University of Wales Trinity Saint David
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Carmarthen
SA31 3EP
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Admissions Office
Email:admissions@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone:0300 500 5054
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Animation and VFX
- HND
- 2 Years
- Full-time
- 22/09/2025
- Undergraduate
- SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea
- Awarded by:
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant)
Course summary
The HND in Animation & VFX offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of digital animation and visual effects. This course provides a solid foundation in both creative and technical aspects of the field, allowing you to bring your imaginative ideas to life using industry-standard tools and techniques. Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to develop a portfolio of work that showcases your skills in animation and VFX, helping you prepare for a future career in this exciting and evolving industry.
You will explore all stages of the animation and VFX production process, learning how to create digital content from concept to final product. This includes practical training in software such as MAYA, Z-Brush, and Unreal Engine, which are widely used in the industry. Our workshops will guide you through the key stages of production, covering everything from 3D modelling and character design to visual effects and compositing. By working on real-world projects, you will gain the practical skills needed to thrive in this competitive field.
In addition to the hands-on elements of the course, you will also develop your intellectual and critical thinking skills. You will explore the social, cultural, and historical context of animation and VFX, allowing you to understand how these art forms communicate with audiences. This will help you create work that is not only technically proficient but also meaningful and impactful.
The HND covers a broad range of topics, ensuring that you gain a well-rounded understanding of the field. You will study areas such as virtual production, motion graphics, and computer animation, giving you the tools to succeed in a variety of creative industries, including film, television, and video games. The course also emphasises problem-solving and creativity, encouraging you to think critically about your work and come up with innovative solutions to complex production challenges.
Modules
Our Philosophy
We believe in a holistic approach to learning and teaching that combines creative exploration with technological mastery. Our goal is to equip students with both practical skills and intellectual insights, fostering innovation and professional development throughout their studies. Our staff are passionate artists and animators, dedicated to providing the best support to help your work stand out.
We offer opportunities to bring your imagination and storylines to life, find your passion, and realise your dreams. Whether you are interested in film, conceptual design, modelling, or any form of animation, we help you find what you love and bring it to life. Whether 2D, stop frame, 3D — it’s all-immersive in digital animation.
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in animation and VFX through modules such as Visual Studies and Introduction to Character Animation. You will explore virtual production, 3D modelling, and environment design, while also developing your academic and professional skills. You will gain insights into animation perspectives and the positive impact of VFX.
Academic and Professional Development (10 Credits)
Visual Studies (20 credits)
Introduction to Virtual Production (20 credits)
Introduction to Character Animation (20 credits)
Environment Design (20 credits)
Introduction to 3D Modelling (10 Credits)
Animation Insights and Perspectives (10 Credits)
VFX for Positive Impact (10 Credits)
Year 2
The second year focuses on advancing your skills with modules like Advanced Character Animation and Body Mechanics and Creature Animation. You will explore virtual production design, experimental animation techniques, and visual effects, while evolving your creative craft. Sound design will complement your visual work, enhancing your overall production quality.
Advanced Character Animation (20 credits)
Virtual Production Design (20 credits)
Body Mechanics and Creature Animation (20 credits)
Evolving your Creative Craft (20 Credits)
Experimental Animation Techniques (10 Credits)
Visual Effects (20 credits)
Sound Design (10 Credits)
Assessment method
A lot of the briefs and coursework and submissions ask you to create something fresh, new, inspiring — and all industry leaning. You have creative input on new worlds and imaginings.
Visually enriched tutorials, lectures, presentations, overviews and exercises — always with an eye on concept; always thinking on how to extend this work for showreels. Feedback can often be illustrated and/or filled with more visual tips and guides to help with alternative designs, movements, narrative structure, etc, etc.
We ask you to engage with some amazing kit. We harness technology — we control it - via drawing, cintiqs, model-making, 2D and 3D software, production techniques and skillsets.
We provide a lot of the basics, with specific challenges to get you off the ground — and in HE — ask you to fly high.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
29 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- AVF8
- Institution code:
- T80
- Campus name:
- SA1 Waterfront Campus, Swansea
- Campus Code:
- T
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa.
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.
For full information read our visa application and guides.
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 80 points
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £14850 | Year 1 |
| International | £14850 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, it is likely that art and design students will incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100 but you may well already have much of the equipment required so check with us first. Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase.
Depending on distance and duration, optional study visits can vary in cost from approximately £10 to visit local galleries and exhibitions to £200+ for overseas visits – these costs cover things like transport, entry to venues and accommodation and are normally at reduced rates for our students.
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At University of Wales Trinity Saint David
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