Computer Animation and Visual Effects

Program Overview

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Computer Animation and Visual Effects BSc (Hons)

Overview

Get set for a career in areas such as 3D animation, TV and film visual effects, and the computer games industry with this Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree.

Key Information

UCAS Code:

II15, II16

Typical Offer:

112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent

Study Mode and Duration:

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich with work placement
• 4 years with foundation year
• 5 years sandwich with foundation year and work placement

Start Date:

• September 2025

Course Information

Overview

The UK's animation and visual effects (VFX) industry leads the world in producing blockbuster visuals for entertainment media, reinventing their technical and creative capabilities. With indie talent also thriving in the South Coast, there’s no better place to start your visual effects career than at Portsmouth.

Our Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree course will help you build skills in key areas such as concept drawing, 3D animation, physics-based simulation, and compositing, with guidance from a team of industry experts from across the entertainment and advertising sectors. Using our spectacular facilities, software and equipment, you'll enhance your artistic and technical expertise and improve your research skills in the technology you'll work with, which is vital to your development as an all-round artist.

You can also specialise and develop your professional portfolio through placement opportunities, client projects and the modules you’ll choose from second year.

Transform yourself into an exceptional VFX artist, producer, animator, and stagecrafter at Portsmouth – ready to take the creative and communication industries by storm.

Course Highlights

• Maximise your creativity and learning by using world-class facilities like our Motion Capture Studio and Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality – housing the most advanced cinematic-standard equipment and virtual production suites of any university
• Familiarise yourself with professional software used in the industry, including NUKEX, Maya, 3DS Max, ZBrush, Houdini, Katana and Mari
• Learn from a team of experts who are industry leaders across various entertainment and communication sectors, including film, animation, advertising and computer games
• Collaborate with other students on other courses by getting involved in our annual University GameJam
• Gain valuable industry experience by taking an optional placement
• Take advantage of our strong industry links to build professional contacts, such as attending guest speaker lectures and the chance to win sponsored prizes for your final year project
• Improve your language skills by studying a foreign language as part of the Institute-Wide Language Programme (IWLP)
• Opt to do a foundation year with ICP to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by SideFX as a Houdini Certified School.

We also work with visual effects studios, game developers and professional bodies such as TIGA (The Independent Games Association) to make sure the course stays up-to-date with industry trends.

In 2021, the University of Portsmouth was awarded Best Educational Institution at the TIGA Games Industry Awards.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements (September 2025 start)

• A levels - BBB-BBC
• UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
• T-levels - Merit
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
• International Baccalaureate - 25

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

Selection Process

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) direct entry applicants will need a portfolio of work to support their application.

For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our BSc (Hons) Computer Animation with Visual Effects portfolio guide.

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Facilities and Specialist Kit

Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)

Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind.

Motion Capture Studio

Learn how to use the same professional motion capture equipment used in the VR, game design, and film industries.

Virtual Reality Lab

Our VR lab boasts the latest immersive and interactive technologies used by the ever-evolving VR industry.

Wacom Studio

Design eye-catching illustrations, animations, and layouts in our 20-seat PC studio with industry-leading Wacom Cintiq widescreen graphics tablets.

Equipment Loan Stores

Whatever your work, you can borrow computers and professional-standard film, photography, lighting, and performance equipment from our loan stores in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries.

Careers and Opportunities

The computer animation and VFX industry continues to grow as volume demand increases and increasingly complex effects require innovations in technologies and workflows. The sector’s unique fusion of art (in its traditional and modern forms and techniques) and science (via the advanced hardware and software used) offers fascinating career, research, and education enhancement opportunities for graduates.

London is home to six of the world's largest award-winning visual effects companies, many of whom we have strong industry connections with, and independent effects studios are emerging in the southeast of England. Our Master's degrees in Creative Technologies and Computer Animation are natural progressions for graduates who wish to research more into the science behind their skills.

Graduate Roles

Many of our graduates have worked in roles such as:

• Serial riggers
• Animators
• Motion capture technicians
• Stagecrafter
• Freelance artists

Graduate Destinations

Many of our graduates have worked at either the University of Portsmouth or multi-award-winning special effects companies behind some of the biggest film and television franchises in the world. These include:

• Industrial Light & Magic (The Mandalorian, The Irishman, Black Panther)
• Moving Picture Company (1917, The Lion King)
• Double Negative (DNEG) (Tenet, Chernobyl, Blade Runner 2049, Black Mirror, Ex Machina)
• Milk VFX (Ex Machina, Doctor Who, Sherlock)
• Framestore (Blade Runner 2049, The Midnight Sky, Guardians of the Galaxy 2: Marvel)

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.

Foundation Year

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.

• You'll study with our partners ICP on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
• When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects
• Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
• Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university

Find out more about our foundation years with ICP

Core Modules

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Business Studies - 10 credits

On this module, you'll explore fundamental aspects of business and the business evaluation process.

You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business. Topics covered include core concepts in business studies, understanding the business environment, different forms of business structures, business strategy and planning, enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You'll also delve into basic financial statements, key financial ratios, costs, budgeting, an introduction to marketing concepts, and creating marketing plans.

Design Concepts - 20 credits

This Design Concepts module attempts to engage students starting to conceptualise design solutions to simple engineering problems, employing suitable engineering principles as well as communicating the key aspects of their designs through visual presentation and discussion.

You'll focused on developing student ability to translate ideas to hand drawings and sketches as an important part of the design process. Successful completion of this module indicates that you will have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic Design Concepts knowledge and skills.

Collect, assess and evaluate a variety of data required to undertake a design project.

Understand the structure of the design through transformation and convergent stages. The principal phases from consideration of market need through specification, conceptual designs, feasibility, detail design to manufacture, modification, development, use and retirement.

ICT Skills - 10 credits

The ICT Skills module offers a current overview of the tech landscape and equips you with essential skills in using productivity software and internet applications.

The module introduces candidates to the interesting challenges that ICT presents today and covers many anchor points that may serve as a bridge to their interests and lifestyles.

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication - 20 credits

When you complete this module successfully, you'll have a solid understanding and can use both the theory and practical skills you need for degree level study.

It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.

Maths for Science and Computing - 20 credits

This module supports engineering, mathematics, science, and related fields as a foundation for advanced mathematics study.

Completing this module demonstrates a strong understanding and application of essential mathematical skills.

New Media and Digital Cultures - 15 credits

This module has been designed to provide the basis to further study of contemporary media culture and enhance conceptual and critical thinking.

Successful completion of this module indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to understand and rationalise aspects of emerging New Media; and indicates that students have obtained a good understanding of and ability to apply the requisite basic understanding and critical thinking skills to enable them to proceed to a range of programmes at the University.

Programming Concepts - 10 credits

You will learn the foundation for studying natural laws and developing conceptual thinking.

Completing this module will allow you to demonstrate a strong understanding of programming concepts and the ability to apply basic programming knowledge and skills.

Research Methods, Critical Thinking and Expression - 15 credits

This module has been designed to prepare students with an underpinning knowledge and skills in research methods, critical thinking and expression.

The module will give students the basic tools to conduct research using either qualitative or quantitative methodologies.

It will also enhance comprehension and interpretation of the mechanics of argumentation; the ability to effectively evaluate the rationale of argument and evidence to support claims; assess the credibility of sources made in claims; and formulate and deliver both verbally and in writing well-structured and critically reasoned arguments and opinions.

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees (September 2025 start)

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)

Additional Course Costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs
• Final year project
• Equipment costs
• Student Enterprise module
• Coach trips

Apply

September 2025 start

To start BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – II15
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

To start BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects with Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

• the UCAS course code – II16
• our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

• Apply direct for September 2025 entry.

Please note this foundation year with ICP isn't currently open to EU or International students.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

• Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
• Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
• Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Other Courses You Might Like

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• BSc Hons Creative Media Technologies
• BA Hons / BSc Hons Creative Computing