Visual Effects and Animation

Would you like to join the UK's fastest-growing economy? Visual Effects and Animation is the process of creating digital effects for films, advertisements, television, games and augmented reality (AR). As an industry, it is worth over £71bn to the UK economy alone, and demand for skilled graduates is only increasing.

On this course, you will create dramatic Hollywood blockbuster effects as well as the subtler changes used in AR and 3D architectural visualisation.

You will also learn to use advanced software, professional equipment, and develop the techniques you need to build believable worlds. During the course, industry practice modules will give you direct exposure to VFX roles and career opportunities.

The course is a member of the UK Screen Alliance.

What you'll study

Based in London, the centre of the UK’s creative industries, this innovative VFX and animation course places you at the heart of the action. It aims to give you a dynamic, contemporary and hands-on experience as you learn to work with advanced materials and techniques.

The course has been designed with input from some of the leading effects facilities, including DNeg, and developed with advice and guidelines from the professional body Creative Skillset.

In lectures and hands-on workshops, you will be able to build your skills and knowledge. Alongside the development of your technical skills, we will introduce you to regular industry practices. By taking part in 'class crits', you will get used to the industry use of 'dailies'.

You will learn how to make your work both imaginative and realistic, using professional software, equipment and tools, including:

• Maya
• Nuke
• Zbrush
• Substance Painter
• 3D Equalizer

You will also have excellent technical resources at your disposal, including:

• computer labs
• a Vicon Motion Capture system
• a fully equipped green screen studio
• professional cameras
• professional lighting
• LIDAR scanner

In addition, you will have 24-hour access to a new library and learning resource centre.

Learning opportunities

We will also provide excellent learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Trips to VFX facilities in Soho and around London, industry talks with artists and recruiters, and visits to iconic locations such as the world-famous Pinewood Studios give you direct contact with people already working in the business.

It's not too late to study at London’s 2nd highest-rated university for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2026).

UWL's world-class facilities and outstanding teaching will give you all the tools you need to succeed. Musicians can rehearse in performance rooms, audio recording spaces and a 200 seat black box studio. Pilots can brave the storm in the Boeing 737 flight simulator. Lawyers can perfect their argument in the mock courtrooms, and chefs can whip up delicious creations in industry-standard kitchens and serve real customers at Pillars, the student-run fine-dining restaurant located on campus.

You'll also be learning in one of the world's best student cities (2026 QS Best Student Cities) - think Saturday afternoons in Covent Garden, study sessions in the British Library and live concerts in the O2 arena. With scholarships and bursaries reserved for Clearing applicants, no ambition is out of reach!