Overview
The N.I digital media production sector is growing rapidly with recent projects in 2025 including: HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (set in the same universe as Game of Thrones), How to train your Dragon and The Death Of Robin Hood with Hugh Jackman. There is also a host of popular home grown shows such as Blue Lights and How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The North of Ireland is now an established production hub.
Support from government bodies like Northern Ireland Screen has fostered a cluster of local companies, including Yellow Moon, Enter Yes, Clever Button, Steet Monkey and Humain Studios to name but a few. The launch of the state-of-the-art virtual production facility, Studio Ulster, is a major recent development that is expected to further boost the industry here.
This rapid growth means that there are fantastic career opportunities here with the right training.
To meet the industry demand, this Level 3 Visual Effects course (Equivalent to 3 A Levels) will introduce you to the creative and technical aspects of Visual Effects. From 3D Modelling and animation, in industry standard software such as ZBrush and Maya, to using Adobe After Effects to learn the core skills behind how Visual Effects are constructed onscreen. You will also learn filming and editing techniques to create your visual effects and bring your creative vision to life, learning each stage of the production process, from initial planning to the final stages.
By completion of the Visual Effects Course, students will leave with industry connections through our work experience partnerships, professional experience through project work/live briefs, and an online professional portfolio.
How are you assessed on the course?
This vocational course will assess the ability to inform ideas through research, problem solving, technical skills, professional practice, and communication.
The main technical focuses for assessment are:
· Visual Effects Core Skills
· 3D Modelling/ 3D Environments and Animation
· Film and Editing for Visual Effects Creation
You will be taught using the latest, and leading, industry standard applications including:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Substance Painter
- Unreal Engine 5
- Autodesk Maya
- ZBrush
Content covered over the two years will harness your skills in areas including:
- Core Visual Effects Skills (Compositing, Rotoscoping, Motion tracking, Matte Painting)
- 3D Prop and Character Modelling (Zbrush, Maya)
- 3D Animation techniques (Maya)
- 3D Environments (Unreal Engine 5)
- Motion Graphics (2D Animation)
- Filmmaking using DSLR cameras
- Film Editing using Premiere Pro
- Individual / Group Projects
- Understanding careers available in the Visual Effects Industry
- Portfolio Development
During your time on the course, you will be given access to high-end development workstations, industry-level software, DSLR/Video Cameras, and sound production/lighting equipment as part of the projects you work on.
For examples of student work, please visit our YouTube Channel: Level 3 Visual Effects Belfast Met - YouTube
Please check our out Pre Entry Advice video below.
Academic Course Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent.
At least one GCSE (or equivalent) should be a C or above in:
Art, Moving Image Art, Digital Technology, ICT (or similar)
English or Maths
*Computer literacy would be beneficial
Non-academic course entry requirements
Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:
- be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.
- provide proof of:
- Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.
- Photographic proof of identity
- Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.
Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for FE 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.
Visit our Student Funding page to find out how to fund your studies.
All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.
Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk
This course is assessed through 100% coursework.
It is equivalent to three A Levels.
The course is 100% coursework focused and will combine both theory and practical elements. If required, you will also undertake Essential Skills in Literacy and/or Numeracy.
Careers
This course will prepare you for further study at University or one of our range of Foundation Degrees.
You will build a portfolio and skills for a career in the following industries: Visual Effects, Games Technologies, Film.
Interests
This is the course for you if you are interested in:
- How visual effects are created on screen
- 3D Modelling and Animation
- 3D Environments
- Concept Art
- Filmmaking and Editing
- Being Creative
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