Course contact details
University of Greater Manchester Enquiries
Email:enquiries@bolton.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)1204 903903
University of Greater Manchester
Deane Road
Bolton
BL3 5AB
Visual Effects and Animation
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- September 2026
- Undergraduate
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Course summary
In December 2024, the University of Bolton was granted permission by the Office for Students (OfS) to change its name to the University of Greater Manchester with immediate effect. While we work to update our systems, you may see both names used in the information we provide.
The possibilities of pixels are endless with our BSc (Hons) Visual Effects and Animation degree. Focusing on the specialist skills needed to create computer-generated and post-production visual effects, we offer industry-experienced staff and fantastic facilities, along with a proven track record of graduate success with award-winning employers.
Visual effects (VFX) and animation is at the heart of creating spectacular imagery for the film, TV, commercial and music video industries. VFX is an integral part of nearly every global blockbuster film in the modern era. Whether it’s the creation of hideous monsters, futuristic vehicles, or epic alien landscapes, VFX is the driving force behind the magic that you see on screen.
Our BSc (Hons) Visual Effects and Animation course is ideal if you wish to combine design creativity with cutting-edge 2D and 3D computer-generated imagery and animation to create visual effects. We offer hands-on experience covering the whole workflow of a digital VFX pipeline – from concept design, pre-production and visualisation, to the production of photorealistic 3D models/environments, and computer-generated and composited images.
Our dedicated and experienced team will lead you in an exploration of 3D computer modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering, rigging and animation, as well as the established areas of compositing, matte paintings and environments.
VFX artists need transferable skills too, including communication, project and time management, team-working and entrepreneurship. We aim to support you to develop these attributes, alongside the imagination, flair and curiosity that will enable you to design and deliver inventive VFX and animation solutions for film, TV and advertising.
Modules
Information about the modules offered as part of this course is available on the University of Greater Manchester's website.
Assessment method
Details of the learning activities and assessment methods for this course are available on the University of Greater Manchester's website.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- ScreenSkills
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- September 2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- W621
- Institution code:
- B44
- Campus name:
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Greater Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 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:
- W621
- Institution code:
- B44
- Campus name:
- University of Greater Manchester Main Site, Bolton
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff 104 points
Any subjects are acceptable at Level 3. Subjects that support you to showcase either creative OR technical skills relevant to the study of visual effects and animation are preferred. Creative subjects such as art and design, fine art, film, photography or media are welcomed. Alternatively, technical subjects such as computing, engineering, physics and mathematics can be a great starting point for this degree. For instance, an applicant studying A-levels in Art & Design, English Literature and Psychology would be invited to a portfolio interview, as would an applicant taking A-levels in Mathematics, Geography and History. We accept qualifications from across the UCAS Tariff, so if you’re unsure if the subjects you’re studying are suitable, or want help choosing suitable subjects at Level 3, please get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to advise you.
You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above or grade 4 to 9 (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
You'll be required to attend an interview and provide a portfolio of appropriate work. Typically, portfolios are centred on one of the following areas: art, life drawing, painting, design, games, media, sculpture, photography, video editing, film, web design, computing based or technical projects. We’ll also take any previous work or experience into account when making a decision on your application.
The quality of a portfolio will be judged alongside traditional UCAS point-bearing qualifications to determine the success of an application; we, therefore, give special consideration to applicants without the above qualifications who have a strong portfolio.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Additional entry requirements
- Interview
- Portfolio
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | If English isn’t your first language you’ll also need IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band (or equivalent). |
We also accept a range of other English language qualifications – please visit our English Language Requirements web page for more details. https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements/
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Related courses
At University of Greater Manchester
Like this page