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Look no further than animation and visual effects for a thrilling combination of creativity and technical flair – and a career that will set your world in motion.
Designed for anyone with a passion for computer-generated content, our BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree will help you learn and hone the skills needed to launch a career in an incredibly exciting industry.
We take a learning by doing approach on this course. Alongside our expert guidance and support, you&rsquo...
3 years full-time
4 years with placement
4 years with foundation year
Christopher“During my degree, I did an internship at a visual effects company working on an upcoming TV show. It helped me build on my skills and gave me first-hand experience of the industry.”
BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects
This is a subject that rewards dedication and just as our academic staff strive to maintain pace with the speed of change in industry, as a student, you will be tasked with doing the same. Based in the heart of Manchester, we encourage all of our students to engage fully within our course community, as well as enjoying what our vibrant city has to offer.
Throughout the early stages of the degree, our focus is on building the skills required for entry level roles in industry, in our community-driven environment of other students and academic staff. As you progress through the degree you may find that you gravitate more towards particular disciplines, and you will be encouraged to pursue mastery in these specialist areas.
We split our focus broadly between three overlapping disciplines:
3D
While almost all of our work is focussed on 3D, our 3D thread refers to modelling hard-surface objects as well as organic sculpting, texturing and rendering and the rigging of objects and characters to effectively enable animation, as well as the animation of these rigged assets to understand what makes an effective rig.
FX
Our FX thread focusses on working procedurally, creating simulated effects such as fire, smoke, liquid, clothing, hair, fur, and destruction, as well as how to use these same procedural and simulation concepts to work efficiently, and develop skills in other closely related areas such as motion graphics.
Compositing
Our Compositing thread focusses on the skills required to create and finalise a shot. This includes on-set data capture, integrating digital work within live action footage, manipulating footage to modify the original shot, and developing a keen understanding of the overall VFX pipeline to render and composite effectively.
The Chartered Institute for IT
Chartered Institute of Information Security
Houdini
BCS Chartered IT Professional
Institute of Coding
Computer Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)
Teaching Excellence Framework 2023-2027
National Student Survey 2024 (NSS)
Whether you’ve already made your decision about what you want to study, or you’re just considering your options, there are lots of ways you can meet us and find out more about student life at Manchester Met.
We offer:
Your studies are supported by a department of committed and enthusiastic teachers and researchers, experts in their chosen field.
We often link up with external professionals too, helping to enhance your learning and build valuable connections to the working world.
These typical entry requirements may be subject to change for the 2025/26 academic year. Please check back for further details.
UK and Channel Islands full-time foundation year fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). On progression to any linked degree course, the standard UK and Channel Islands tuition fee would apply. For 2025/26, this is £9,535 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
EU and Non-EU international full-time foundation year fee: £21,500 per year. When progressing from the pre-degree foundation year to the linked degree. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study)
Full-time fee: £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% per academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Full-time fee: £21,500 per year. Tuition fees will remain the same for each year of your course providing you complete it in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
A degree typically comprises 360 credits, a DipHE 240 credits, a CertHE 120 credits, and an integrated masters 480 credits. For courses that offer a placement year option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,907 (subject to Parliamentary approval). For courses that offer a study year abroad option that starts in September 2025, the tuition fee is £1,430 (subject to Parliamentary approval). Placement Year fees and study abroad fees for subsequent academic years may increase for inflation to reflect increased costs of course delivery (up to a maximum of 10% each academic year) and/or changes in UK government regulation. Inflationary increases will be calculated by reference to RPIx (RPIx is a measure of inflation in the UK). Fee increases are subject to limits imposed by UK government regulation.
Compulsory estimate: £100
Optional estimate: £400
All of the books required for the course are available from the library. The University also has PC labs and a laptop loan service. However, many students choose to buy some of the core textbooks for the course and/or a laptop. Students may also need to print their assignments and other documents. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop and up to £100 each year for books and printing.
Students can choose to go on a placement which might incur additional travel and accommodation costs – these would be offset by salary on a paid placement and will vary by location.
Compulsory estimate: £30
Students can choose to join the BCS at any point in their study. It is not required but is useful. The annual charge is identified for every year. There is also an option to take course membership, which is £20 for one year or £30 for four years.
Optional estimate: £300
Students may incur costs for external storage media such as USB or HDD drives. Level 5 students are encouraged to attend events as part of the Industry and Community Engagement unit – this may incur some travel costs.
Find out more about financing your studies and whether you may qualify for one of our bursaries and scholarships
Money MattersOur BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree will prepare you for a wide range of roles in the creation, manipulation and management of digital content used in film, games and television. Jobs in these industries could include environment artist, effects technical director, compositor, motion designer, technical artist, generalist and producer.
In addition, the skills you will learn are highly valued by a wide range of employers, and opportunities may exist in areas such as marketing, advertising, medical science, engineering and education.
Our graduates have stepped into roles in a variety of sectors and specialisms, from new media and games design to visual effects studios and creative agencies such as Framestore, DNEG, MPC, Stellar Entertainment, UNIT, Radley Yeldar, McCann, Dock 10 and Space Digital.
Manchester is a major hub for the digital technology industry. The close proximity of MediaCityUK and a large number of both established companies and innovative tech start-ups means that the opportunities for technological collaboration are huge. Situated in the ‘Oxford Road Corridor’ innovation district of Manchester, the University and the Department of Computing and Mathematics are perfectly placed to work with key players in the digital technology and new media sectors.
Study in the Dalton building
We've invested £115m into cutting-edge facilities and advanced technology to enhance your learning. With a newly refurbished computing labs and interactive study spaces, this redevelopment has been built to prepare students for the modern workplace.
You can apply for the full-time option of this course through UCAS.
UCAS code(s)C5V8
Institution code: M40
Get advice and support on making a successful application.
You can review our current Terms and Conditions before you make your application. If you are successful with your application, we will send you up to date information alongside your offer letter.
Programme review
Our programmes undergo an annual review and major review (normally
at 6 year intervals) to ensure an up-to-date curriculum supported by the
latest online learning technology. For further information on when we
may make changes to our programmes, please see the changes section of our
terms and conditions.
Important notice
This online prospectus provides an overview of our programmes of study
and the University. We regularly update our online prospectus so that
our published course information is accurate. Please check back to the
online prospectus before making an application to us to access the most
up to date information for your chosen course of study.
Confirmation of regulator
The Manchester Metropolitan University is regulated by the Office for
Students (OfS). The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education
in England. More information on the role of the OfS and its regulatory
framework can be found at
officeforstudents.org.uk.
All higher education providers registered with the OfS must have a student protection plan in place. The student protection plan sets out what students can expect to happen should a course, campus, or institution close. Access our current student protection plan.