MA Visual Effects

At least a UK 2.2 honours degree in visual effects or equivalent.

• Other first degree subjects may be accepted when combined with a portfolio of creative work at an acceptable standard.
• For international students (Tier 4) - IELTS 6.
• International and EU students must also pass a University English test.

Get some hints and tips on how to prepare a portfolio

For general information please see our overview of entry requirements

International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting Your Country

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

You have many opportunities to develop your professional skills, links with industry and meet with recruiters through our Expo Series, Animex Festival and Student Futures activities.

Graduates from our Visual Effects degrees have gone on to enjoy successful careers in studios around the world working on visual effects for film, television, animation and games.

Graduates have gone on to work in a range of areas including previs, modelling, rigging, production, effects animation, matte painting, tracking and matchmove, lighting, look development and compositing. They are working for companies including Industrial Light and Magic, Weta Digital, Double Negative, Moving Picture Company, Cinesite, The Third Floor, The Mill, Pixar, Digital Domain, Framestore and many more.

AVFX Group Project

Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary production team, working across MA Animation and MA Visual Effects. Contribute specialist skills to create a short film or VFX sequence, following a professional studio pipeline. The result is a high-quality showpiece for your portfolio.

Digital Compositing

Develop core skills in digital compositing for the VFX pipeline using industry-standard software and techniques. Work across the full pipeline from planning and acquisition to the final output of a finished shot. You also develop skills in creating seamless motion sequences that integrate live action, CG content and photographed elements.

Digital Matte Painting

Develop core skills in digital matte painting through practical application and theoretical insight in the context of VFX production and how to apply them using industry-standard software. Work with live action footage, 3D tracking, digital painting and compositing to create immersive digital environments. Produce a final sequence that combines 2D imagery, filmed elements, CG content and set extensions to transform an establishing shot.

Group Project

You complete a multidisciplinary group project in your area of interest to create a short film or video game cutscene.

You work in an individual production role within small teams to create an original short film or cutscene, which provide a high-end showpiece for your portfolio.

Industry Research and Development