Our Art of Visual Effects (VFX) degree is a practical skills-based course tailored directly to the needs of the visual effects, games, and other digital media industries. All our staff are active within the industry and teach you the skills that you’ll need to gain employment after graduating. The course utilises a mix of lectures, hands-on workshops, tutorial classes, studio sessions and practical exercises such as 3D Modelling, Digital Sculpting, 2D & 3D Compositing, Motion Graphics, Motion Performance, Asset integration, Simulation, Dynamics & Technical FX and onset VFX supervision.
The course fuses cutting-edge industry-standard software skills with lessons learned from over a hundred years of filmmaking and visual effects. We teach everything from the ground up; in short, you do not have to have any prior knowledge or tradition artistic skill before joining the course. Our highly skilled team will support you in developing the knowledge and skills you need to thrive in industry.
- Tracking
- Matchmoving
- Rotoscoping
- Masking
- Keying
- Colour Correction
- Colour Grading
- 3D Modelling
- 3D Sculpting
- Camera & Lighting
- Motion Graphics
- Video Editing
- Digital Set Extensions
- Matte Painting
- Texturing
- Lighting
- Rendering
Year 1
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.
Year 2
Studio Project (40 credits)– Youwill be introduced to work as part of a team to replicate studios project pipeline for VFX. As part of an open brief, you will use creative practices to generate digital environments and environmental FX through the use of 3D modelling pipeline, virtual production with the 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) – Youwill 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.
Year 3
Professional Studio Project (40 credits) – Building on Film ‘VFX studio Project’ with a bias on specialisation you get the chance to negotiate your role in the assessment and are graded accordingly. This is where the 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.
Ready to apply? No need to wait for UCAS – you can apply directly to Futureworks now!
Why Choose The Art of Visual Effects Degree at Futureworks?
Whether your ambition is to apply visual effects to blockbuster films, commercials, TV shows, or industries like architecture, medicine, or automobiles, this program has been developed in collaboration with professional VFX artists to ensure its relevance and currency. We combine high quality teaching led by professionals who are active within industry with industry facing software and facilities to ensure that graduates are industry ready upon graduation.
We are an Epic Unreal partner institution and ensure that we provide a professional learning experience. You will develop your skills using professional, industry software such as Maya, Nuke, Unreal and Houdini in combination with industry facing facilities.
By enrolling, you will acquiring the technical and creative skills sought after by the industry. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your soft skills, build valuable industry connections, and graduate with an impressive showreel which will pave the way to a successful career.
This course is validated by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Your Art of Visual Effects Career Opportunities
A Futureworks visual effects degree leads to a whole range of different careers – not just film and TV, but also roles in advertising, architecture and product design. There are many industries that now require visual effects professionals.
It’s worth noting that the biggest VFX companies are now based in the UK and the scope for careers is really positive. There are lots of opportunities in this growing and exciting industry for the right people, with the right education and the right experience. And that’s what Futureworks gives you.
The complete list of potential job roles for our students is too wide to list here, but it includes compositors, 3d modellers, R&D, lighting, visual effects operator… and you may end up as a skilled freelancer, working in an agencies or in a film production house – it’s such a wide and growing industry.
But film is where many of our students aim for. And they’ve aimed successfully! Our past students have worked on films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Paddington, Robocop and Ronin to name just a few.
Location & Teaching
Your location of study will be at our Riverside Campus, which is located on New Bailey Street in Manchester. Teaching takes place in our fully equipped labs and studios. Flexible access to studio and practical facilities allow you to establish, practice and develop your work using professional-level hardware and software. Relevant hardware and software training will be provided during studio, workshop and lecture sessions to support work at all levels.
Everyone who teaches on this degree is active in the industry. Whether that’s creating visual effects for film, TV or streaming media, illustrating, designing, visualisation or creating motion graphics; when your tutors aren’t busy teaching you, they’re busy honing their craft. As a result, we are always working and teaching the most current industry workflows. We practice what we teach. We also have an extensive network of industry contacts that we can draw on for guest lectures and workshops, industry-set briefs, and as guests for our degree shows.
Applying to this Course
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 about applying for a degree course please call us on 0161 214 4602, email [email protected] or look at our Admissions page.
Successful applicants will be invited to an interview where you will have the opportunity to talk about your work, influences and interests. A guide will be sent with your interview details to help you prepare for your interview. Ideal applicants will have a keen interest in film, television, and visual effects. You are welcome to bring any relevant examples of work with you, if you have them. This is optional and a portfolio is not required for applications to be considered for this course.
All of our courses start in September and are full time, 3 year courses. More information on relevant dates can be found on the Term Dates page.
International Students
Futureworks is able to accept any applications from applicants who require a Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Visa) to study in the UK. Entry criteria for International students will vary. Please see International Students for full details.
“Studying at Futureworks was a great experience, not only I learned a lot but I was encouraged to do my own research and reach out to other people which helped me get out of my comfort zone and make connections along the way. I was also lucky to win an award and get a job after I finished the course!”
Futureworks Art of Visual Effects BA (Hons) Student
“Futureworks ignited my journey into the visual effects industry, fostering my growth across the entire VFX pipeline, granting me a robust foundation of generalist skills. Through Futureworks' invaluable industry connections, I secured my first role as a 3D generalist shortly after finishing my final assignment.”
Futureworks Art of Visual Effects BA (Hons) Student
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