Visual Effects and Virtual Production BSc (Hons)

UCAS code W624

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

6 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Whether creating explosions, infernos or a whole battalion of soldiers on the battlefield, you’ll have an action-packed time with us.

For 26/27 entry, subject to revalidation.

Our BSc (Hons) in Visual Effects and Virtual Production will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX and virtual production industries, which offer a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

Virtual production combines skills used in film and games, enabling you to create realistic environments on virtual sets. You’ll be exploring convergence technologies, camera tracking and real-time rendering. And inside our Virtual Production Suite, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs. As one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll also have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department – from filmmaking and acting to animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. You’ll get to make a short VFX film to put your skills into practice. You could also be using simulation to create weather effects, CG fire and dynamics for animation.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on a visual effects showreel and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production and directing to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

For 26/27 entry, subject to revalidation.

Our BSc (Hons) in Visual Effects and Virtual Production will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX and virtual production industries, which offer a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

Virtual production combines skills used in film and games, enabling you to create realistic environments on virtual sets. You’ll be exploring convergence technologies, camera tracking and real-time rendering. And inside our Virtual Production Suite, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs. As one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll also have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department – from filmmaking and acting to animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. You’ll get to make a short VFX film to put your skills into practice. You could also be using simulation to create weather effects, CG fire and dynamics for animation.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on a visual effects showreel and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production and directing to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

For 26/27 entry, subject to revalidation.

Our BSc (Hons) in Visual Effects and Virtual Production will equip you with the technical and creative skills to produce scenes worthy of any Hollywood blockbuster. You’ll also develop a professional showreel and plenty of practical experience.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to launch a career in the booming multi-billion-pound VFX and virtual production industries, which offer a wide array of job opportunities. You could be producing effects for film, television, animation, games or advertising.

Virtual production combines skills used in film and games, enabling you to create realistic environments on virtual sets. You’ll be exploring convergence technologies, camera tracking and real-time rendering. And inside our Virtual Production Suite, you’ll get to use green screen techniques to learn how to build action sequences.

Our Motion Capture Studio is where students can record different movements and then map the data onto CGI models. They could even work with real dancers to get the models to shadow the humans.

These are just some of the fantastic industry-standard facilities available to students. Other features include a TV studio and post-production labs. As one of only a select few UK certified partners with Houdini, you’ll also have amazing access to the latest professional software for visual effects. We have lots of other industry links too.

For one recent project, students teamed up with military historian Andy Robertshaw, who has worked as an advisor and consultant on the films War Horse and 1917. The students used 1917 film props and costumes to reimagine First World War scenes with CGI and also created explosions. With motion capture, they produced multiple soldiers in action.

Other projects involve going on shoots to atmospheric locations, including caves and a former colliery. There’s also the chance to collaborate with students across the Media, Performance and Communication department – from filmmaking and acting to animation and sound.

On the course, we teach students about storytelling and the science of movement and interaction, as well as technical skills such as 3D modelling and compositing. You’ll get to make a short VFX film to put your skills into practice. You could also be using simulation to create weather effects, CG fire and dynamics for animation.

In your final year, you’ll write and develop two projects – one focusing on a visual effects showreel and the other on virtual production. It will be a chance to explore your own ideas and bring them to life.

We integrate employability right the way through the degree. You’ll be set live briefs by real companies and will also receive guidance on developing your CV, career network, interview skills and portfolio presentation.

And you’ll benefit from the wealth of expertise among our staff, who have all worked in industry in roles ranging from post-production and directing to camera work. Many of our academics are active in research as well, ensuring their teaching is up-to-date and relevant.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Visual Effects and Virtual Production

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Visual Effects and Virtual Production

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Visual Effects and Virtual Production

Work placements

During your course you will be given the option to undertake a work placement and other career based opportunities, which we will support you with. You can complete your placement locally, nationally or internationally in settings such as media and film companies, Post-production houses, games companies, other arts and cultural organisations, or even within the university itself.

Course content

The Visual Effects and Virtual Production course covers a broad array of skills and media disciplines pertinent to Visual Effects and Virtual Production industry, centering on an exploration of the rich and varied forms of production and their inter-relation with the wider film and games industry.

All modules at Levels 4 and 5 are core, ensuring a progressive curriculum grounded in core skills, knowledge and understanding providing a wider critical appreciation, such as reflective analysis, audience reception theories and modes of representation. You will begin to learn through practice-based workshops in the Visual Effects, Virtual Production and film studios, individual tutorials, through small group activities and workshops. These interactive sessions begin at Level 4 with an introduction to the main ways that the Visual Effects and Virtual Production software communicates with audiences and how these relate to the making of programmes and films and allow learners to gain a wealth of production skills such as editing, pitching, presentation and directing.

At Levels 5 & 6, students choose the direction of their study with more emphasis placed upon negotiated practical work and employability opportunities. This flexibility allows a specialism through production and critical work. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work is developed at all levels of study.

In the final year (Level 6) students engage in a major project on a subject of their choice, in addition to reflective opportunities in the media employability module. Students will also work with peers on BA (Hons) Film Production and BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen, ensuring multi-disciplinary approaches. Media employability focus runs through all of the modules preparing students for their next step.

The Visual Effects and Virtual Production course covers a broad array of skills and media disciplines pertinent to Visual Effects and Virtual Production industry, centering on an exploration of the rich and varied forms of production and their inter-relation with the wider film and games industry.

All modules at Levels 4 and 5 are core, ensuring a progressive curriculum grounded in core skills, knowledge and understanding providing a wider critical appreciation, such as reflective analysis, audience reception theories and modes of representation. You will begin to learn through practice-based workshops in the Visual Effects, Virtual Production and film studios, individual tutorials, through small group activities and workshops. These interactive sessions begin at Level 4 with an introduction to the main ways that the Visual Effects and Virtual Production software communicates with audiences and how these relate to the making of programmes and films and allow learners to gain a wealth of production skills such as editing, pitching, presentation and directing.

At Levels 5 & 6, students choose the direction of their study with more emphasis placed upon negotiated practical work and employability opportunities. This flexibility allows a specialism through production and critical work. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work is developed at all levels of study.

In the final year (Level 6) students engage in a major project on a subject of their choice, in addition to reflective opportunities in the media employability module. Students will also work with peers on BA (Hons) Film Production and BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen, ensuring multi-disciplinary approaches. Media employability focus runs through all of the modules preparing students for their next step.

The Visual Effects and Virtual Production course covers a broad array of skills and media disciplines pertinent to Visual Effects and Virtual Production industry, centering on an exploration of the rich and varied forms of production and their inter-relation with the wider film and games industry.

All modules at Levels 4 and 5 are core, ensuring a progressive curriculum grounded in core skills, knowledge and understanding providing a wider critical appreciation, such as reflective analysis, audience reception theories and modes of representation. You will begin to learn through practice-based workshops in the Visual Effects, Virtual Production and film studios, individual tutorials, through small group activities and workshops. These interactive sessions begin at Level 4 with an introduction to the main ways that the Visual Effects and Virtual Production software communicates with audiences and how these relate to the making of programmes and films and allow learners to gain a wealth of production skills such as editing, pitching, presentation and directing.

At Levels 5 & 6, students choose the direction of their study with more emphasis placed upon negotiated practical work and employability opportunities. This flexibility allows a specialism through production and critical work. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work is developed at all levels of study.

In the final year (Level 6) students engage in a major project on a subject of their choice, in addition to reflective opportunities in the media employability module. Students will also work with peers on BA (Hons) Film Production and BA (Hons) Acting for Stage and Screen, ensuring multi-disciplinary approaches. Media employability focus runs through all of the modules preparing students for their next step.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Research Sandbox 20 credits
Virtual Production Skills 20 credits
Visual Effects And Virtual Production 40 credits
Visual Effects Production Skills 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Virtual Production Concepts 20 credits
Virtual Production Methods 20 credits
Visual Effects Skills - Creation And Control 40 credits
Visual Effects Skills - Scenes, Dynamics And Simulation 40 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Production Innovation 20 credits
Project Research And Development 40 credits
Showreel Project 40 credits
Virtual Production Project 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Research Sandbox 20 credits
Virtual Production Skills 20 credits
Visual Effects And Virtual Production 40 credits
Visual Effects Production Skills 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Virtual Production Concepts 20 credits
Virtual Production Methods 20 credits
Visual Effects Skills - Creation And Control 40 credits
Visual Effects Skills - Scenes, Dynamics And Simulation 40 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Dta-Mp Placement 120 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Production Innovation 20 credits
Project Research And Development 40 credits
Showreel Project 40 credits
Virtual Production Project 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Year 1 compulsory modules
Visual Effects And Virtual Production 40 credits
Visual Effects Production Skills 40 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Research Sandbox 20 credits
Virtual Production Skills 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Visual Effects Skills - Creation And Control 40 credits
Visual Effects Skills - Scenes, Dynamics And Simulation 40 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Virtual Production Concepts 20 credits
Virtual Production Methods 20 credits
Year 5 compulsory modules
Year 5 compulsory modules
Project Research And Development 40 credits
Showreel Project 40 credits
Year 6 compulsory modules
Year 6 compulsory modules
Production Innovation 20 credits
Virtual Production Project 20 credits

Entry requirements

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We use UCAS points in our offer making and welcome a wide range of qualifications.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

All applicants are individually assessed via a portfolio review

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

Course specific facilities include: the Media Centre (for the hire of equipment and film/media kit for location based work), Television Studio complete with green screen, Motion Capture Studio,  Post-Production Labs with AV post-production facilities, Visual Effects Labs with industry software such as NUke, Houdini and Unreal and the Virtual Production Studio.

Motion Capture Studio

Realistically capture multiple human movements simultaneously for the creation of high-quality games, animation and VFX sequences. Our industry standard facility features a 24-camera rig, Vicon hardware and Cara facial performance capture headset. Read more

The Motion Capture Stage is located in the Cadman Building, working alongside The Smart Zone. This facility hosts sessions that show students how to set up and prepare shoots at a high industry level. The sessions provided give in-depth information that covers each stage, from preparation to exporting data for use within a project.

Our MoCap Studio is used by students from a wide range of subjects, including Film and Media, Games Design, Animation, Drama, Sports Therapy and CGI and Visual Effects. 

Find out more about our Motion Capture Stage.

Virtual Production Studio

The Virtual Production Studio allows the combination of real-time games graphics with traditional film and video production techniques. Read more

Students are able to utilise the Virtual Production studio which comes complete with a 10m x 2.75m curved LED volume made of DigiLED DigiThin XS 2600 panels, Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12k camera with 35mm, 50mm and 85mm lenses, Vanishing Point Vector and Viper camera tracking systems, full RGB lighting system including LED Cloud, 1x Celeb 850, 1x Diva-Lite 41, 5x Diva-Lite 31 and 5x Q5 Color all controllable through a ChamSys MagicQ lighting desk, VR Scouting system using a HTC Vive Pro and audio system with speakers around the screen. HP workstations allow the process to be facilitated end-to-end by Unreal Engine to use photorealistic environments.

TV Studio

Our three-camera TV Studio is equipped with broadcast standard technology, green room, lighting rig, AV gallery and a comprehensive racks room for both live and pre-recorded productions. Read more

Our TV Studio is used by students across our Film and Media and Journalism and Content Creation courses. The studio floor also includes tiered audience seating.

Find out more about our Cadman TV Studios. 

Cadman Post Production Labs

Two open-plan multi-seat labs (one Mac-based, one PC-based), featuring 45 professional editing suites with a range of specialist AV production software to perfect the edit, colour and sound mixes on media productions. Read more

Each suite supports the following specialist production software: Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, Adobe Premiere Pro, Audition, After Effects, Prelude, Photoshop and Media Encoder. Find out more about our Post Production Labs. 

Henrion Post Production Labs

These facilities consist of three open-plan multi-seat Mac labs housing 51 professional edit suites, each with a primary and secondary monitor and specialist production software. 37 suites incorporate Apple Mac Pros and 14 include 27" 5K iMacs. Read more

Find out more about our Henrion Post Production Labs

TV News Set

Compact three-camera studio broadcasting facility, located within the Broadcast Newsroom, suitable for a variety of news, sports and current affairs requirements. It also includes a green screen and an open plan audio visual production gallery. Read more

Our TV News Set is primarily used for news, sports and current affairs broadcasts and can accommodate a variety of set-ups, requiring single or multiple presenters and/ or guests. The facility was officially opened by then BBC Director-General, Greg Dyke, in 2004. This facility is used by students on our Sports Journalism and Film and TV degrees. 

Find out more about our TV News Set. 

Careers

Our graduates have seen incredible industry success. Former students have worked on major films like Avengers: End Game, The Lion King and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

Staffordshire University alumni can be found working for some of the best CGI and VFX houses in the world, including MPC, Double Negative, Framestore, Outpost, Random42, Pennant International and many more.

The skills you learn on the Visual Effects and Virtual Production degree will be suited to work across film, television, animation, advertising and the games industry. Roles could include becoming a compositor, visual artist, modeller or researcher.

Graduates can also continue their studies at Staffordshire University. We offer Masters degrees in Animation, Film Practice and Film Studies.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

The course will adopt a range of teaching and learning approaches, including practice-based workshops in the different studio spaces, alongside more discussion led workshops and contextual viewings within the flexible teaching spaces. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work will be developed at all levels of study, which will include readings, viewings, preparation for workshops, discussions and sharings. 

The course will adopt a range of teaching and learning approaches, including practice-based workshops in the different studio spaces, alongside more discussion led workshops and contextual viewings within the flexible teaching spaces. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work will be developed at all levels of study, which will include readings, viewings, preparation for workshops, discussions and sharings. 

The course will adopt a range of teaching and learning approaches, including practice-based workshops in the different studio spaces, alongside more discussion led workshops and contextual viewings within the flexible teaching spaces. Independent learning and the ability to self-manage project work will be developed at all levels of study, which will include readings, viewings, preparation for workshops, discussions and sharings. 

Assessment

All of the assessments are authentically driven portfolio based containing continual assessment with regular feedback to each student discussing their progress, identifying strengths and areas for improvement within each module in order to follow professional industry practice. The delivery teams work closely with the student advisors, learning support staff, study skills staff and library staff to identify any learning issues that may require extra support and advice to the students.

Assessment has a substantial project element, especially at Level 6, which allows students to hyper-personalise their work and reflect their own experience and identity in their outputs.

All of the assessments are authentically driven portfolio based containing continual assessment with regular feedback to each student discussing their progress, identifying strengths and areas for improvement within each module in order to follow professional industry practice. The delivery teams work closely with the student advisors, learning support staff, study skills staff and library staff to identify any learning issues that may require extra support and advice to the students.

Assessment has a substantial project element, especially at Level 6, which allows students to hyper-personalise their work and reflect their own experience and identity in their outputs.

All of the assessments are authentically driven portfolio based containing continual assessment with regular feedback to each student discussing their progress, identifying strengths and areas for improvement within each module in order to follow professional industry practice. The delivery teams work closely with the student advisors, learning support staff, study skills staff and library staff to identify any learning issues that may require extra support and advice to the students.

Assessment has a substantial project element, especially at Level 6, which allows students to hyper-personalise their work and reflect their own experience and identity in their outputs.

Learning support

Close personal supervision takes place in the first year of study comprising of a series of Academic Mentoring meetings, such that it becomes established as the tracker of progress. This is continued (Academic Mentor support), through every level.  Further Learning Support opportunities  are offered through Academic Mentoring and Learning Support Statement (LSS) arrangements, in liaison with the University's Support services (e.g. Health and Wellbeing).  Other support is made available through Exceptional Circumstances, Careers, academic rules & regulations, appeals, student welfare, student attendance, finance support and learning contracts.

Additional support

The Disability Support Service is made up of a team of Disability Support Coordinators, Disability Administrators and Sessional Assessors. We will support and assist anyone with a disability, including specific learning difficulties, mental health needs and with physical and unseen disabilities.

Feedback

Feedback is central to the development of all work produced both individually and in production teams. Students engage in a cycle of learning by reviewing and evaluating what has been produced, incorporating responses from other team members and tutors, and taking on board feedback before progressing to the next stage.  - Written and verbal feedback through formative assessments on all modules accompanies both regular peer feedback and assessment in practical and group activities. 

Feedback is central to the development of all work produced both individually and in production teams. Students engage in a cycle of learning by reviewing and evaluating what has been produced, incorporating responses from other team members and tutors, and taking on board feedback before progressing to the next stage.  - Written and verbal feedback through formative assessments on all modules accompanies both regular peer feedback and assessment in practical and group activities. 

Feedback is central to the development of all work produced both individually and in production teams. Students engage in a cycle of learning by reviewing and evaluating what has been produced, incorporating responses from other team members and tutors, and taking on board feedback before progressing to the next stage.  - Written and verbal feedback through formative assessments on all modules accompanies both regular peer feedback and assessment in practical and group activities. 

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Year 1

27% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
73% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

27% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
73% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

12% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
88% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Independent learning and the ability to self manage project is developed and nurtured at all levels, preparing students for future employment. 

Timetables

Your time on campus will have scheduled sessions from Monday to Friday. Additional activities and events will be well signposted and communicated.

Your time on campus will have scheduled sessions from Monday to Friday. Additional activities and events will be well signposted and communicated.

Your time on campus will have scheduled sessions from Monday to Friday. Additional activities and events will be well signposted and communicated.

Year 1

70% practical assessments
30% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

60% practical assessments
40% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

73% practical assessments
28% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

Teaching staff are highly qualified as teaching and learning specialists, subject specific research academics, with practice as research, book and academic journal outputs. The staff also has many industry practitioners, such as  producers, directors, practitioners, film-makers and writers.

Benjamin Beard

Lecturer

Full-time lecturer in Visual Effects and Virtual Production and Film Production, specialising in production, cinematography, chromakeying, 2D/3D content creation and digital compositing.

Benjamin's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option
Part-time

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:

All of the university resources available on campus are free to use. However, all visits are paid for by the students.

All of the university resources available on campus are free to use. However, all visits are paid for by the students.

All of the university resources available on campus are free to use. However, all visits are paid for by the students.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

Any trips to exhibitions or shows will be paid for by the students. Trips vary from year to year.

Any trips to exhibitions or shows will be paid for by the students. Trips vary from year to year.

Any trips to exhibitions or shows will be paid for by the students. Trips vary from year to year.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021