BA Computer Animation and Visual Effects
About this course
BA (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects, an undergraduate degree centred on the creation of digital art, 3D media, and visual effects pipelines. Core topics include Research Methods, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Design & Creative Practice. Students can optionally undertake a placement year between years 2 and 3. The first year covers foundational techniques through Introduction to Computer Animation and Visual Effects, Digital Artistry, Principles of 3D and Visual Effects, and Informed Practice 1: Practical Theory. The second year advances production capabilities with Visual Narrative, Informed Practice 2: Critical Enquiry, Exploratory Practice, and Professional Practice. The final year centers on independent work and professional development through Final Major Project, Informed Practice 3: Research Project, and Professional Futures. Students may also complete optional diplomas including the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS), Diploma in Creative Computing, and Diploma in Storytelling between years 2 and 3.
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 as follows: 96 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications: A Levels at Grade C or above (preferred subjects include Art, Design, English, Photography, Maths, Computing, or other art, design or technology subjects) Merit in Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4) Merit, Merit, Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects include Art and design, design and technology, Computer science or related subject) Merit in UAL Extended Diploma Access to Higher Education Diploma (preferred subjects include Art and Design, Design and Technology, Computing or related subject) OR equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum And 4 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 97%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 94%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 10%
- London: 70%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Bronze overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Introduction to Computer Animation and Visual Effects
- Digital Artistry
- Principles of 3D and Visual Effects
- Informed Practice 1: Practical Theory
- Visual Narrative
- Informed Practice 2: Critical Enquiry
- Exploratory Practice
- Professional Practice
- Final Major Project
- Informed Practice 3: Research Project
- Professional Futures
- Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) (Optional)
- Diploma in Creative Computing (Optional)
- Diploma in Storytelling (Optional)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £24,500 and £34,500. The £29,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Computer games and animation.
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 138 UCAS points.
Does BA Computer Animation 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 Computer Animation and Visual Effects at University of the Arts London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.