Program Overview

Motion Capture for the Creative Industries

Overview

This one-year course will equip you with the foundational skills you need to be a technician and operator of motion capture technology. Motion Capture is used extensively across games, film, and animation, as well as applications in health and sports science.

Course Details

The course covers the essential practical and technical processes involved in motion capture technology. It provides the ‘back end’ production skills delivered from equipment setup to delivery of motion data and projects around real, industry-led briefs.

• Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
• Duration: One year or Two years
• Next Enrolment: September 2026

Introduction

Do you want to learn how to turn performers’ movements into digital avatars? Do you want to learn this in relation to the gaming and creative industries? This one-year course will equip you with the foundational skills you need.

What is a 'CertHE'?

A Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) at Level 4 is awarded after one year of full-time study at university. Our CertHE programmes are hands-on and practical, with flexible learning options available so you can choose to study full or part time.

You Will:

• Study how to be an effective technician.
• Learn how to assemble, calibrate, and use equipment.
• Capture motion data.
• Apply that data within gaming engines.
• Learn how to be an effective member of a technical team.
• Study technical standards appropriate to the discipline.

This is for You If...

1. You are technically minded and love film, games, and animation.
2. You want to study hands-on skills that are applied to new technologies.
3. You are fascinated by combining live action with computer-generated visuals.

Course Structure

• Year One:
  • Intro to Motion Capture
  • The Data Pipeline
  • Game Engine Fundamentals
  • Game Engine Practices
  • Intro to Motion Technology
  • Motion Capture Technical Project

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as presentations, technical reports, and live, industry-aligned practical exercises.

Be Part of a Creative, Supportive Community

This course is delivered by the Salford School of Arts, Media, and Creative Technology. Our focus is to ensure that you have the skills you need to pursue your dreams, and we encourage our students, past and present, to collaborate with each other and achieve great things.

Employment and Stats

Motion Capture is a growing art form and used across TV, Film, Games, Animation, Live Experiences, and even in the health sectors. There are opportunities for you to be a specialist in this technology and the skills that prepare you for a future as a technician in these industries.

Career Links

We have consulted with Cloud Imperium Games and Dock 10, who are both based in Manchester & Salford and continue to consult with industry to input into the design of the programme from the ground up.

Requirements

• GCSE: English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent) is required. Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
• UCAS Tariff Points: 72 points
• A Level: 72 points
• BTEC Extended Diploma: MMP
• Scottish Highers: 72 points
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 72 points

Alternative Entry Requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

Tuition Fees

• Type of Study: Full-time home
• Year: 2025/26
• Fees: £9,535 per year

Additional Costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits.