3D Animation & Visual Effects

Three-dimensional animation and visual effects sit at the technical and creative heart of the contemporary film, television, games and interactive media industries. 3D animation involves the creation of moving images through the modelling, rigging and animation of virtual characters and environments, while visual effects (VFX) refers to the integration of computer-generated imagery with live-action footage to create sequences that would be impossible or impractical to capture in the real world. Together these disciplines require a combination of artistic sensibility, technical precision and storytelling ability that makes practitioners in the field genuinely versatile creative professionals.

At the University of Chichester you will develop high-level technical skills alongside the specialist knowledge needed for professional practice in the animation and VFX industries. You will work with industry-standard software and pipelines throughout the programme, developing competence in 3D modelling, character rigging, animation principles, compositing, lighting and rendering. You will also engage with the theoretical and contextual dimensions of animation and visual effects, building an understanding of the traditions and techniques that define the field and how they have evolved alongside changing technology.

The programme runs full time over three years.

You will build a professional portfolio of work across the three years, demonstrating your technical skills and creative range. The quality of your showreel and portfolio is the primary currency in the creative industries, and the programme is designed to help you develop work of genuine professional standard.

Graduates from 3D animation and VFX programmes work as animators, character artists, VFX artists, compositors, motion graphics designers and technical directors across film, television, games, advertising, interactive media and virtual reality. Postgraduate study in animation, VFX or related creative-technical fields is also an option for those wanting to develop specialist expertise.