BA Visual Effects with a Foundation Year

The BA Visual Effects with a Foundation Year at Birmingham City University is for students who want to improve their creative and technical skills in visual effects (VFX). In this course, students learn about animation, digital compositing, 3D modelling, and motion graphics. They also gain practical experience using professional software and equipment, like a green screen studio and advanced rendering tools.

The course can be completed within four years, including the foundation year, which gives students a broad understanding of visual effects principles before they move on to more advanced studies. This foundation year is taught at Margaret Street, and students can collaborate with their peers in film production, animation, and photography.

Since its foundation in 1843, Birmingham City University (BCU) has provided high-quality education that meets industry demands. The university continues to uphold high academic standards across various disciplines and collaborates with universities in China, India, Malaysia, and Nepal to offer students opportunities for global exchanges and research.

BCU is also engaged in research on digital accessibility, artificial intelligence, and smart city planning. As part of the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership, it offers fully funded PhD programmes in the arts and humanities. Additionally, the university is dedicated to sustainability, working on projects related to renewable energy and waste reduction to promote a greener future.

• Applications from candidates who have relevant work experience will be taken into account.

Grade Requirements:

• International students need at least 80 UCAS Tariff points from qualifications equivalent to A Levels, with grades of CDD.
• They may also submit an International Baccalaureate diploma if they have a minimum of 24 points overall.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants whose primary language is not English need to have an overall IELTS score of 6.0. They must also score at least 5.5 in each part of the skill test.

In the academic year 2025/26, the tuition fee for international students in the Birmingham City University BA Visual Effects with a Foundation Year programme is £17,690 per year. Please be aware that this fee could increase by up to 5% each year throughout the duration of the course.

Birmingham City University offers several scholarships to help international students with their tuition expenses. One of these is the Women in STEAM Scholarship, which provides £2,500 to women studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Another financial aid option is the International Scholarship, which gives up to £2,000 off tuition fees for international students enrolled in undergraduate programmes.

Students who earn a BA Visual Effects with a Foundation Year degree from Birmingham City University can pursue the following job roles:

• Art Director 
• Graphic Designer 
• Film Director 
• Illustrator 
• 3D Modeller
• Video Game Developer

Prospective students who are interested in applying for this course can do so through UCAS or the university's online application portal. Those who need help with the application process can get in touch with one of our trained counsellors for support.