Why study MA Digital Effects at BU?
- Prestigious industry links and recognition: benefit from strong connections with leading VFX and animation studios, alongside accreditations from ScreenSkills, the Unreal Academic Partnership, Houdini Certified School, and Rookies Certified School, ensuring you are highly sought after by industry leaders
- Comprehensive skill development: become proficient in acquisition filming, 3D animation, and 2D compositing, exploring advanced toolsets like location and green screen acquisition, tracking, 3D modelling, simulation, lighting and 2D integration, preparing you for diverse fields such as films, games, TV, and more
- Collaborative learning environment: work on multiple projects individually and with peers across NCCA Master's courses, simulating real-world creative and technical teamwork
- Industry exposure: attend regular masterclasses and visiting practitioner lectures from top industry specialists, including BU alumni and representatives from companies Industrial Light & Magic, MPC VFX and DNEG
- State-of-the-art facilities: access industry-standard facilities, including a green screen and motion capture studio, computer labs equipped with Houdini and Nuke, and a full suite of 2D and 3D software, enhancing your hands-on learning experience
- BFX Festival: participate in the annual BFX Festival hosted by Bournemouth University, featuring a week-long schedule of inspiring talks, panels, and masterclasses delivered by industry experts, fostering the next generation of artists, technicians, and engineers.
Study at the National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA)
The NCCA is one of the most established and highly regarded centres for computer graphics and animation education and research. As one of very few research-intensive animation centres in
the UK, our expertise not only ensures our courses remain at the forefront of education, but also helps to define new industry practices.
The NCCA is ranked as the UK’s top animation school, third in Europe and fourth internationally (Animation Career Review 2024 International Animation School Rankings).
This course is industry-recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK’s screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
Explore student work and life on Talbot Campus
Key information
Next start date:
September 2025, September 2026
Location:
Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus
Duration:
1 year full-time including an optional 3-month placement during the Masters Project
Accreditations:
ScreenSkills
Entry requirements:
A Bachelors Honours degree with 2:2 in any subject. A portfolio is also required in support of your application. For more information see our full entry requirements.
International entry requirements:
If English is not your first language you'll need IELTS (Academic) 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in writing, speaking, listening and reading. For more information see our full entry requirements.