CGI and Visual Effects

Study options

Award

BSc (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code:
W614
UCAS code:
W613
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Location:
Stoke-on-Trent campus
Study option:
Full-time
Study option:
Full-time, with a placement year
Study option:
Part-time
Duration:
3 Years
Duration:
4 Years
Duration:
6 Years
Start date:
23 September 2024

Outstanding equipment

Includes Motion Capture Studio and Virtual Production Suite, as well as a partnership with Houdini

Industry-ready

Prepare a professional showreel, gain practical experience and receive tips to help get into the booming VFX industry

Staff expertise

You’ll be taught by academics with lots of industry experience

Whether creating explosions, infernos or a whole battalion of soldiers on the battlefield, you’ll have an action-packed time with us.

Our BSc (Hons) in CGI and Visual Effects will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX industry, which offers a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

The course also covers virtual production, which uses technologies like computer-generated imagery (CGI) and AR to create realistic environments on virtual sets. Inside our Virtual Production Suite, for instance, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs.

And as one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department. It could involve filmmaking, animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. There’s also an introduction to technical art, including how to generate terrain and populate environments, alongside dynamics and simulation creating CG fire, water and abstract effects.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on visual effects and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

 

Our BSc (Hons) in CGI and Visual Effects will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX industry, which offers a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

The course also covers virtual production, which uses technologies like computer-generated imagery (CGI) and AR to create realistic environments on virtual sets. Inside our Virtual Production Suite, for instance, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs.

And as one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department. It could involve filmmaking, animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. There’s also an introduction to technical art, including how to generate terrain and populate environments, alongside dynamics and simulation creating CG fire, water and abstract effects.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on visual effects and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

 

Our BSc (Hons) in CGI and Visual Effects will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX industry, which offers a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

The course also covers virtual production, which uses technologies like computer-generated imagery (CGI) and AR to create realistic environments on virtual sets. Inside our Virtual Production Suite, for instance, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs.

And as one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department. It could involve filmmaking, animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. There’s also an introduction to technical art, including how to generate terrain and populate environments, alongside dynamics and simulation creating CG fire, water and abstract effects.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on visual effects and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects

Course content

Your first year will see you get to grips with the foundations of CGI and VFX. You’ll be introduced to software such as Maya, Nuke and the Substance suite of tools. You will learn how to build 3D models and apply textures and lighting to your results. You will learn about Compositing including fundamental skills of rotoscoping, plate cleanup, green screen removal, digital makeup and 3D integration with filmed footage. You will learn about the film making process, what to think about on set, how to record data during a shoot for later use. You will learn technical photography, how to capture HDRI panoramic images and how to track footage to allow the integration with CG objects.

In your second year you are introduced to the concept of 'Technical Art', and all the areas of CG and VFX that benefit from a deeper technical understanding. We introduce you to Houdini, which we are one of only a few schools in the UK certified for teaching this software. We will develop your 3D skills by introducing you to terrain generation and populating environments with details such as plants and rocks. You will learn to create tools that generate 3D models automatically. You will learn about dynamics and simulation - how to create CG fire, water and destruction effects and then moving on to abstract effects and motion graphics. We show you how to script in Python, allowing you to automate processes and create small tools for the programs you used in your first year. We also teach you 'rigging' the process of creating control structures for CG creatures and vehicles. After all the other modules have completed you will take your new skills and work together as a group on a project brief.

In your final year, you’ll complete an individual research-based project and portfolio piece that will become the cornerstone of the showreel that you’ll take out to industry. You also take part in another group project, to show employers that you are familiar with the requirements of working in a team. Finally we will teach you about becoming more employable in the games and VFX industries and give you guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

After the second year of study, students on our placement year will complete 12 months of relevant work experience.

Your first year will see you get to grips with the foundations of CGI and VFX. You’ll be introduced to software such as Maya, Nuke and the Substance suite of tools. You will learn how to build 3D models and apply textures and lighting to your results. You will learn about Compositing including fundamental skills of rotoscoping, plate cleanup, green screen removal, digital makeup and 3D integration with filmed footage. You will learn about the film making process, what to think about on set, how to record data during a shoot for later use. You will learn technical photography, how to capture HDRI panoramic images and how to track footage to allow the integration with CG objects.

In your second year you are introduced to the concept of 'Technical Art', and all the areas of CG and VFX that benefit from a deeper technical understanding. We introduce you to Houdini, which we are one of only a few schools in the UK certified for teaching this software. We will develop your 3D skills by introducing you to terrain generation and populating environments with details such as plants and rocks. You will learn to create tools that generate 3D models automatically. You will learn about dynamics and simulation - how to create CG fire, water and destruction effects and then moving on to abstract effects and motion graphics. We show you how to script in Python, allowing you to automate processes and create small tools for the programs you used in your first year. We also teach you 'rigging' the process of creating control structures for CG creatures and vehicles. After all the other modules have completed you will take your new skills and work together as a group on a project brief.

In your final year, you’ll complete an individual research-based project and portfolio piece that will become the cornerstone of the showreel that you’ll take out to industry. You also take part in another group project, to show employers that you are familiar with the requirements of working in a team. Finally we will teach you about becoming more employable in the games and VFX industries and give you guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

After the second year of study, students on our placement year will complete 12 months of relevant work experience.

Your first year will see you get to grips with the foundations of CGI and VFX. You’ll be introduced to software such as Maya, Nuke and the Substance suite of tools. You will learn how to build 3D models and apply textures and lighting to your results. You will learn about Compositing including fundamental skills of rotoscoping, plate cleanup, green screen removal, digital makeup and 3D integration with filmed footage. You will learn about the film making process, what to think about on set, how to record data during a shoot for later use. You will learn technical photography, how to capture HDRI panoramic images and how to track footage to allow the integration with CG objects.

In your second year you are introduced to the concept of 'Technical Art', and all the areas of CG and VFX that benefit from a deeper technical understanding. We introduce you to Houdini, which we are one of only a few schools in the UK certified for teaching this software. We will develop your 3D skills by introducing you to terrain generation and populating environments with details such as plants and rocks. You will learn to create tools that generate 3D models automatically. You will learn about dynamics and simulation - how to create CG fire, water and destruction effects and then moving on to abstract effects and motion graphics. We show you how to script in Python, allowing you to automate processes and create small tools for the programs you used in your first year. We also teach you 'rigging' the process of creating control structures for CG creatures and vehicles. After all the other modules have completed you will take your new skills and work together as a group on a project brief.

In your final year, you’ll complete an individual research-based project and portfolio piece that will become the cornerstone of the showreel that you’ll take out to industry. You also take part in another group project, to show employers that you are familiar with the requirements of working in a team. Finally we will teach you about becoming more employable in the games and VFX industries and give you guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

After the second year of study, students on our placement year will complete 12 months of relevant work experience.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

The course operates on a modular basis that provides flexibility and choice. Typically the majority of modules are 30 academic credits with a smaller number of 15 credit modules. Each credit taken equates to a total study time of around 10 hours. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity. Full-time students take modules worth 60 credits per semester, with part-time students taking proportionately fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for the course and your degree classification are based on the marks obtained for modules taken at levels 5 and 6. The full-time course has one start point in September.

CGI and VFX Showreel 2020

CGI and VFX Showreel 2020

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Check out our latest CGI and VFX showreel.

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Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Compositing For Visual Effects 30 credits
Digital Photography For Vfx 30 credits
Introduction To Cgi 30 credits
Production Skills For Visual Effects 30 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
3D Modelling For Vfx 30 credits
3D Rigging For Animation 15 credits
Dynamics And Simulation For Vfx 30 credits
Junior Vfx Project 15 credits
Scripting Concepts For Vfx 15 credits
Visualisations 15 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Employability For Visual Effects And Games 15 credits
Fx Portfolio Project 30 credits
Fx Research Project 30 credits
Lighting Techniques 15 credits
Senior Vfx Project 30 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Digital Compositing For Visual Effects 30 credits
Digital Photography For Vfx 30 credits
Introduction To Cgi 30 credits
Production Skills For Visual Effects 30 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Digital Compositing For Visual Effects 30 credits
Digital Photography For Vfx 30 credits
Introduction To Cgi 30 credits
Production Skills For Visual Effects 30 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
3D Modelling For Vfx 30 credits
3D Rigging For Animation 15 credits
Dynamics And Simulation For Vfx 30 credits
Junior Vfx Project 15 credits
Scripting Concepts For Vfx 15 credits
Visualisations 15 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
3D Modelling For Vfx 30 credits
3D Rigging For Animation 15 credits
Dynamics And Simulation For Vfx 30 credits
Junior Vfx Project 15 credits
Scripting Concepts For Vfx 15 credits
Visualisations 15 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Year 5 compulsory modules
Employability For Visual Effects And Games 15 credits
Fx Portfolio Project 30 credits
Fx Research Project 30 credits
Lighting Techniques 15 credits
Senior Vfx Project 30 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Year 6 compulsory modules
Employability For Visual Effects And Games 15 credits
Fx Portfolio Project 30 credits
Fx Research Project 30 credits
Lighting Techniques 15 credits
Senior Vfx Project 30 credits

Entry requirements

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

VFX students shine at industry awards

News

A trio of visual effects students from Staffordshire University have been recognised at the Domeble Symetri Student Awards

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

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Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Careers

Our graduates have seen incredible industry success. Former students have worked on major films like Avengers: End Game, The Lion King and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

Staffordshire University alumni can be found working for some of the best CGI and VFX houses in the world, including MPC, Double Negative, Framestore, Outpost, Random42, Pennant International and many more.

The skills you learn on the Visual Effects and Virtual Production degree will be suited to work across film, television, animation, advertising and the games industry.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Visual Effects and CGI

Visual Effects and CGI

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Find out what's involved in Visual Effects and CGI undergraduate degrees at Staffordshire University.

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Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and laboratory practicals. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups of around 16-18 students. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your personal tutor at least twice a year. You will be taught in first-class learning spaces throughout your course. Many of our courses are accredited or recognised by professional, statutory or regulatory bodies.

Assessment

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performance, presentations, final year, independent project and written examinations. The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management). Our Student Enabling Centre supports students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment, or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Motion Capture Studio Tour

Motion Capture Studio Tour

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Join our Technical Specialist Conor-Jack for a tour of our new and improved Motion Capture Studio.

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Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements. A typical composition of study time for this course is:

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

10% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
90% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

When not attending lectures, seminars, laboratory or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of laboratories and performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

0% practical assessments
100% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Mel Lee

Senior Lecturer

Mel is a senior lecturer with in the department of Media & Performance. She is a post-production editor and artist as well as an active researcher.

Mel's profile

Benjamin Beard

Lecturer

Full-time lecturer in CGI and Visual Effects, specialising in production, cinematography, chromakeying and digital compositing.

Fees

For the course starting on 23 September 2024 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

International students: Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course, as long as you complete it in the normal time-frame (i.e. no repeat years or breaks in study).

BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects: On location

BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects: On location

Video

Discover what happens when our BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects students shoot their short films on location.

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Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by visiting: www.gov.uk

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Our students

I can’t sing the praises of my lecturers and the staff on my course enough.

The facilities at Staffs are second to none. They have top spec computers in all of the rooms in the Cadman building which means that you can always find a place to get on with your work. They also have the top licenses which means we get experience with industry level software. This proved incredibly useful when looking for a job as it meant that I had the experience necessary to get straight to work!

I can’t sing the praises of my lecturers and the staff on my course enough. Dan McCarthy has been one of the most supportive people during my time at university and I really do thank him for my growth as an artist as he pushed me and always offered me great feedback on my work. And finally, Anthony Martin was super helpful in my final year. He helped teach me so much about lighting and camera tricks.

I currently work for Triadic Labs who create CG interiors and exteriors of properties to give their consumers a fully immersive experience.

 

Sam Cassidy

BSc (Hons) CGI and Visual Effects

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 23 September 2024 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Have you considered?

Animation BA (Hons)

Study options
Full-time
Foundation year
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021