BA Art Direction and Visual Effects
About this course
BA (Hons) in Art Direction and Visual Effects, an undergraduate degree focused on screen-based entertainment design, visual effects, and production. Core topics include Research Methods and Entrepreneurship. An optional placement year is available between the second and third years. The first year introduces foundational techniques through modules such as Introduction to Art Direction and Visual Effects, Designing and making, Exploring ideas, and Who are you? Establishing practice, which involves a collaborative animated film project. The second year expands technical capabilities via Collaborative and collective practices, Practice as laboratory, Where in the world? 1, and Where in the world? 2, exploring VR environments and creature creation. The final year culminates in major practical and research work through Professional futures, Finding your voice - research portfolio, and Show your work - independent practice. Students can also optionally undertake the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS), Diploma in Creative Computing, or Diploma in Storytelling between years two and three.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
The standard entry requirements for this course are: 112 UCAS tariff points, which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points from 2 or more A Levels. Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma. Merit at UAL Extended Diploma. Distinction at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Access Diploma or 112 tariff new UCAS points from the Access to HE Diploma. 112 UCAS tariff points from an equivalent full Level 3 qualification. Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 25 points minimum. And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
See the highest paying Art, Design, Music & Drama degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 221 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 87%
- Academic support: 87%
- Organisation and management: 73%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 450 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Gained a higher qualification: 1%
- Left higher education: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 165 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 63%
- South East: 18%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 525 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 82%
- Baccalaureate: 6%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 11%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Art Direction and Visual Effects
- Designing and making
- Exploring ideas
- Who are you? Establishing practice
- Collaborative and collective practices
- Practice as laboratory
- Where in the world? 1
- Where in the world? 2
- Professional futures
- Finding your voice - research portfolio
- Show your work - independent practice
- Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)
- Diploma in Creative Computing
- Diploma in Storytelling
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Art Direction and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London earn?
The median salary is £20,500 after 3 years, £25,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £17,000 and £32,000. The £25,000 median after five years is £1,500 more than the UK median for Cinematics and photography.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Art Direction and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Art Direction and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
The typical offer is 25 points in the IB. The average entrant had 134 UCAS points.
Does BA Art Direction and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Art Direction and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.