“The course is just tailor-made to learn about the foundations of multiple disciplines within these industries”
BA (Hons)CGI and Visual Effects
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: CGV2
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study CGI and visual effects with a placement year
With great industry connections and fully up-to-date facilities, this flexible course can help you get your dream job in any of the 3D or visual effects industries.
- 0thin the UK with the Rookies (2021)
- Top0schools in the world with the Rookies (2021)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- Solent ranked in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (out of 131 institutions) (The Times Good University Guide 2025).
- Gain valuable first-hand work experience with a year-long full-time work placement between the second and third years of your degree.
- Access to industry-standard software and amazing facilities, including our cutting edge 10m virtual production stage, DSLR body scanner, Vicon motion capture suite, trackable green screen room, LiDAR scanners and 360 cameras.
- A creative, multi-disciplinary environment with regular live briefs, active research projects and industry masterclasses – you will learn from experts in their field.
- This course has no exams and is primarily focused on practical work, helping you create a work-ready portfolio while you develop your learning.
- Weekly guest speakers and three annual industry events mean you experience the most current industry practices.
- Showcase your work through our annual graduate show.
Course overview
This is a thriving sector in the UK, and Solent’s CGI and Visual Effects degree can take you in so many directions, from explosive film VFX to 3D character design, from architectural visualisation to motion graphics, from virtual production to motion capture.
You will grow from a strong foundation of skills taught during your first year to become a fully industry-ready practitioner in the direction of your choosing. Our top-quality teaching, as well as our small course size, means you will be individually guided towards you ultimate career.
We support you to build an industry network during your degree to help you find that first entry-level position through networking and dissemination of your work, hearing from guest speakers at our weekly forums, attending annual events such as CGFX, Industry Week, and our Graduate Show, as well as studio trips. Alongside this you'll have access to Solent’s many incredible facilities and will attend regular weekly feedback sessions using our industry rushes pipeline.
Our annual guest speaker event, CGFX, draws in some of the industry's top experts, allowing students to network and ask questions during the Q&A. Previous companies that have attended the event include Rockstar, Aardman, Framestore, Airship Interactive, MPC, Jellyfish, Ubisoft and many more.
The placement year will allow you to put what what you've learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, while gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate.
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Recognised as:
Academic Partner of Unreal Engine
Part of:
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Student work
Our creative degrees allow our students to develop a critical eye for design with a knowledge of different design approaches and problem solving techniques. Take a look at some of the great work they produce.
Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
Solent’s CGI and Visual Effects course is ideally suited to students who want to learn and develop a range of skills for entry into a range of exciting careers. Applicants should have a portfolio of design or technical work to show at interview.
Although students are not expected to have examples of code, this is a perfectly valid portfolio choice for students choosing to pursue a more technical career path in the visual industries, particularly video games or visual effects.
If you're looking to gain a year's worth of industry experience as part of your studies, this course is for you. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.
What does this course lead to?
This course can lead to many exciting careers in current or emerging markets. Students build a solid portfolio perfect for a generalist or entry-level position in the film, TV, video games and architectural visualisation sectors.
With emerging markets, we are increasingly seeing exciting opportunities in simulation, virtual/ augmented reality, visualisation, military and many other industries that we are excited to present to our students.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Throughout your studies you will have access to a wide range of up-to-date industry-standard software and facilities.
Virtual Production Studio with green screen and Mo-Sys tracking facilities; in-house Dolby Atmos cinema; specialist media production store with access to thousands of cameras and other items; computer suites with dedicated high-spec PCs and industry-standard software; motion capture suite; Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, HTC Vive and Microsoft HoloLens VR/AR equipment; Shotgun for asset management; Portable green screen; HDRI chrome/grey balls; portable Faro LIDAR scanner, Insta 360 Cameras; and 3D printing.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Introduction to 3D
On this module you will learn the fundamental tools of 3D content creation, using industry standard software. You will develop your skills in 3D modelling, texturing, lighting and rendering in the context of current industry practices.
Introduction to VFX
This module introduces students to a variety of foundation techniques, concepts, tools and work practices specific to the VFX pipeline using industry standard software.
Digital Visuals
This module sets the groundwork for your journey as a digital artist. It provides a global overview of the production pipelines used in different sectors of the digital art industries. This module also aims to help you start to develop your visual intelligence and understand the various ways in which visual intelligence is embedded in digital art in specific sectors.
Real-Time CGI
The Real Time CGI module is a fantastic chance to experiment with some very up-and-coming technology. With the level of detail that game engines can produce rivalling and, in some cases, now exceeding the level that can be accomplished via traditional rendering methods – game engines are a rapidly growing technology that you need to be playing with. This module gives you a chance to play with this and adapt this to a specific project that you choose.
Introduction to Animation
CGI and VFX are nothing without animation. Animation is the addition of life to your CG models that turns them from static models into living, believable creations. This module will starts with animation of basic objects and then introduces you to the many varied CGI tools for animating more advanced elements such as motion capture.
Architectural Visualisation
This module will introduce you to 3D and 2D photorealism skills that are common throughout CGI as well as being specific to the Architectural Visualisation industry. As well as precise modelling, physically based lighting and materials and up-to-date rendering practices, you will be encouraged to develop still images artistically using 2D post-production techniques.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Portfolios
- Video submissions
- Assignments
- Sketchbooks
- Individual presentations
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose the industry?
CGI and VFX artists create photoreal and digitally-generated imagery. The role requires the seamless integration of these effects into live action in feature films, television and, increasingly, online and console gaming. There are also other growing markets that need artists such as simulation, architecture/ military and traditional visualisation, Virtual and Augmented Reality.
You'll use the latest technology to produce computer-generated creatures, crowds and other digital assets. There is also the growing area of digital particle effects, which includes fluid and fire, as well as object and lighting manipulation.
In the UK, you'll mainly find VFX work in Cardiff, Bristol, Belfast and London. The UK VFX industry is the largest in Europe and second biggest in the world. The film industry is primarily in London, but there are smaller indie firms in smaller towns and cities around the UK if you want to work in advertising.
You could earn:
VFX artist
Junior VFX artist: £30,000 to £38,000
Entry level salaries for a VFX artist are £22,000 to £27,000. A junior VFX artist with several years’ experience can earn £30,000 to £38,000. Senior VFX artists with over seven years' experience can earn £50,000 and beyond.
Concept artist
Typical salary: £25,000 to £40,000
Starting salaries for entry-level or junior concept artist positions are in the region of £17,000 to £20,000. Experienced concept artists can earn between £25,000 and £40,000. Senior concept artists can earn around £55,000 and £75,000. Freelance rates for concept artists are around £14 per hour on average.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“The course is just tailor-made to learn about the foundations of multiple disciplines within these industries”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Recognised as:
Academic Partner of Unreal Engine
Part of:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MA Film Production
Got a passion for filmmaking? Want to improve your professional showreel and boost your employability? Solent’s MA Film Production programme is ideally suited to students who...
MA Visual Communication
Do you have an eye for design? Would you like to help influence the future of visual communications? Our MA Visual Communication degree is ideal for creatives keen to refine their practice, working as part of an interdisciplinary group of students.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island placement year fee: £1,650
- International placement year fee: £1,650
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Student finance Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Student funding - the essentials Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D, T-level Merit or equivalent qualification, or a combination of qualifications which comply with the minimum entry requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- It will be necessary for all students to submit an electronic portfolio for review for consideration.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
104-120UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
