Birmingham City University

BA Visual Effects with a Foundation Year

Birmingham City University

Course overview

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.

Entry requirements

  • 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.

Scholarships

  • Accelerate Scholarship

    If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.

    Up to £1,000

  • Bowater Financial Assistance Award

  • Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • International Postgraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.

    Up to £3,000

  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sports Scholarship

    Enhanced performance support funding.

  • The High Achievers' Scholarship

    You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.

    Up to £1,000

Career opportunities

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

Cost of study

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.

Admission

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.

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