Bachelor BA (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects - Grado en Animación y Efectos Especiales

Graduating from the NCCA will have you join a 30-year legacy of world-class animation & VFX specialists. Whether you are artistic or technical, this cutting-edge course combines disciplines so you can bring your characters, creatures, and worlds to life.

We have a Foundation Year option for students who do not meet the entry requirements for the degree course. This additional year of study will give you a grounding in the creative skills required for this course, building your confidence, knowledge and skills for further study. After successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to the full degree. If you apply to study the full degree and do not meet the academic entry requirements, our admissions team may consider your application for the Foundation Year and notify you accordingly.

This course requires 112–128 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 A-levels or equivalent. A portfolio will also be required in support of your application. We are happy to consider a combination of qualifications and grades to meet the overall tariff, for example A-levels A*BC, ABB, BBC or ACC, BTECs DDM or DMM.

If English is not your first language you´ll need IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

replicates the latest industry practices to match the professional tech and facilities you’ll be taught in. We can’t wait to see you develop the skills to conceptualise, storyboard, and design your original ideas.

Make invaluable contacts through regular industry guest speakers, many of whom are alumni. You’ll also be invited to one of the UK’s largest visual effects, computer animation, and games festivals – The BFX Festival.

Tailor your studies with option units in the second and final years to develop your skills in 3D animation, visual effects, and technical arts – or work across specialisms reflecting a range of industry practices
Work on projects that simulate real-world challenges and scenarios; you´ll benefit from supportive tutors who provide tailored and personal reviews of your work
Access specialist facilities including a green screen and motion capture studio, as well as animation labs equipped with industry-standard software. Explore these in our 360 tours.

FOUNDATION YEAR OPTION
Art & Design in Creative Industries
Algorithmic Thinking
Digital Tools
Study Skills for Creative Industries
Foundation Project

YEAR 1
Modelling & Texturing
Principles of 3D Animation
Procedural Content Creation
Lighting & Look Development
Image Manipulation for Animation & VFX
Concept & Story

YEAR 2
Group Project Research & Development (R&D)
Group Project
Professional Practice

Choose one of the following three pathways:

Visual Effects Pathway:
Digital Matte Painting & Asset Integration
Environment & Character Effects
Advanced Modelling & Sculpting

Art & Design Pathway:
Environment & Character Design
Character & Creature Animation
Character & Creature Rigging

Technical Arts Pathway
Procedural Modelling & Rendering
Programming Graphics
Real-Time Graphics

OPTIONAL PLACEMENT YEAR
You will have the option of undertaking a minimum 30-week placement at the end of your second year. Visit the placement section below for more information.

FINAL YEAR
Major Project Research & Development (R&D)
Industry Brief
Emerging Trends
Final Major Project

Option units (choose one)
Computer Graphics for Sustainable Development
Moving Images of a Computerised Age

Technical director (in computer animation and digital effects)
Technical artist (in computer games)
Visual artist
Software producer
Game developer
3D artist
Visual effects tech developer