Foundation DegreeDigital Art & Animation for Visual Effects and Virtual ProductionValidated by The Open University
Qualifications
Foundation Degree for Art & Animation for Visual Effects and Virtual Production
Overview
This full-time, two-year programme provides students with the skills and technical expertise needed for careers in Visual Effects (VFX), Virtual Production, and Animation. Designed to meet industry demands, the course blends practical training with industry-standard tools and techniques, preparing graduates for roles in film, television, and interactive media.
Students will gain hands-on experience with virtual production workflows, pre-visualisation, 3D asset creation, animation, and cinematography, developing a strong foundation in real-time technologies and digital content creation. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert tuition, this course ensures graduates are ready to enter the industry with job-ready skills and a competitive portfolio.
**Industry-Standard Facilities at E3 Studios, Belfast providing students with a real-world production environment, ensuring they gain practical experience in industry-standard workflows.**
Students will have access to professional-grade facilities, including:
• 450sqft LED Virtual Production Stage
• Vicon Motion Capture Stage
• XR Technology
• Fully-equipped TV Studio
• High-end PC Workstations
**Software & Tools**
The course provides training in a range of industry-leading software, including:
• Unreal Engine – A key tool for real-time rendering, virtual production, and interactive media.
• Nuke – Professional compositing software for visual effects.
• Autodesk Maya – Industry-standard software for 3D modelling, rigging, and animation.
• Adobe Creative Suite – Tools for compositing, editing, and digital content creation.
• Substance Painter & ZBrush – Essential for texturing and digital sculpting.
• Shotgrid & Perforce – Workflow and version control software used in major studios.
**Expert Teaching & Industry Connections**
The course is delivered by industry-experienced lecturers, including specialists in VFX, cinematography, 3D modelling, and real-time production workflows. The teaching team ensures that students receive current, industry-relevant training in techniques used by major film, television, and animation studios.
Additionally, as an Epic Games Academic Partner, the course benefits from exclusive learning resources, industry insights, and access to cutting-edge developments in Unreal Engine and virtual production technologies. This partnership ensures that students are trained to meet the evolving demands of real-time VFX and interactive media industries.
**Career Development & Industry Success**
This course is designed to equip students with the skills and experience needed to enter careers in VFX, virtual production, animation, and digital content creation. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in:
• Film and TV production studios
• VFX and post-production companies
• Animation and game development studios
The programme is built on a strong foundation of industry collaboration and practical learning, ensuring students develop job-ready portfolios and gain exposure to real-world production environments.
Belfast Met has a proven track record of training students who have progressed to work on major productions such as Captain Marvel, The Irishman, Game of Thrones and many more.
While this is the first iteration of this specific course, it is delivered by a highly experienced teaching team with deep industry connections. Students will benefit from:
• Careers and employability support
• Networking opportunities
• Portfolio development
• Guest lectures
OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.
Regulations for validated awards of The Open University
Student's guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University
Applications to this course can be made through UCAS using code U972. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Belfast Met, you can apply directly to us using "Apply Now" option and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf. IMPORTANT: Applicants must only choose one method of application.
Please check out the video below for more information on this course.
Gallery
64 UCAS Points
Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.
|
Module |
Level / Credits |
Assessment |
|
Assets 1 |
Level 4 / 40 |
Coursework |
|
Assets 2 |
Level 4 / 40 |
Coursework |
|
Pipelines 1 |
Level 4 / 20 |
Coursework |
|
Pipelines 2 |
Level 4 / 20 |
Coursework |
Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.
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