Visual Effects

• Become skilled in the latest procedural 3D techniques, able to work alongside programmers, developers and other artists.
• Study in Essex, home to 25 games companies including Midas Interactive, Ghostlight and Elephant Games (source: ukie.org.uk).
• Attend industry events including games jams, talks, conferences and our annual Gamebridge festival.
• Work in a development studio environment collaborating with others to prepare for professional life.
• Build a portfolio to showcase your skills to future employers and clients.
• Find placements and solve live briefs through our links with tech giants like Sony, Jagex and Frontier.

Our BA (Hons) Visual Effects will help you become an artist skilled in the latest procedural 3D techniques, who can work alongside programmers, developers and other artists.

Using the latest procedural content creation software, you’ll learn to design and deploy solutions to problems encountered in the video games and visual effects industries.

As well as exploring the key areas of working with VFX and computer graphics, our course will keep you up to date with the latest techniques and trends. We'll also help you identify the supporting skills and knowledge that you’ll need to succeed in the creative industries.

82% of the UK computer games industry is educated to at least undergraduate level, according to UKIE’s 2022 census.

Throughout our BA (Hons) Visual Effects, you’ll develop the latest skills and knowledge for a career in 3D content creation. You'll also get the support you need to grow into a confident and creative graduate with a willingness for lifelong learning.

As a graduate, you will have tackled a variety of live VFX briefs, finding creative ways to use your knowledge and skillset and working with our industry partners. Recently, ARM, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Frontier and Just Flight have offered internships and work opportunities to our students.

You'll also have a strong portfolio of work to showcase your skills and specialisms.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters degree, such as our MA Computer Games Development (Art). Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

You will need to dedicate time outside of your course to develop your employability, through placements, internships or volunteering or through our partner scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). You can evidence this experience on your CV and talk about it in interviews to give you that all important edge.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.