Computer Animation and Visual Effects BSc (Hons)
Get set for a career in areas such as 3D animation, TV and film visual effects, and the computer games industry with this Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree.
Key information
UCAS code:
II15
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
The UK's animation and visual effects (VFX) industry leads the world in producing blockbuster visuals for entertainment media, reinventing their technical and creative capabilities. With indie talent also thriving in the South Coast, there’s no better place to start your visual effects career than at Portsmouth.
Our Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree course will help you build skills in key areas such as concept drawing, 3D animation, physics-based simulation, and compositing, with guidance from a team of industry experts from across the entertainment and advertising sectors. Using our spectacular facilities, software and equipment, you'll enhance your artistic and technical expertise and improve your research skills in the technology you'll work with, which is vital to your development as an all-round artist.
You can also specialise and develop your professional portfolio through placement opportunities, client projects and the modules you’ll choose from second year.
Transform yourself into an exceptional VFX artist, producer, animator, and stagecrafter at Portsmouth – ready to take the creative and communication industries by storm.
Course highlights
- Maximise your creativity and learning by using world-class facilities like our Motion Capture Studio and Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality – housing the most advanced cinematic-standard equipment and virtual production suites of any university
- Familiarise yourself with professional software used in the industry, including NUKEX, Maya, 3DS Max, ZBrush, Houdini, Katana and Mari
- Learn from a team of experts who are industry leaders across various entertainment and communication sectors, including film, animation, advertising and computer games
- Collaborate with other students on other courses by getting involved in our annual University GameJam
- Gain valuable industry experience by taking an optional placement
- Take advantage of our strong industry links to build professional contacts, such as attending guest speaker lectures and the chance to win sponsored prizes for your final year project
- Improve your language skills by studying a foreign language as part of the Institute-Wide Language Programme (IWLP)
90%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
10th
for animation and game design in the UK
(Guardian University Guide, 2024)
Accreditation
This course is professionally accredited by JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support) and SideFX as a Houdini Certified School.
We also work with visual effects studios, game developers and professional bodies such as TIGA (The Independent Games Association) to make sure the course stays up-to-date with industry trends.
In 2021, the University of Portsmouth was awarded Best Educational Institution at the TIGA Games Industry Awards.
JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support)
JAMES is a group of industry professionals and employers. The JAMES accreditation lets potential employers know that this course gives you the relevant skills and abilities you need to work in the industry when you graduate. JAMES reviews our accreditation every 3 years to ensure the course content is current and reflects industry developments, so you’ll always be learning the most relevant skills.
Houdini Certified School (SideFX)
The Houdini Certified School accreditation recognises a course's high calibre of instructor knowledge, exemplary student work, and commitment to connecting students to industry. In return, students can access promotional and sponsorship opportunities from commercial studios, as well as support from SideFX to enhance their learning and employability, such as webinars, class presentations and portfolio reviews.
Watch our BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects 2021 showreel
See highlights of the best work from our Computer Animation and Visual Effects 2021 graduates.
Video showing highlights of the best work from our Computer Animation and Visual Effects 2021 graduates. (No dialogue.)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
BSc (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
Selection process
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) direct entry applicants will need a portfolio of work to support their application.
For more information on how to put together a portfolio, read our BSc (Hons) Computer Animation with Visual Effects portfolio guide.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Digital and Creative Technologies Taster Day
Thursday 18 January
From computer games and web development to augmented reality and animation, discover the word of Digital and Creative technologies through our dynamic workshops.
How to prepare for this Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree
Our course lets you explore the technical and artistic aspects of computer animation and visual effects, so you can prepare for the diverse work you’ll be creating in a variety of ways. Here are a few key ones.
Try out 3D
Play around with 3D production to familiarise yourself with the interfaces and workflows you'll encounter during the course, since you'll be working with 3D rendering software and equipment a lot. Free software like Blender will get you started working with 3D.
Be observational
Being able to observe shape, form and texture is a boost to your creativity. Drawing abilities are optional but desirable, especially if you want to become an animator. Take up drawing opportunities, like life drawing, to study the human form and other objects.
Explore composition
Having an eye for composition is also an asset, particularly if you plan to work in film. You can develop this ability by experimenting with photography, videomaking, or other activities requiring you to set the scene or compose optimal imagery through a lens.
Facilities and specialist kit
Centre for Creative and Immersive Extended Reality (CCIXR)
Create stunning works for film, TV, music, gaming and immersive reality in the UK's first integrated facility of its kind.
Motion Capture Studio
Learn how to use the same professional motion capture equipment used in the VR, game design, and film industries.
Virtual Reality Lab
Our VR lab boasts the latest immersive and interactive technologies used by the ever-evolving VR industry.
Wacom Studio
Design eye-catching illustrations, animations, and layouts in our 20-seat PC studio with industry-leading Wacom Cintiq widescreen graphics tablets.
Equipment loan stores
Whatever your work, you can borrow computers and professional-standard film, photography, lighting, and performance equipment from our loan stores in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries.
Careers and opportunities
The computer animation and VFX industry continues to grow as volume demand increases and increasingly complex effects require innovations in technologies and workflows. The sector’s unique fusion of art (in its traditional and modern forms and techniques) and science (via the advanced hardware and software used) offers fascinating career, research, and education enhancement opportunities for graduates.
London is home to six of the world's largest award-winning visual effects companies, many of whom we have strong industry connections with, and independent effects studios are emerging in the southeast of England. Our Master's degrees in Creative Technologies and Computer Animation are natural progressions for graduates who wish to research more into the science behind their skills.
Graduate roles
Many of our graduates have worked in roles such as:
- Serial riggers
- Animators
- Motion capture technicians
- Stagecrafter
- Freelance artists
Graduate destinations
Many of our graduates have worked at either the University of Portsmouth or multi-award-winning special effects companies behind some of the biggest film and television franchises in the world. These include:
- Industrial Light & Magic (The Mandalorian, The Irishman, Black Panther)
- Moving Picture Company (1917, The Lion King)
- Double Negative (DNEG) (Tenet, Chernobyl, Blade Runner 2049, Black Mirror, Ex Machina)
- Milk VFX (Ex Machina, Doctor Who, Sherlock)
- Framestore (Blade Runner 2049, The Midnight Sky, Guardians of the Galaxy 2: Marvel)
Alumni profile: Emily Bisset, Freelance 3D Artist
Find out about Emily's life and success after university
Emily Bisset graduated in 2020 with a Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree from the University of Portsmouth. She's now a Freelance 3D Artist. Find out what Emily's role entails and how she’s applying the skills she learnt during her time at Portsmouth.
My name is Emily Bissett.
I'm currently freelancing as a 3D artist.
I specialise in materials and textures.
What made the University of Portsmouth stand out to me is that I saw they had their motion capture facilities there, and so I thought that would be a really cool place to go and study Computer Animation and Visual Effects.
It is also by the sea and I enjoyed sailing, and it really helped me get into more sailing at the time when I was at university.
The University of Portsmouth Sailing Club is really, really cool.
I really like the people in there.
The skills I've learnt sailing I still use every day and so things like teamwork and working in small teams when you're yacht sailing or racing and so communication is really key there.
Having that and transferring it into my working life has been really helpful for me.
I had a placement with Gillette after I finished at Portsmouth.
I was really lucky I got to work on some consumer facing projects, as well as internal projects.
To be an intern and to be able to be working on things that the public are going to see, that was a really crazy thing for me to experience.
When I was working at Gillette, I was actually working in the evenings on personal projects as well.
These projects were in a software called Substance Designer, which is owned by Adobe, and it's basically visual scripting in order to make a one by one tile of material.
I obviously always post my work on things like ArtStation and Instagram and LinkedIn and stuff like that, and that got picked up by a company called The Rookies.
I ended up writing an article for that which then got picked up by Substance and so I got to put my article on their magazine.
I could see it on their launch page as well so every time you go and launch the software, you could see it, which was really awesome, and that's actually allowed me to get more contract work in.
If you know you want to do something and you need a degree to do it, definitely go.
Portsmouth has all the facilities and all the kind of societies and stuff in order to do that.
Placement year (optional)
After your second or third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.
You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.
Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.
Creative Careers
Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.
They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:
- Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
- Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
- Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
- Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route
The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.
Placement experiences
Our previous placement students have worked in a wide range of technical roles, including compositing, rigging, texturing, and modeling.
Many of them have gained their industry experience in our leading facilities at the University, including CCIXR. Others have completed their placements at a number of renowned companies, including:
- Industrial Light & Magic
- Framestore
- Moving Picture Company (MPC)
- Procter & Gamble
Featured placement
Krit Singhania – Procter & Gamble
Krit, working as a Research and Development intern, reveals the highlights of his placement experience – including some of the fascinating programming and VR projects he's working on.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
What you'll do
You'll develop knowledge in the field of animation, such as principles of animation, history of animation, cultural and social animation, and wider aspects of animation and VFX study.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge within a specialism of animation and VFX, evidence through the development of a portfolio of work towards that understanding individual research into the field
- Explore and evaluate industries' relationship with technology and social, cultural 'change' and the importance of this understanding in broad fields of animation and VFX environment
- Develop personal strategies for identifying and analysing, interpreting, and extending a brief, utilising animation and VFX subjects
- Communicate complex ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop students' understanding of the use and role of compositing in Visual Effects (VFX)
- Create and manipulate various still and moving images using a range of VFX compositing techniques
- Select and apply an appropriate range of compositing skills to projects
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Create efficient pipelines between various commercial CGI applications
- Animate and create assets for use within a Real-Time Rendering Engine
- Articulate, analyse and reflect upon their work through using both the languages of art/cinema and maths/science
What you'll learn
- Apply a range of modelling techniques to current and future animation projects
- Appraise working methods in relation to industry practitioners
- Appraise a range of industry projects to identify techniques and approaches
- Research and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of producing assets for animation & VFX
What you'll do
You'll focus on areas specific to computer animation, such as weight and timing, and central concepts such as emotion.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Use basic animation skills
- Demonstrate the basic principles of animation and use a selection of animation and software skills
- Co-ordinate files used in different applications
- Demonstrate media and file management processes
- Apply your understanding of the principles of animation in an original animation
What you'll do
In practical workshops, you'll investigate observational drawing, ideas generation, basic modelling, texturing and animation in 3D animation software, and narrative development.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate observational skills using traditional drawing media
- Demonstrate basic technical principles of visual communication
- Research, design and develop a concept for a computer animation
- Demonstrate the software skills to produce a basic computer animation
Core modules
What you'll do
On this module, you'll explore the CGI Lighting and Look Development skills related to the role of the Lighting Technical Director.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Create efficient visual effect pipelines between various commercial CGI applications
- Develop artistic and cinematic aesthetics in your work, using appropriate technological solutions
- Articulate, analyse and reflect upon your work using the languages of art/cinema and maths/science
What you'll do
You'll build an understanding of research methods, ethics and practices, and develop skills in project definition and scoping.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, uses and limitations of various research methods appropriate to your studies
- Identify and evaluate appropriate research methods for a specified piece of independent study
- Prepare a project initiation/proposal document on a specified topic that covers deliverables, scope, feasibility, risk analysis, resource requirements, planning schedule and any foreseeable legal/ethical/health and safety issues
- Write a preliminary review of literature on a specified topic in accordance with the principles of good scholarship
- Investigate and identify the qualifications, skillset, entry points and career opportunities in relation to a specific career
- Identify your strengths, weaknesses and preferences in relation to a specific career
What you'll do
You'll be introduced to the use of several technoloigies including motion capture and real-time rendering. Through the production of an animated and VFX film you'll go through the full pipeline from conception, previs, production and post-production, and develop industry relevant skills.
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Apply the fundamentals of staging and cinematography for successfully conveying the visual requirements that support both the story and technical requirements of a film
- Rapidly create a myriad of varied assets that meet professional standards and solve creative issues efficiently in industry standard software
- Appraise the theoretical and practical aspects of Virtual Production technology to further results in the production process
- Apply the various professional tools and techniques involved within a Virtual Production to their own projects
Optional modules
What you'll do
You'll take this optional module as part of the second year of your course.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
- Reflect on your personal development and how your employability prospects have been enhanced by the exchange
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
- Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
- Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
- Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals
Assessment
On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with a reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
- Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
- Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
- Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Research, design and develop a character and environment for use in real-time based on an industry-standard specification
- Demonstrate the ability to develop character and environment model reference sheets and mood boards
- Produce a 3D computer animation, presenting the character and environment using commercially appropriate real-time techniques based on an industry-appropriate specification
Additional content
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Apply drawing to record structure, texture, shape, proportion of animal forms
- Understand the relationship between visual research methodologies and the design process
- Implement industry-relevant work at a threshold-industry level
- Operate successfully in an industry production environment
What you'll do
You'll use technical, performance, illustrative and narrative techniques to underpin the development of a 3D animation artefact.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Apply and assess ideas relevant to a design brief
- Articulate an idea or narrative visually
- Apply computer-based visualisation to develop skills in composition, organisation, observation and interpretation
- Apply the software skills necessary to produce a computer animation
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop independent, analytical and creative attributes, through engaging imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries
- Demonstrate the ability to be effective team players, able to provide leadership and to support the success of others
- Communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences
What you'll learn
The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
- Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
- Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
- Communicate the outcomes of their experience through the effective use of reflective practice.
What you'll do
You'll also have an opportunity to develop an understanding of how to run a computer animation project.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of character modelling, with an emphasis on topology in relation to the animation requirements
- Model complex organic characters with attention to shape and form using industry-standard 3D sculpting packages
- Create varied character rigs that meet the artistic and technical requirements of a project
- Explain the steps and procedures involved in building models and rigs within the context of professional studio pipeline
- Develop custom techniques and procedures to meet the creative needs of a client whilst maintaining technical integrity
Additional content
What you'll learn
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Analyse the complexities of launching a startup business
- Critically reflect upon the factors which contribute towards successful market research, marketing, manufacturing, and selling
- Recognise suitability for specific roles in business and collaborative working
What you'll do
You'll learn to combine observational skills and technical art to create impressive visual effects. You'll also build your work practice by using efficient workflows, goal oriented iteration and accounting for complexity, rendering time and resource overheads.
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Demonstrate practical solutions to real problems using appropriate visual effect techniques
- Apply a range of different kinds of physics simulations and procedural based effects
- Analyse and reflect upon a library of reference works and observations, articulating how their research has informed and progressed development
Core modules
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Critically analyse and evaluate developments in creative media and their application
- Critically reflect on the utility and compatibility of different new media applications to support individual specialist understanding
- Apply a range of industry standard animation and VFX techniques to current and future projects
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Develop personal strategies for identifying and critically analysing opportunities for ongoing professional development
- Identify and critically evaluate your chosen industry's relationship with technology and social cultural 'change' and understand the impact of this on your career
- Evidence contemporary and innovative professional practice relating to current and emerging industry requirements through your portfolio
Additional content
What you'll do
You'll prepare and implement a major project requiring a high level of self-management. You'll develop and demonstrate the professional, academic and technical skills required when defining and managing preparatory aspects of your project.
You'll have the choice to develop your practice by creating a practical piece of media or conducting a research study.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Initiate and manage an individual practice and/or creative and/or research project
- Conduct a critical scholarly review of existing work in the selected domain with an account of your own work
- Demonstrate and justify the choices made and approaches taken to the solution of the project problem
- Communicate the outcomes of your project activities in a professional and scholarly way
Optional modules
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Construct a series of varied rigs including characters, vehicle, cloth and prop set-ups that meet professional standards and solve creative issues efficiently
- Confidently and successfully collaborate as a team member with other disciplines such as modelling and animation
- Design various procedures using industry-standard software to replicate effects such as muscles, skin and rigid bodies
- Explain the fundamentals of functional anatomy (joints, bones, skeletons) through an analytical exploration of the inner mechanics of articulated forms
- Critically evaluate rigging systems and processes, and articulate, analyse and reflect upon your work using technical terms from the VFX industry
Additional content
What you'll do
You'll develop the compositing skills that are essential for entry to mid-level Compositing Artist & VFX Artist jobs in the entertainment industry, including advanced green/bluescreen extractions and multi-layer composites.
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to:
- Layer and combine disparately created elements into a perceptually cohesive whole
- Create seemingly photoreal or seamless images using a variety of methods
- Articulate, analyse and reflect upon their work through using technical terms used in the VFX industry
What you'll do
You'll use your new skills to prepare an animation piece.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically interpret, analyse and explain data and information relating to specific areas of computer animation and modelling
- Critically evaluate the effects of different computer animation related techniques – for example, modelling, animation, lighting techniques and rigging
- Select and use a range of appropriate animation related techniques
- Understand proportion and apply as it relates to relationships between animation modelling and rigging
What you'll do
You'll investigate current industry standards, workflows and expectations, then carry out a project related to your chosen career path. You'll bring together influences from the real world and knowledge of game technologies, seek feedback from peers and lecturers, and justify your decisions with evidence.
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete this module you'll be able to:
- Critically appraise current industry standards and development practice for modern computer games
- Design, create and critically evaluate game assets that are suitable for use in a high-quality digital game
- Analyse, appraise and critically reflect upon assets created utilising appropriate professional resources
What you'll do
- Demonstrate practical solutions to real problems using appropriate visual effect techniques
- Apply a range of different kinds of physics simulations, and procedural dynamic effects
- Analyse and reflect upon a library of reference works and observations, articulating how their research has informed and progressed the development
What you'll do
You'll explore this through the use of the CCI Motion Capture Suite and industry-standard software.
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Appraise theoretical and practical aspects of performance capture technology to understand the character animation production process
- Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects of 3D character animation and performance capture technology
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the appropriate judgement and techniques needed to ensure that the fidelity of an actor's performance is preserved, from capture to data delivery as effectively as possible
Additional content
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically assess the trade offs made to optimise the performance of your product, and the specialised techniques and software you use to achieve them
- Design, develop and critically assess a real-time interactive digital media project
- Design, develop, analyse and evaluate a user interface or the application of sound (and/or music) in the context of a real-time interactive digital media project
- Analyse, develop, evaluate and critically reflect upon your personal development throughout the project
- Develop and analyse an awareness and understanding of team dynamics, including the practical application of project management and production methods
What you'll learn
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
- Critically assess the trade offs made to optimise the performance of your product, and the specialised techniques and software you use to achieve them
- Design, develop and critically assess a real-time interactive digital media project
- Design, develop, analyse and evaluate a user interface or the application of sound (and/or music) in the context of a real-time interactive digital media project
- Analyse, develop, evaluate and critically reflect upon your personal development throughout the project
- Develop and analyse an awareness and understanding of team dynamics, including the practical application of project management and production methods
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- practical projects
- work portfolios
- academic and evaluative essays
- multiple choice tests
- oral presentations
- examinations
- case studies
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- digital lab sessions
- e-learning
- projects
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Computer Animation and Visual Effects degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops and supervised studio sessions for about 12 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You'll have regular contact with your personal tutor in learning activities or scheduled meetings. You can also make an appointment with them if you need extra support.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you’ll also have access to a Faculty student support advisor. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing and refer you to specialist support services.
You'll have help from a team of faculty academic skills tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you need support with software and equipment or you want to learn additional skills (including skills not covered on your course), our creative skills tutors provide free workshops, activities and one-on-one tutorials. Skills you can learn include life drawing, film camera operation and video production.
Computing support staff are always available to give technical support in the Faculty's computer suites during normal working hours. There's also some support available from 5.00pm to midnight at busy times of the year.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,800 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You may need to spend £20 - £75 per annum on drawing and modelling materials, printing, memory sticks or CDs, and DVDs. (Depending upon option modules selected).
If you take the Student Enterprise Module, you’ll need to pay an additional cost of approximately £20.
You may need to contribute up to £20 towards occasional coach trips.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – II15
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.