BA (Hons) in Visual Effects

Visual effects (commonly shortened to Visual FX or VFX) can be added to live-action, captured through techniques such as matte painting; rear- and front- screen projection; miniature or forced perspective sets; computer graphic objects, characters, and environments; and compositing of images recorded in any number of ways. A high demand of CGI has made visual effects more accessible and hence its presence is felt all around us.

The VFX award is for applicants looking for a career in the film, post-production or games industries - although some graduates may move onto positions within architectural visualisation, re-touching/advertising agencies or postgraduate study. VFX is predominantly about ideas and concept generation for film or games, covering characters, vehicles, products, clothing, sets and environments - ultimately taking those ideas through to finished concept artwork or 3D models.

More than ever, the film and games industries need tangible, exciting plots/scenarios with characters, environments and props to match them. Students develop ideas sometimes as 2D artwork concepts, complemented by accurate 3D digital modelling, coupled with green screen/compositing techniques. Design methodology, concept origination, speculative design, visualisation skills, life drawing, physical sketch and facsimile modelling provide traditional design skills.