MSc Computer Animation & Visual Effects

The MSc Computer Animation and Visual Effects at Bournemouth University provides advanced technical and creative training in CGI, simulation, rendering and VFX production. It suits students with backgrounds in computing, engineering, maths or related fields who want to become technical directors, VFX artists, graphics engineers or animation-pipeline specialists.

Curriculum structure

Students begin with Animation Software Engineering, CGI Tools, and CGI Techniques, where they learn programming for graphics, 3D modelling and rigging workflows, tool scripting, and the mathematical foundations of animation and rendering. They then progress to Simulation and Rendering and Pipeline & Technical Direction, developing skills in physics-based effects (fluids, smoke, particles), shader development, real-time graphics, and studio-style pipeline integration. A Group Project simulates industry practice, requiring collaboration on production-quality animation or VFX tasks. The programme concludes with the Master’s Project, where students produce a polished animation, VFX sequence, or technical graphics tool suitable for a professional portfolio.

Focus areas: “Computer Animation, Visual Effects, Real-Time Graphics, Simulation & Rendering, Technical Direction, CGI & Pipeline Development”

Learning outcomes: “Create and program animation/VFX tools; model and simulate complex 3D effects; design rendering and real-time graphics solutions; integrate full VFX/animation pipelines; deliver a professional-quality final project.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited with the ScreenSkills Select quality mark, supporting alignment with industry expectations for film, VFX, animation and games.

Reputation (employability rankings): Delivered by the National Centre for Computer Animation, one of the UK’s and world’s leading animation/VFX schools, offering strong global employability in studios and production houses.