BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects

Focusing on the technical aspects of content creation, you’ll develop all the skills you’ll need to launch a career in computer animation and visual effects.

We take a learning by doing approach on this course. So, as well as expert guidance and support, you’ll have access to a fully equipped computer animation suite, with dedicated green screen room, lighting rigs and motion capture equipment. In other words, you’ll have everything you need to learn how to create your own assets for integration with virtual environments and live-action footage to produce complex visual effects.

You’ll learn about creating, rigging and animating 3D models, developing advanced particle effects such as fire, smoke and moving liquids, and about compositing and integration methods. And most importantly, at all stages you’ll have the creative freedom to develop your own ideas and concepts right through to the finished article.

Teamwork is at the heart of this industry and you’ll have plenty of opportunity for team-based study to help prepare you for the world of work. You’ll be perfectly poised to enter this rapidly expanding and exciting digital sector. Our Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree also provides the option of spending an extra year expanding your horizons by working on a placement in industry.

Digital technology has changed the way we live, work and relate to each other. It’s already fundamental to business and industry and is now becoming just as important in our personal relationships, communications and leisure. In studying this rich subject area you’ll not only learn the techniques in demand across the rapidly changing digital world but also develop the ability to create exciting and interactive content and valuable problem solving and creative skills that will open doors in a wide range of industries.

The Department of Computing and Mathematics has a reputation for academic excellence and you’ll learn from research-active staff, many with industry experience working at the forefront of their specialist fields – well placed to support and guide you as you discover yours. Manchester is a major hub for digital media and our strong industry links help to shape and inform our curriculum, so your skills and learning will be fully up to speed in one of the fastest-moving industries around – a must-have for your career.

The University is also part of the well-funded CityVerve ‘internet of things’ project, designed to transform our day-to-day lives in the digital age and make Manchester a world-leader in smart city technology. Meanwhile, the nearby MediaCityUK has been attracting key players in the sector, as well as smaller web design and UX agencies.

Study Computer Animation and Visual Effects with us and you’ll be at the heart of this thriving tech community, qualified and ready to take advantage of all the opportunities both close at hand and further afield.

What is the length of the course?

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years with a placement