BA (Hons) Visual Effects and Motion Graphics
30 Jun 2026 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Geraint Thomas |
|---|---|
| Course Team | Emma Davies, Peter Hodges, James Kimm, Kris Francies, Rachel Grainger |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time, Part Time |
Document Version
| Version | 9 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 30 Jun 2026 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (QAA 2016), The Core Skills of VFX (Creative Skillset 2011), The Core Skills of VFX: Repository (Creative Skillset, 2016)Engagement with Subject Benchmark Statements, QAA Quality Code, CQFW and FHEQ
The course responds to key drivers from the Welsh Government. For instance, the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) provides guidance on the expectations of knowledge, understanding and skills at each level which has helped the team to situate potential student achievement within a nationwide educational framework.
The UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Quality Code gives higher education providers a shared starting point for setting and maintaining academic standards and assuring the quality of the learning opportunities they provide. The code informs the quality assurance practices of the University and College in general, but it has enabled the teaching team to ensure that the course has been developed in line with UK wide academic standards. The QAA also provides comprehensive subject guides and benchmark statements, specifically the QAA benchmark statement - Communication, Media, Film and Cultural Studies (2016), which has informed the design of the course aims, learning outcomes and key skills, as evident (and referenced) in section C (above).The course also considers the Creative Skillset Visual Effects education guidelines as presented in their The Core Skills of VFX (2011) and The Core Skills of VFX: Repository (2016) documents. These provide extremely detailed skill requirements for roles within the Visual Effects industry and as such provide a solid foundation for further investigation to guide and enhance the course’s curriculum at project and module level.
Educational Aim
Develop a detailed and progressive understanding of the nature of current Visual Effects and Motion Design production techniques and practices, encompassing film, cinematography, broadcast design and new media.
Instil theoretical and practical knowledge of the core, generic skills required for Visual Effects and Motion Design professionals with emphasis on employment and industry pipelines and practices.
Equip students with the ability to critically analyse and evaluate visual effects and motion design issues from a variety of perspectives, including socio-cultural, scientific, historical, ethical and legal.
Provide a number of exciting yet appropriate challenges to generate creative content and produce inspiring work to defy and drive artistic boundaries.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Apply knowledge of the history and contemporary applications of visual effects and allied media technologies, recognising the different ways in which the history of, and current developments in, visual effects can be understood in relation to technological change. (4.3.vi) History and Technology (advances of VFX) |
| A2 | Understand and evaluate the historical evolution of particular genres, aesthetic traditions and forms, whilst recognising current characteristics and predicting possible future developments. (4.3.v) History and Film/VFX Aesthetics (Filmmaking history) |
| A3 | Exhibit understanding of audio, visual and verbal conventions through which sounds, images and words create meaning. (4.5.viii) Communication |
| A4 | Identify and appraise the key production process and professional practices relevant to visual effects (4.4.iv) specifically the processes linking pre-production, production, and reception (4.4.i) Production |
| B1 | Understand film and visual effects as forms of communication that have emerged historically and appreciate the processes through which they have come to being, with reference to social, cultural and technological change. (5.2.ii) Subject |
| B2 | Carry out various forms of research for essays, projects, creative productions or dissertations, involving sustained independent and critical enquiry. (5.3.i) Research |
| B3 | Analyse closely, and exercise critical judgement in the understanding and, as appropriate, evaluation of examples of this form. (5.2.iv) Analysis |
| B4 | Consider and evaluate their own work in a reflexive manner, with reference to professional practices relevant to film, including appropriate conventions, issues and debates. (5.2.v) |
| C1 | Initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative work within various forms of writing, or of visual, audio-visual, or other electronic and digital media. (5.4.iii) Production Process/Work |
| C2 | Adapt, create and be reflexive in producing output for a variety of audiences and in a variety of multi-platform media. (5.4.vii) Video, Audio, Online, Print, Exhibition - Production for Audiences |
| C3 | Critically appraise and publically debate film, motion design and related cultural concerns, in an appropriately informed manner. (5.5.i) View on ‘Current/Contemporary’ work/thinking/debate |
| C4 | Understand the ethical, regulatory and legal considerations relevant to the production of cultural forms and products. (5.4.ix) Ethics and Legal |
Course Structure
Level 4 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX1S01 | MOD010707 | Contextual Studies: Visual Effects & Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX1S02 | MOD010708 | Image Acquisition Fundamentals | Running | 20 | core |
| FX1S10 | MOD011973 | Motion Production | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX1S11 | MOD013679 | Concept Development | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX1S12 | MOD013680 | Motion Design | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX1S13 | MOD013681 | Visual Effects | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX1S03 | MOD010709 | Concept Development and Time Based Design | Running | 20 | |
| FX1S05 | MOD010711 | Motion Graphic Design | Running | 20 |
Level 5 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX2S01 | MOD010713 | Professional Practice: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX2S04 | MOD010717 | Critical Studies: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX2S08 | MOD013682 | Brands in Motion | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX2S09 | MOD013683 | Visual Communication | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX2D04 | MOD013684 | Creative Industries | Running | 40 | specified |
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FX3D01 | MOD010721 | Major Project: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 40 | core |
| FX3S01 | MOD010718 | Critical Research: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | core |
| FX3S02 | MOD010719 | Minor Project: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | specified |
| FX3S04 | MOD010722 | Professional Development: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics | Running | 20 | core |
| FX3S05 | MOD012259 | Collaborative Brief | Running | 20 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Lectures
Seminars
Tutorials
Groupwork
Work-based
Project Supervision
Demonstration
Practical Classes and Workshops
External Visits (including fieldtrips)
Directed Study (including Online Learning)
Independent Study
Study Abroad
Formative assessment-scheduled
Formative assessment-independent
Employer Engagement
Visiting Speakers
The Faculty operates a range of visiting speaker/guest lecturer opportunities at Faculty, Subject, Course, and Module level.
Fieldtrips
Organised visits to studios, media organisations and associations, and appropriate ‘visual effects and motion graphics’ referencing activities.
Work Placements
Work placements, where possible, are organised as part of Professional Practice in year two, or Professional Development in year three.
Work-based Learning
WBL activities will be actively sought for, and in coordination with, the student. Where possible these opportunities will reflect the student’s identified employment area.
Employer Forums
Attendance to these events, as and when appropriate/possible.
Means of Assessment
Visual Journal
Report
Project Output
Production (Audio visual)
Portfolio
Essay
Literature/Book/Paper Review
Dissertation
Learning Support
Induction
Induction week activities organised at University, Faculty and Course level.
Personal tutor
Personal Academic Coaching is now in place across the Faculty for all Level 4 students. All Level 5 and 6 students have a named Personal Tutor.
Office hours
Staff office hours relate to a two-hour designated weekly period where students can electively meet their tutors.
Tutorials
Teaching and learning supported through both individual and small group tutorials across each of the course’s modules.
Seminars
Teaching and learning supported through seminars across all the course’s modules.
Formative Assessment
This is integral part to many of the course’s assessable outputs.
Progress meetings
In addition to the Personal Academic Coaching tutorials, progress meetings are held individually or with small groups, during modules.
Research Supervision
As an integral part of modules that explicitly state research as part of an assessed output.
Online Resources
The course and its modules use USW’s virtual learning environment, Blackboard, and course management system. All integral learning resources and assessments are available and managed through this system.
Advice Centres
Available via USW online appointment based system.
DDS Service
Available via USW online appointment based system.
IT/Library
Study support is available at the Atrium Building Library.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
| Certificate of Higher Education | 120 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Exit |
| Diploma of Higher Education | 240 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 5 or above, 120 credits at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 credits at Level 3. | Exit |
Progression Route
The range of highly transferable academic and professional skills promoted by BA Visual Effects and Motion Graphics equip graduates to meet the challenges of the VFX, film production, advertising, television, web/online, game, and animation industries.
BA Visual Effects and Motion Graphics also prepares graduates for further study - onto teaching qualifications (including the PGCE), MAs (in visual effects, animation, film production, graphic communications, and media).
The creation of a new suite of Film & TV School Wales postgraduate courses will provide the opportunity to retain students for taught postgraduate study. Additionally, students may progress onto short courses, and training and industry sponsorship schemes.
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
The standard entry requirements for BA(Hons) are:
A Levels: BCC
A Levels + Welsh Baccalaureate: BC+C@WB
BTEC: Distinction/Merit/Merit
Plus
GCSEs: Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics and English language (or equivalent qualifications)
We also welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications. Please visit the country specific pages on our international website for exact details.
English Requirements
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTSgrade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
However, if you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTSmight not be required, but please visit the country specific page on our international website for exact details. If your country is not featured please contact us.
(from: http://www.southwales.ac.uk/courses/ba-hons-visual-effects-and-motion-graphics/ Accessed: 29/11/17)
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
N/A
Methods Of Quality Standards
N/A
Quality Of Standards Indicators
N/A