Animation and VFX (Full-time) (BA Hons)

Our animation and vfx degree programme offers an exciting opportunity to bring your creative visions to life. This course covers both the creative and technological developments in the field, including animated and virtual production design elements. 

• By studying with us, you will have the chance to build a strong portfolio of studio production work, focusing on both Animation and VFX preparing you for a promising career in this dynamic industry. 
• Throughout the course, you will learn to manage the entire production cycle of digital animation and visual production artefacts. This will expand both your practical knowledge and intellectual knowledge of the subject. You will explore contemporary opportunities in Computer Animation and VFX creatively and imaginatively, considering the social and cultural context in which these works communicate. 
• Our dedicated Computer Animation facilities, featuring industry-standard software like MAYA, Z-Brush, and Unreal, support your learning with workshops on various production stages. 
• Your lectures and learning process will focus on developing your intellectual skills. This includes analysis, inventiveness, and critical assessment. These are designed to examine ideas and theories that will enhance your artistic abilities and technical skills. 
• The course covers a broad range of topics, providing you with creative skills and the ability to understand and apply technological developments. You will work on animation and VFX-focused work, which will be integral parts of your portfolio. These experiences will prepare you for professional practice in the games industry, film, and television. 
• You will also have opportunities to engage with virtual production design and animated content creation. This course ensures you develop problem-solving abilities and a comprehensive understanding of the production process, from initial concept to final product. 
• Our Animation and VFX programme equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this dynamic field. By the end of the course, you will have a portfolio of work, showcasing your abilities in digital animation and visual production, ready to pursue a successful career in Animation and VFX. 

What you will learn
Our Philosophy

• We believe in a holistic approach to learning and teaching that combines creative exploration with technological mastery. Our goal is to equip students with both practical skills and intellectual insights, fostering innovation and professional development throughout their studies. Our staff are passionate artists and animators, dedicated to providing the best support to help your work stand out.  
• We offer opportunities to bring your imagination and storylines to life, find your passion, and realise your dreams. Whether you are interested in film, conceptual design, modelling, or any form of animation, we help you find what you love and bring it to life. Whether 2D, stop frame, 3D — it’s all-immersive in digital animation. 

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in animation and VFX through modules such as Visual Studies and Introduction to Character Animation. You will explore virtual production, 3D modelling, and environment design, while also developing your academic and professional skills. You will gain insights into animation perspectives and the positive impact of VFX. 

• Visual Studies (20 credits)
• Introduction to Virtual Production (20 credits)
• Introduction to Character Animation (20 credits)
• Environment Design (20 credits)
• Academic and Professional Development (10 Credits)
• Introduction to 3D Modelling (10 Credits)
• Animation Insights and Perspectives (10 Credits)
• VFX for Positive Impact (10 Credits)

Year 2

The second year focuses on advancing your skills with modules like Advanced Character Animation and Body Mechanics and Creature Animation. You will explore virtual production design, experimental animation techniques, and visual effects, while evolving your creative craft. Sound design will complement your visual work, enhancing your overall production quality.

In your final year, you will undertake an Independent Project to showcase your abilities. You will study emerging trends and advanced character performance, while also focusing on personal portfolio development. Advanced lighting and rendering techniques will refine your technical skills, preparing you for a career in the industry.

• Advanced Character Animation (20 credits)
• Body Mechanics and Creature Animation (20 credits)
• Virtual Production Design (20 credits)
• Evolving your Creative Craft (20 Credits)
• Experimental Animation Techniques (10 Credits)
• Visual Effects (20 credits)
• Sound Design (10 Credits)

Year 3

• Independent Project (40 credits)
• Emerging Trends (20 credits)
• Advanced Character Performance (20 Credits)
• Personal Portfolio Development (20 Credits)
• Advanced Lighting and Rendering (20 Credits)

Our People

• You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses. 

Career Opportunities
Stepping stones to industry!

• An animation degree under your belt allows you to think about a lot of different industries — and you will have transferable skills to make these moves. Some of our graduates have their own games, visualisation or production companies. Some work as entrepreneurs on their own animation brands. A lot find work on some outstanding projects, feature films and in production houses.

Graduates have gone on to work in Oscar-winning teams and on the feature films

• Boxtrolls
• Captain America
• Chronicles of Narnia
• Fantastic Beasts
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• Hotel Transylvania
• Iron Man 2
• Jungle Book
• Kubo and The Two Strings
• Man of Steel
• Prometheus
• Skyfall
• Thor
• World War Z