BA (Hons) Art of VFX and Virtual Production

Undergraduate Visual Effect and Virtual Production Degree in Manchester

UCAS Code W614

Start Date 14/09/2026

Duration 3 Years full time

UCAS Points 104-120

Places available for September 2026 | Apply Now!

Course Overview

Study BA (Hons) VFX and Virtual Production in Manchester and gain the practical skills needed for careers in film, television, games and digital media. Learn VFX compositing, CGI, 3D modelling, Unreal Engine, motion graphics and virtual production workflows while building an industry-ready showreel.

This course is taught through a dynamic mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, tutorials, studio sessions, and practical projects.

We combine cutting-edge, industry-standard software training with insights drawn from over a century of filmmaking and visual effects practice. You’ll gain experience working with emerging virtual production workflows with a studio-based LED volume, including real-time environment creation, in-camera visual effects, and modern production pipelines used across film, television, and interactive media.

This award is validated by The Open University.

Modules

What will I study?

Compositing for VFX
3D Studies and Modelling
Texture and Lighting
Composition
Rendering
Digital Sculpting
Motion Graphics
Performance Capture
Dynamics & Technical FX
Realtime Asset Creation
Onset Virtual Production

Compositing for VFX (20 credits)

Introduces you to working with industry standard software. You will be introduced to the core 2D compositing skill used by the leading production houses internationally.

Asset Integration & Invisible VFX (20 credits)

Building on the skills learnt in ‘Composting for VFX’, you will focus on how to track real world cameras, gather lighting information, texturing and multipass rendering to invisible composite 3D asset into a filmed plate.

3D for VFX (20 credits)

You will be introduced to the fundamentals of 3D modelling and Animation to enable you to replicate real world objects in industry standard 3D software. You will be introduced to creative and technical skills such as good edge workflow, UV mapping, texturing, lighting and rendering in order to create a 3D turntable artefact, which showcases the beginnings of Photorealism.

Creative Development (20 credits)

This module introduces you to key concepts for working in the creative sector, including the study of visual conventions and narratives, the development of traditional creative skills such as research skills, creative development, storyboard creation, previsualization and the analysis of visual material in terms of aesthetic value and communication content.

Creative Practice (40 credits)

This module builds on work produced as part of ‘Creative Development’, where you will work in small teams to develop concepts to particular briefs and then pitch these for feedback, before going on to develop the concept and deliver the final product as a post visual showcase. The aims are to provide you with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills in production for digital industries.

Digital Environments for Visual Effects and Virtual Production (40 credits)

You will be working as part of a team to replicate a studio project pipeline for VFX. As part of an open brief, you will use creative practices to generate digital environments and environmental FX through a 3D modelling pipeline, on-set virtual production, real-time environment creation, virtual production using Unreal Engine, dynamics, simulation, and visual effects on-set supervision.

Digital Sculpting (20 credits)

This will introduce you to advanced 3D modelling techniques including digital sculpting, hair simulation, texturing, rendering and compositing to creating a likeness of a character from popular media.

Motion Graphics (20 credits)

You will explore the theory, creative and practical development of graphic design in relation motion graphics and as part of user interface development for film, television, and advertising. This will include exploring key graphic design techniques, as well as animation principles, 3D, and simulation-based motion graphics.

Performance Capture (20 credits)

You will be introduced to motion performance-based animation and its integration with an animation ready digital character within a digital environment which takes in to consideration the mise en scene of your creative decisions.

Dynamics & Technical FX (20 credits)

Introduces you to the use particle systems, rigid body dynamics, cloth simulations, fluid simulations, and destruction simulations. This will include research of forces, collisions, friction, and material properties to create realistic-looking simulations. Furthermore, the you will employ evaluation and analysis of creative and technical decisions making.

Advanced Digital Environments and Virtual Production (40 credits)

Building on ‘Digital Environments for Visual Effects and Virtual Production’ with a bias on specialisation you get the chance to negotiate your role in the assessment and are graded accordingly. This is where you can hone your specific research and practical skills to create a group-focused portfolio.

Major Project (40 credits)

This is the module that allows you the freedom to create your own project relating to your chosen area of the industry. This can include collaboration or individual work and is another area where you can enhance your portfolio and employability skills.

Professional Futures (40 credits)

Prepares the you for the world of work in a multitude of ways from career research, networking, how to create a freelance portfolio to the techniques needed to become employable.

Mode of Delivery

Full-time, in-person, on-campus

In-Person Lessons

Typically between 12 and 14 hours a week

Self-study time

Typically between 35 and 40 hours a week

“Futureworks has opened my eyes to the world of VFX, creating an environment to nurture my passion and ready myself for the industry. Tutors at Futureworks hold professionalism at the forefront of learning whilst making classes fun and engaging, also allowing plenty of chances to cooperate with others and bring bigger scale projects to life. Futureworks has grown my confidence and skillset to work in the VFX industry, opening up ample professional opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible on my own.”

Alex Bucknall
BA (Hons) Art of Visual Effects

Careers

Where can this degree take me?

VFX and Virtual Production graduates can lead to a variety of job roles, such as:

Compositors
3D Modellers
R&D
Lighting
Visual Effects Operator

You may end up as a skilled freelancer, working in agencies, or in a film production house! Futureworks graduates have worked on films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Paddington, Robocop and Ronin to name just a few.

Gallery

We are proud to showcase our students work

Click to download the full course information

Have a question for us?

Complete the short form below and we'll be in touch within a few days.

Or click here if you're ready to apply

Entry Requirements

To be considered for this course, you will require 104-120 UCAS points.

This could be gained via a number of qualifications, for example:

BCC or above at A2 Level
DMM or above at Extended Diploma Level
M or above at UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma Level
A proven interest in this area

You can apply for this course by applying directly to Futureworks. Alternatively, you can apply via the UCAS system. The UCAS codes for this course are as follows:-

UCAS Code: W614

Institution Code: F98

If you have any questions please call us  on 0161 214 4602 or email admissions@futureworks.ac.uk

Successful applications will receive an offer directly from Futureworks (and via your UCAS application if you applied through UCAS).

More information on our admissions process can be found in the Student Recruitment and Admissions Policy in the Policy Hub

Academic Regulations | OUVP Student Guide | Programme Specification

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Art of VFX and Virtual Production at Futureworks?

Our Art of VFX and Virtual Production degree combines creative exploration with industry-led learning to help you develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional portfolio needed for a career across the creative industries. You’ll be taught by tutors currently working in the industry who bring professional practice and real-world insights into the classroom, you could even find opportunities to make industry connections as a student!

We have small class sizes, meaning you’ll get lots of individual support, regular feedback and direct access to tutors throughout your studies. At Futureworks, you’re a name, not just a number.

Whether you’re looking to build specialist expertise, develop an industry-ready portfolio or take the next step towards a creative career, a VFX and Virtual Production degree at Futureworks provides a supportive, industry-focused environment for you to grow.

Where have Art of VFX and Virtual Production graduates gone on to work?

Futureworks VFX and Virtual Production graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations across the creative industries. Alumni have secured roles with employers including ILM, Marvel Studios, and Disney. Graduate outcomes vary and depend on factors such as individual experience, portfolio quality, and available opportunities at the time of graduation.

What accommodation options do I have as a Futureworks student?

Manchester has plenty of independent student accommodation providers to choose from!

See our student accommodation guidance and a list of providers here.

What are the course fees?

All of our courses are £9,790 per year for home students, and £17,000 per year for international students.

Read more about fees, funding and student finance options, here.

Do you offer any financial support available to Futureworks students?

Yes! We currently offer four financial support funds to eligible students:

Disability Referral & Assessment Fund
New Students Support Fund
Hardship fund
Open Day & Interview Travel Reimbursement Fund

Read more about these funds and eligibility here.

What student support services does Futureworks have?

At Futureworks, we offer 1-1 pastoral care and a free in-house councelling service for all students. Speak to our Student Wellbeing team about mental health, financial worries, disability support, or anything else that worrying you.

Read more about our Student Wellbeing services here.