Visual Effects Technical Direction BSc (Hons)

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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593

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Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

W615

Campuses

City Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Visual Effects Technical Direction BSc (Hons)

About

Introduction:

Thanks to fantastic advances in digital technology like virtual production, our cinematic storytellers need sophisticated technical support.

If you love film and television and want to use your scientific and mathematical skills in an industry you’re passionate about, visual effects technical direction could be for you. Technical directors (TDs) lead in finding solutions to digital production challenges. They find ways to make screen effects look realistic using physics-driven simulations, and bring departments together to make productions run smoothly by assessing, building and testing workflows. They are analytical thinkers, technical experts and problem solvers .

Competition between streaming platforms is at an all-time high, and productions with great visual effects (VFX) draw in massive global audiences – from Amazon, Netflix and Disney’s big-hitting series, to long-enduring franchises like Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. It’s a lucrative industry, and visual effects TDs are integral to bringing immersive realism to our screens.

Work like a pro by operating our new, purpose-built ARRI Virtual Production Stage.
Find your niche as you become an effects, lighting, texture, rigging or pipeline TD.
Collaborate with other NTU courses, offering technical expertise to enhance digital screen art projects.
Make industry contacts through live briefs, guest lectures, field trips and studio visits.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

BSc (Hons) Visual Effects Technical Direction

112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Entry requirements by country

Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

Foundation courses leading to undergraduate study at NTU

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)

You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.

English Program Requirements

Career

Careers and employability

The UK’s visual effects industry is globally renowned. From film and television to gaming and animation, the demand for VFX professionals is always increasing – not only in entertainment sectors, but far beyond. On this degree, you’ll learn many transferrable skills which span different roles and can be applied to any genre.

This degree is one of the only technical direction courses in the country, and it directly reflects the industry roles it’s designed to lead you into, putting you a step ahead of other graduates. You’ll understand the bigger picture of how the VFX industry operates, giving you a platform to rise in the ranks and become a top-level TD.

Previous graduates have gone on to work as :

Junior Pipeline TD at Realtime UK (BAFTA-nominated VFX studio)
Previs and Layout Artist at Blue Zoo Animation Studio (winner of multiple BAFTA and Emmy Awards)
Junior Tracking & Layout Artist at Milk VFX (high-end independent VFX studio)
FX Artist at Electric Theatre Collective (VFX studio)
Assistant Technologist at Untold Studios (creative studios)
3D Generalist at Union VFX (BAFTA-winning VFX facility)

You’ll be supported by NTU’s award-winning Employability team for up to three years after you leave us, and be able to access our comprehensive online career resources for life. You can also benefit from our Employability Promise.

Creative Industries Federation

We are members of the Creative Industries Federation (CIF), which means students in the Nottingham School of Art & Design have the opportunity to sign up to free student membership. Creative Industries Federation are an organisation that represents, champions and supports the UK’s creative industries and membership grants students exclusive access to their selection of resources and events to help advance your career and connect with industry.