Course Overview
Delivered at our Chippenham campus, this course is designed to help you develop the animation, 3D modelling and live action compositing skills to start a career in this exciting sector of the creative industries. You will learn the tools and techniques employed by VFX artists, making use of industry-standard software and our modern media facilities, including a TV studio with green screen and green floor. The course will suit applicants with an interest in careers such as VFX, motion graphics and post-production for film and television production or 3D modelling and level design for games development.
What will I learn?
You will learn a range of practical and technical skills essential to the VFX industry, from animation and motion graphics to 3D modelling. The fundamentals of filming and editing will be extended to include advanced compositing, the layering and blending of live action and visual effects or animation. These practical skills are assessed via a series of real-life projects which are regularly reviewed with input from industry professionals in this fast-changing industry. You will be encouraged to explore a variety of production contexts from Games to CGI and AR to broaden your career options. Engaging with professional working practices from these vocational contexts will prepare you for your next steps into a creative arts career.
Year One: Module A Process and Practice
A1 Concept and Development
A2 Creative Project
Year Two: Module B Process and Practice
B1 Personal Professional Development
B2 Professional Project
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
A Higher National Diploma qualification is equivalent to a level 5 university qualification, for example a foundation degree and usually takes two years to complete in full.
There is continual assessment across the course including written reports, presentations, workshops and a final research project.
During your time on the course, you will be directed to carry out additional reading and other appropriate tasks alongside your time in the classroom and you should expect to spend additional time on your studies.
An overall interest in the VFX, Games, Film and TV Industries will assist you with assessments on this course.
Entry Requirements
At least 4 GCSEs at grade C (4) or above including English and Maths (or equivalent level 2 qualifications) plus one or more of the following:
- 48 UCAS Tariff Points from an appropriate level 3 vocational programme (e.g. BTEC National Diploma).
- A Level 3 Extended Diploma or GCE AS / A Level or a 6 unit Vocational A Level.
- Success in an Access to Higher Education Diploma.
- Formally assessed outcomes acquired through recognised prior learning or experience.
Applications from mature candidates are welcomed and considered on an individual basis.
Where English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent qualification will normally be required.
Applicants without the qualifications specified will be considered based on their ability to study the subject at the required level.
You may be required to attend an interview and you can apply for this programme through UCAS.
The UCAS institution code for this programme is W74.
The UCAS course code for this programme is C1M1.
Don't quite reach the entry criteria? You can still apply to do this course on completion of our Access to Higher Education course.
Additional Costs and Information
For some trips or visits, there may be additional charges that apply which you will be made aware of when and if appropriate.
The Office for Students (OfS), the new independent regulator for Higher Education in England, has confirmed that the college is successfully registered as a provider for Higher Education and that students are eligible for funding and student support from Student Finance England. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.
