Visual Effects (VFX) BA (Hons)
Study level: Undergraduate
The BA (Hons) Visual Effects (VFX) course is a hands-on, intensive learning experience for those wanting to develop a career in this vibrant area of the creative industries. You will work with industry standard software to develop content for film, broadcast, games, advertising, and virtual media.
Year of entry
2023-24
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Full-time
Sandwich
Duration
3 years full-time
4 years sandwich
Course code
W614
Start date
September 2023
Course overview
On the Visual Effects course at Coventry University you will gain experience of:
- Developing 3D assets for Film, Television and Games
- Working with complex VFX pipelines to produce engaging content
- Using high-end facilities and kit in a future facing creative environment

Global Ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
This course has been developed with input from leading practitioners in this rapidly growing field. A key focus of the course is on developing students’ technical, creative and professional skills across a variety of industry recognised roles: including 2D artist, roto artist, junior compositor, colourist, FX TD and more.
Across the first two years of the course you will study a range of subject-specific and transferable skills.
- These will include sculpting, UV texturing and projection mapping, hard surface modelling, rendering and the use of different render passes, mattes, keys, tracking and rotoscoping. You will also gain an appreciation of production logistics such as effective planning and project management, and legislative issues such as copyright, confidentiality agreements, GDPR and intellectual property, through to the importance of using appropriate naming conventions and version control.
- Alongside the technical requirements of various media you will also study the history, origins, and theoretical contexts of visual effects in film, animation, and interactive media, and the nuances of these media across such disciplines. Throughout the course we aim to give you opportunities to contribute to, for example industry briefs, competitions, festivals, and hackathons to gain a real-time experience of working for companies and clients2. In the final year of the course you will have the opportunity to specialise in either 2D or 3D to facilitate your progression toward industry.
- You will have access to a range of digital film cameras, lighting, audio recording equipment and industry-standard software, as well as the use of television, film, greenscreen, and immersive studios, to enable you to produce high-quality visual effects (subject to availability). Your learning will take place in purpose facilities that embody the immersive potential of emerging media and are supported by high profile industry professionals4.
- You will have opportunities to learn and work on projects with students from other courses in the School of Media and Performing Arts. These collaborative opportunities are a defining feature of your learning experience and place you in an advantageous position in developing your skills and employability on graduating2.
What you'll study
This course has a common first year.
The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.
If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, so upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Once you learn more about your industry, you’ll be more prepared and more clued up on how you may want to progress your education.
Common first year courses
- Animation BA (Hons)
- Digital Media BA (Hons)
- Games Art BA (Hons)
- Games Design and Development BA (Hons)
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
The course will be delivered using a variety of methods including face to face workshops and lectures, and some online digital content such as guest speakers from industry.
Teaching methods will include:
- lectures
- seminars
- technical workshops
- studio projects
- industry talks
Course resources are stored on the university’s Virtual Learning environment (VLE), which is currently called AULA, where you will be able to access a range of digital resources such as learning materials, worksheets, talks, module handbooks and assignment briefs. The VLE also has an in-built chat function where you cane message academics directly about your work.
Teaching contact hours
We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:
- On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
- Group work
- Self-directed learning
- Work placement opportunities2
The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the first and second year dropping to around 10-12 contact hours per week in the third and final year as you become a more independent learner.
Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 15 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.
Part of university life is undertaking self-directed learning. During a typical week you will have time that allows you to work independently to apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt in taught or facilitated sessions to your projects or assignment briefs. This self-directed learning allows you to use your research skills, consolidate your knowledge or undertake collaborative group work.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
In general assessment methods can include:
- Essays
- Group work
- Presentations
- Reports
- Projects
- Coursework
- Exams
- Individual Assignments
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
International experiences on the course will be offered in terms of overseas trips to top film and technology destinations such as Vancouver and Tokyo, and closer to home in Europe in places like the Czech Republic and Hungary2.
Anticipated course visits can potentially include tours of VFX and television studios in Canada, the phenomenal 180-degree 3D cinema at the Miraiken in Tokyo and many more outstanding locations relevant to your future career in VFX.
Entry requirements
Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.
Fees and funding
2023/24 tuition fees.
Student | Full-time | Part-time |
---|---|---|
UK | £9,250 per year | Not available |
International | £19,850 per year | Not available |
If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.
For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.
The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
- Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad)
-
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.
If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.
Facilities
Coventry University is home to superb facilities and the new Delia Derbyshire Arts and Humanities building is planned to open in 2023. The course itself is based in the Ellen Terry building (a former art deco cinema) and has access to a range of cutting edge resources such as a new film studio, immersive studios, greenscreen and a motion capture suite. We have a well-stocked Media Loan Shop where you can borrow an extensive range of specialist, professional equipment, including 4K and HD video cameras, DSLR cameras, tripods, audio equipment and lighting4.

The Tank
On selected courses, you’ll have access to our on-site television studio The Tank, offering specialist equipment such as large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre-optic wiring throughout.

Media Loan Shop
Our media loan shop provides you with access to all the equipment and support you need to excel in your studies – from basic audio recorders, to professional cameras and expert advice from our technicians.

Arts and Humanities Building
We are currently in the process of a major redevelopment of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities buildings. The building will be open to the public, as well as students, and will feature an expansive gallery space.
Careers and opportunities
This course has been written in direct consultation with industry to ensure that our graduates have the necessary skills upon graduation to apply for entry-level jobs in VFX.
- The course has been written in accordance with the sector skills training council’s consultation on the Core Skills of VFX, and to comply with National Occupational Standards for both VFX and in Film and Television.
- On successful completion of the course, you will have significant knowledge of both 2D and 3D workflows, the software used to develop cutting-edge visual effects, and the ability to work collaboratively or alone to tight production deadlines.
- During the third year of the course you will get to specialise further in areas such as coding or app development, and in unique disciplines such as hair, cloth and fur artist, or on-set VFX supervisor.
As a visual effects graduate you can look forward to a rich and engaging career in one of the UK’s most exciting industries.
UK talent has in recent years produced visual effects for films such as Gravity, Wonder Woman, and the acclaimed television series Chernobyl.
Typically graduates from the School of Media and Performing Arts have gone on to work on Hollywood blockbusters, as VFX supervisors, for the BBC, for local editing and postproduction companies, and for prestigious London-based advertising agencies.
Further study
You can choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the new Film and Media Production MA.
You may also be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study.
How to apply
-
UK students
Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 can apply for this course through UCAS from 6 September 2022. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
International students
International codes:
AHU097Full-time students applying to start in September 2023 should apply directly to the university.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form
-
Disclaimers
Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
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