Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects
Overview
The BA (Hons) Animation and Visual Effects course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in the animation and visual effects industry. The course focuses on developing industry-relevant skills and techniques, while also exploring research-informed creative practice, critical thinking, and graduate employability.
Course Structure
The course is structured to evolve students' skills progressively, starting with foundational knowledge, advancing to specialized techniques, and culminating in a final project that showcases their unique artistic voice.
Year One
- Animation and VFX Pipelines: Gain a fundamental understanding of studio pipeline production.
- Digital Narrative and Concept: Develop and enhance generalist skills in creating dynamic characters and constructing interactive scenarios.
- Virtual Stagecraft: Learn to manipulate and augment real-world footage using digital computer-generated imagery.
- Cultural Contexts: Explore the cultural, historical, and social contexts of creative work.
- Collaborative Practice: Develop skills in effective discussion, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and team-working.
Year Two
- Script, Storyboard & Previs: Introduce concepts and techniques in visual storytelling and preproduction for animation design and VFX.
- Experimental Narrative & Concept: Explore and experiment with visual form and break down traditional ways of making and conceptualizing projects.
- Animation and VFX Cinematography: Prepare for the creative and professional challenges of real-world practical effects and animation.
- Shot to Screen: Adapt a pre-existing story form into animated and digitally recreated scenes.
- Professional Development: Develop skills in industry-led live briefs, project development, and team projects.
Year Three
- Research Brief: Carry out research and preproduction for graduate production, consolidating learning from the course.
- Production Review: Prepare for the creative and professional challenges of pitching an elemental idea or production concept to a professional audience.
- Professional Studio Project: Consolidate practical and conceptual skills to create a project that reflects contemporary thinking, industry practice, and discrete subject skill sets.
- Festivals & Exhibition: Perfect skills necessary to identify and successfully engage with the media industries post-graduation.
Teaching & Assessment
The course will be delivered via a blended approach, using a range of contemporary teaching approaches that offer students the freedom to access course materials at the time of their choice. Teaching activities and tools include:
- Video lectures
- Podcast-style lectures
- Interactive Flipped Classroom (with Gamification at its core)
- Practical workshop and masterclasses
- Screening of work
- Production tasks
- Small group seminars
- 1:2:1 tutorial
- Team projects
Assessment types include:
- Module Work Book, bespoke eBooks (electronic handbooks and project record/document)
- Presentations/Pitching
- Seminars & Project Surgeries
- Review of portfolio/blog/screenings of ‘dailies’
Entry Requirements
- 104-120 UCAS Tariff Points
- A-levels: BCC-BBB
- T-levels: P (C+) – M
- Access to HE: 30 Credits at Distinction, 6 at Merit and 9 at Pass
- CACHE Technical Level 3 and Level 3 Extended Diploma: B
- OCR Cambridge Technical & Edexcel/Pearson BTEC Level 3 (National) Extended Diploma: MMM - DDM
- Scottish Highers: BBBC - AABB
- Irish LC Highers: B1, B2x3 – A2, B1x3
Tuition Fees
- £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
- £14,900 - International (2025-2026)
Additional Costs
- Books: £50 - £100 per year
- Stationery: £30 - £40 per year
Location
- Carlisle - Brampton Road Campus
Institute
- Institute of Education, Arts and Society
UCAS Code
- W286
Delivery Style
- In-Person
Course Duration
- Full-time: 3 Years
Course Start Point
- September
Award
- BA (Hons)
University of Cumbria
Overview:
University of Cumbria is a public university located in the northwest of England. It is known for its focus on practical learning and its commitment to supporting local communities. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including health, education, arts, science, and business.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Access to academic staff, student finance advice, and accommodation services.Student Life:
A vibrant campus experience with facilities, student support, and opportunities for extracurricular activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa guidance, fees and finance information, and cultural integration support.Research:
Opportunities for postgraduate study and engagement in research projects across various fields.Business & Employer Services:
Support for businesses and employers, including CPD training, apprenticeship programs, and recruitment services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
University of Cumbria offers a diverse campus experience with multiple locations across Cumbria and London. Students can expect:
Beautiful Campuses:
Campuses located in scenic areas, including the Lake District and historic Carlisle.Community Focus:
A strong sense of community with opportunities to engage in local initiatives and events.Facilities:
Access to modern facilities, including libraries, labs, studios, and sports centers.Student Support:
A dedicated student support team providing guidance and assistance with academic, personal, and financial matters.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
Emphasis on practical skills development and real-world experience through placements and internships.Strong Industry Links:
Close partnerships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.Focus on Employability:
High graduate employment rates, with a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers.Unique Locations:
Campuses located in inspiring and diverse settings, offering a unique learning experience.Academic Programs:
University of Cumbria offers a wide range of academic programs, with strengths in the following areas:
Health:
Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Radiography, and Health and Social Care.Education:
Teacher Training, Early Years Education, and Special Educational Needs.Arts:
Film, Theatre, Photography, Fine Art, and Creative and Media Arts.Science and Environment:
Wildlife Conservation, Forestry, Outdoor Education, and Environmental Science.Business and Leadership:
Business Management, Tourism, Law, Forensics, and Policing.Sport and Rehabilitation:
Sports Science, Sports Coaching, and Rehabilitation.Other:
The university is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has received various accreditations for its commitment to these values. It also actively participates in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and has a strong focus on knowledge exchange and impact.