Course overview
You learn by doing, under the guidance of professionals and industry-experienced tutors, alongside fellow students all passionate about this field. Networking opportunities include Animex, our annual high-profile international animation and games festival.
This course is ideal if you want to experience the benefits of university-level education before committing to study a full visual effects degree. We support you all the way – maybe you've been out of education for a while, didn't get the grades first time round or want to retrain in a new field.
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
You create computer-generated 3D models using a range of techniques. Learn how to apply materials, textures, lighting and rendering to your finished models.
It is important to communicate ideas visually when on a creative journey in visual media. Study the entire preproduction pipeline, from fundamental drawing skills through to generating ideas, design concepts and storyboarding.
It’s important to understand the principles of motion for anyone entering the computer graphics industry. Learn how to apply the basic laws of physics to create convincing movement in 3D and creative application of motion principles. Create a portfolio of short, animated shots with 3D rigs using industry standard animation software.?
You learn how to develop technical art solutions by producing dynamic and engaging immersive content, importing assets and creating scenes. Gain a deeper understanding of more advanced engine editor tools, integrating assets, visual effects and animation.
Develop your skills in lighting, particle effects, post-processing, advanced node-based material shaders and integration of dynamic effects and events using visual scripting. Integrate games art and animation into a game level using an industry standard game engine.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn in group sessions that focus on practical skills supported by the academic concepts and theories. Which means you can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in smaller groups.
Your learning experiences are strengthened by sessions delivered by industry practitioners who share their valuable industry insights with you.
You also develop your teamworking skills, working with games designers in a simulated game studio experience, outsourcing various essentials such as assets and animation to specialist teams. You work on games using the latest technologies, such as Unreal 5 and Unity, as used in industry.
Subject (or modules) are delivered in six-week blocks. You study one at a time, supported by online learning materials.
How you are assessed
It’s essential that you learn by doing. Which means that most of your assessed work is based around practical projects that you work on throughout. You get valuable tutor feedback to guide your work and your overall development.
As you progress through the course, you develop a portfolio of work - this is an important industry requirement. Our tutors can give you advice and guidance on which work to include.
And your final project allows you the freedom to set your own brief based on your skills, interests and career aspirations.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Find out more about financial support
Find out more about our course related costs
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
A typical offer is 64 tariff points from at least two A levels (or equivalent). Find out how many points your qualifications are worth using the UCAS tariff calculator.
A portfolio will be requested if your Level 3 qualifications do not include a creative subject such as art, design, drawing, animation or games art/design. Your portfolio should demonstrate fundamental drawing skills, such as life drawing and observational drawing, alongside showing us your creativity.
We welcome applications from mature students without conventional entry requirements. We take into account any alternative qualifications or other experience you may have.
International applicants
This course is not available for international applicants as we are not accepting applications from applicants requiring a student visa.
What you need
To access the on-campus facilities you need a HTML5-capable web browser on a computer such as a Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux computer. HTML5-capable web browsers that can be used include the following:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
For some sessions you can also access sessions on the following browsers and devices:
- Chrome or Safari on an iPad (iOS 11 or later)
- Android (Android 8 or later)
- Microsoft Surface Pro (Windows 10) tablet
Don't have your own device yet?
Don't worry - we have a bank of devices available for you to loan whenever you are on campus.
Our Digital Access Fund could also help with a £400 John Smith's Student Store voucher to buy a laptop or digital device, and access to Adobe Creative Cloud - a suite of 20+ world-class, industry-standard creative apps including Photoshop and InDesign. Subject to eligibility criteria. Terms and conditions apply.
TU London Digital Access Fund Scheme Terms and Conditions 2023-24
Employability
Career opportunities
Teesside University graduates have gone on to work as artists, effects animators, pipeline specialists and digital visual experts at games companies including Rockstar Games, Disney, Industrial Light and Magic, Pixar, FrameStore, Double Negative, Weta Digital and so many more.
You develop skills for a career in digital media – typically in film, TV, advertising and multimedia – through to architectural and product visualisation.
We have excellent relationships with businesses, giving you the opportunity to apply for internships and graduate positions with key organisations such as Microsoft, Double Negative, ILM and more.