Arts. Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year - https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/
Staff
