Program start date | Application deadline |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Study with us
Courses
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate
- Postgraduate research
- College courses and apprenticeships
- Short courses and CPD
- Degree apprenticeships
- Distance learning at ARU
Apply
- How to apply - undergraduate
- How to apply - postgraduate taught
- How to apply - college courses
- Admissions process
- Interviews, auditions and portfolios
Discover
- Open Days
- Teaching excellence
- Schools and colleges
- ARU in the community
Writtle College
- College courses and apprenticeships
Student life
Explore
- Our campuses
- Accommodation
- Open Days
- School and College taster days
Prepare
- Student finance
- Money advice and support
- Choosing where to live: campus or home
- Before you get here
- Welcome Week for university students
- Induction Week for college students
- Starting your course
- Information for parents
Support
- Careers and employability
- World-class facilities
- Health and wellbeing
- Study skills
- Disability and neurodiversity support
- Information and support for specific student groups
Experience
- ARU Students’ Union
- Sport
- Global opportunities
- Learn a language
- Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA)
International
Studying at ARU
- Courses for international students
- Opportunities for visiting international students
- International student support
- English language support
- Global partnerships
Applying to ARU
- How to apply
- Entry requirements
- Important dates and deadlines
- Fees, funding and scholarships
- Immigration
- Information by region
- Contact the International Office
- Information for EU/EEA and Swiss students
Arriving at ARU
- Before you arrive
- Planning your travel
- International Orientation Programme
Research
Postgraduate research
- Postgraduate research
- Types of degrees we offer
- How to apply for a research programme
- Postgraduate research student finance
- Postgraduate research degree enquiries
Why research at ARU?
- Why research at ARU?
- Why do a research degree at ARU?
- Health, Performance and Wellbeing
- Safe and Inclusive Communities
- Sustainable Futures
Impact and case studies
- Impact and case studies
- Research news
- Research Excellence Framework
Institutes and centres
- Our research institutes and centres
Business and employers
Develop your business
- Funding opportunities
- Innovation and business support
- Arise Innovation Hubs
- Conference and meeting room hire
Develop your people
- Short courses and CPD
- Degree Apprenticeships for employers
- PhDs at work
Student and graduate talent
- Access our student and graduate talent
- Advertise graduate jobs and internships
- Making social impact - SHoKE
- Work with students on business projects
- Work placements for ARU students
Case studies and news
- Working with ARU – Case studies
- Contact us and sign up for our newsletter
Alumni and supporters
Recent graduates
- Your graduation ceremony
- College celebration events
Alumni
- Alumni stories
- Alumni benefits and services
- Career development
- Opportunities for alumni to get involved
Supporters
- Support ARU
- Supporting our people
- Ways to give
News
Events at ARU
About us
Legal
- Governance
- Writtle College governance
History and values
- ARU in the community
- Our history
- Our vision and values
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Sustainability
- New Spaces
Jobs
- Jobs at ARU
BA (Hons) Visual Effects
Course options
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with placement
Key facts
- STUDY OPTIONS 3 years
- START DATES September 2026
- LOCATION Chelmsford
- ENTRY UCAS code: I700
- FEES
- £9,535 UK students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
- £16,700 International students starting 2025/26 (full-time, per year)
Teaching and assessment
Year 1
- Introduction to 3D Art
- Introduction to Procedural Content Creation
- Introduction to Realtime Procedural Content Creation
- Materials and Texturing Techniques
- Into ARU
Year 2
- Advanced Procedural Content Creation
- Digital Practice for Technical Art
- Realtime VFX Techniques
Year 3
- Major Project
Facilities
- State-of-the-art workstation PCs
- Software and tools such as SideFX Houdini, Blender, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine 4, Pixologic ZBrush and Substance
- Wacom creative pen tablets
- VR headsets
- 16-camera motion capture system
Careers
- 82% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level
- Opportunities for internships and work placements with industry partners
- Graduates can work in technical art, procedural content creation, and visual effects
Entry requirements
- 96 UCAS Tariff points
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English
- If English is not your first language, you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification
Fees and paying for university
- Tuition fees for UK students: £9,535 per year
- Tuition fees for international students: £16,700 per year
- Living costs: £7,000-£9,000 per year
- Maintenance Loan available for UK students
- Scholarships and bursaries available for international and European students
Apply
- Register your interest
- Contact our Admissions team
- Talk to a student
Program Outline
Outline:
- Year 1:
- Introduction to 3D Art
- Introduction to Procedural Content Creation
- Introduction to Realtime Procedural Content Creation
- Materials and Texturing Techniques
- Year 2:
- Advanced Procedural Content Creation
- Digital Practice for Technical Art
- Realtime VFX Techniques
- Year 3:
- Major Project
Assessment:
- Live briefs from industry partners
- Non-destructive procedural techniques
- Documentation of thought processes, creativity, and solutions
- Online learning systems
- State-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs, software, and equipment
- Expert staff with industry experience
- Collaboration with students from other creative disciplines
Careers:
- Technical artist
- Procedural content creator
- Technical director
- Opportunities in visual effects, video games, and other content-creation fields
Other:
- Students will work with industry partners on live briefs.
- Students will have opportunities to attend industry events, such as Gamebridge.
- Graduates will have a strong portfolio of work to showcase their skills and specialisms.
Tuition fees and student loans for UK students (2024/25)
- £9,250 UK students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- Tuition fees for international students (2024/25)
- £15,900 International students starting 2024/25 (full-time, per year)
- You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in two instalments. We will ask for a deposit of £4,000 or a sponsorship letter
Overview:
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a global university with students from 185 countries. It is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial approach to education and research. ARU has been recognized as the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023 and has received a Gold award for the quality of its education in the Teaching Excellence Framework.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context mentions that ARU is committed to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and communities. It also highlights the university's focus on providing outstanding facilities and opportunities for student growth.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Ambition:
ARU is academically ambitious for its students and strives to provide high-quality education.Excellence:
ARU is ranked in the top 15% of universities in the UK for graduate employment and has been recognized for its excellence in education, social work, and sports science.Collaboration:
ARU fosters collaboration between students, businesses, and partners, and its courses are recognized by industry and professionally accredited.Impact:
ARU conducts impactful research that addresses pressing issues and makes a difference in the community.Enterprise:
ARU encourages entrepreneurship and provides mentorship, support, and start-up funding through the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy.Enthusiasm:
ARU's can-do attitude and infectious enthusiasm set it apart from other universities.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that ARU offers a wide range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research, college courses, apprenticeships, short courses, and distance learning programs. It also highlights the university's commitment to providing career-ready graduates.
Other:
The context mentions that ARU has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough, and Writtle. It also highlights the university's commitment to sustainability, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Entry Requirements:
- 96 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English.
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.