| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Visual Effects degree at UCA Farnham equips students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to create compelling visual effects for various media. Taught by industry experts, the program covers VFX techniques, software, hardware, and industry practices, preparing students for a successful career in the visual effects industry. Students gain proficiency in key software and hardware, explore various VFX roles, and build a strong portfolio to showcase their skills to potential employers.
Program Outline
Degree Overview
Title:
Visual Effects BA (Hons)
Location:
UCA Farnham
Duration:
3 years (Full-time)
Start Dates:
September 2024, September 2025
Description:
The BA (Hons) Visual Effects degree at UCA equips you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to create compelling visual effects for films, TV, commercials, and music videos. Taught by industry experts in a dedicated film department with live-action production studios, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of VFX techniques, software, hardware, and industry practices.
Objectives:
- Develop individual style and in-depth knowledge of visual effects.
- Gain proficiency in key software and hardware, computer graphics techniques, and production pipelines.
- Learn the principles and history of visual effects.
- Build a strong portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers.
- Prepare for a successful career in the visual effects industry.
Outline
Year 1
- Introduction to VFX methods and practices
- Fundamentals of Visual Effects
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity
- History of Visual Effects and Current Trends
- Technical and creative fundamentals of camera, lighting, and composition
- Environment Building and Immersive Storytelling
- Studio Best Practice
- Collaborative client brief project with VFX focus
- Digital Outcome - Independent study using digital resources to enhance skills
- ATOM Activities - Interdisciplinary exposure across the university
Year 2
- Introduction to pre-visualization and layout
- Camera, Lights, Action (cinematic sequencing)
- The Conscious Practitioner
- Career development activities
- Motion Capture & Virtual Production
- VFX Festivals and Conventions
- Digital Outcome - Independent study using digital resources to enhance skills
- ATOM Activities - Interdisciplinary exposure across the university
- Two elective units chosen from:
- Applied Skills for a Sustainable Media Industry
- Audio World Building
- Cinematography
- Consent, Intimacy and Stage Combat
- Film Production
- Immersive Production
- Interdisciplinary Collaborations in Music and Theatre
- Loops and Micro Format Films
- Motion Capture & Green Screen
- Physical Theatre Production
- Postproduction Editing
- Prestige Television
- Screen Writing
- Shakespeare Festival
- TV in the Age of Digital Disruption
- Verbatim
- Virtual Production
Year 3 (Optional Placement Year)
- Professional Practice Year - placement within the creative industries to develop skills and CV.
Final Year
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in VFX
- Audience Engagement & Experience
- Immersion and Storytelling
- Final Major Project or UCA Interdisciplinary Final Major Project (by agreement) - culmination of learning with professional showreel.
Assessment
- Continuous assessment through a variety of methods such as practical projects, presentations, written assignments, and examinations.
- Individual and group work assessments to reflect industry practices.
- Emphasis on building a strong portfolio to showcase skills and potential to employers.
Teaching
- Taught by experienced industry professionals and academic staff.
- Focus on real-world projects and practical application of skills.
- Access to industry-standard equipment and software.
- Individual and group tutorials to support learning and development.
Careers
- Visual effects artist
- VFX producer
- Principal artist
- Lead compositor
- Game art animator
- Production co-ordinator
Other
- Opportunities to attend industry events, festivals, and competitions.
UK: £9,250 EU: £9,250 International: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry Requirements:
BA (Hons) course:
- 112 UCAS points from GCE A-levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma, or Access to Higher Education Diploma (see accepted qualifications).
- 4 GCSE passes at grades 9-4 (A -C) including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
- Other relevant and equivalent Level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis.
BA (Hons) with Professional Practice Year:
- Same as above for the BA (Hons) course.
BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year:
- 32 UCAS points from GCE A-levels or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC National Diploma, BTEC Extended Diploma, or Access to Higher Education Diploma (see accepted qualifications).
- 4 GCSE passes at grades 9-4 (A -C) including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2).
- Other relevant and equivalent Level 3 UK and international qualifications are considered on an individual basis.
BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and Professional Practice Year:
- Same as above for the BA (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year course.
International and EU:
The entry requirements for these courses will depend on the country your qualifications are from. Please check the level of English language required for your specific course.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The course does not require a specific language other than English. However, depending on your chosen elective units, you may need proficiency in another language.
Additional Notes:
- UCA occasionally makes offers which are lower than the standard entry criteria, to students who have faced difficulties that have affected their performance and who were expected to achieve higher results. In these cases, a strong portfolio is especially important.
Resources:
- UCA - Visual Effects BA (Hons): https://www.uca.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-visual-effects
- UCA - International Students: https://www.uca.ac.uk/study/international
