Visual Effects Art

Have you ever marvelled at how realistic a mythical creature looks in a movie, or wondered how a historical show hides all signs of the modern world? Whether you’re a series binger or a film enthusiast, visual effects art defines the look of your favourite shows more than you might expect.

Realistic VFX can make or break a production. With the right resources, technical prowess and artistic talent, storytelling possibilities become limitless – and that’s where you come in.

Visual effects artists are the creatives who conceive and build realistic digital imagery, seamlessly merging it with live action or animated scenes to enhance screen-based storytelling. This VFX course is centred on creating photorealistic believable images for animation, film, and television, combining cinematic codes and conventions with traditional and contemporary art principles. If you’re an artistic visionary who’s keen to learn the craft of visual effects, this degree could be for you.

Employability

In today’s landscape of competitive streaming services, high-quality visual effects make productions stand out and draw in global audiences. Visual effects artists are in demand – not only in film and animation, but also in gaming, live events, advertising and interactive media.

On this VFX course, you’ll learn specialised skills which can be applied to any genre, from big-budget historical and fantasy films to independent productions. Whilst you’ll gain all the transferable skills needed to enter a wide range of sectors, this degree will open doors to jobs such as image prep artist, compositor, creature designer and more, making you a vital part of any VFX production.

Previous graduates have gone on to work as :


- 3D Environment Artist at WorldWide VFX (visual effects house)


• Matte Painter at Pixomondo (Oscar, BAFTA & Emmy-winning creative technology company)



• Paint & Roto Artist at Framestore (multi-sector creative studio)



• Environment / 3D Digital Matte Painting Artist at Union VFX (BAFTA-winning VFX facility)



• Junior VFX Artist at Double Eleven (independent games studio)



You’ll be supported by NTU’s award-winning Employability team for up to three years after you leave us, and be able to access our comprehensive online career resources for life. You can also benefit from our Employability Promise.

Facilities
As a VFX art student, you’ll be based in our new Design and Digital Arts Building. It’s a truly professional environment, jam-packed with industry-standard facilities and technology, where you’ll mix with fellow creatives from a whole host of fields. You’ll be able to access everything here, regardless of your course – from high-spec computer suites and green screen rooms to art studios and creative breakout spaces. During your VFX art course, the facilities you’ll use most are:


• Screen Arts Suites with top-of-the-rangeCintiq graphics tablets and high-end monitors for developing your VFX projects



• Black Box Studio, purpose-built for motion capture and more



• Green Screen Studio for compositing imagery



• ARRI Virtual Production Stage, delivered by creative technology giant ARRI and available to all our VFX students.



Our City Campus has everything you’ll need to keep occupied between lectures. As well as the Boots Library and its beautiful roof garden, there’s a 100-station gym; convenient cafés, bars and restaurants; our Students’ Union and popular Global Lounge; and much, much more!

If that’s not enough, just take a few steps off campus, and you’ll find yourself in the beating heart of Nottingham: one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and a hub of creative activity and industry. Get inspired at the charming and budget-friendly Broadway Cinema, cultural hotspots like Nottingham Contemporary and Theatre Royal, and the city’s vast array of trendy independent shops, restaurants and bars.

Every course includes at least eight weeks of professional experience, supported by strong employer links, placement opportunities, and long-term career support. NTU offers Gold-rated teaching (TEF 2023) and is an award-winning university recognised for its high-quality teaching, excellent learning resources and strong support.

Students benefit from world-class facilities, innovative learning spaces, and a vibrant community across five campuses in Nottingham and London. Whether you decide to live away from home or commute, NTU’s campuses are uniquely developed and easily accessible to meet the needs of students. Since 2020, the university has invested more than £200 million across its campuses, creating specialist facilities and industry-standard environments that enhance teaching, learning, and research. Nottingham is ranked among the UK's top student cities and is within one of the most affordable regions in England.

It has held Purple Flag accreditation for more than 16 years, recognising the quality, diversity, and safety of its evening and nighttime economy. With more than 15,000 student rooms within walking distance of NTU you’ll find accommodation to suit every budget. The university guarantees first-year accommodation for all students studying in Nottingham (T&Cs apply). Join NTU this September and experience academic excellence, career-focused learning, personalised support, and a vibrant student community.