Visual Effects and 3D Technology Level 6

Why choose a HND in Visual Effects and 3D Technology?

This course offers a pathway into the booming Visual Effects (VFX) sector. Ireland is a hub of excellence for VFX, with local studios working on productions such Marvel Studios ‘Black Widow’ or Sky Originals ‘Intergalactic’.

Visual Effects (VFX) involves combining live action and digitally created images to create and develop high quality digital content for the 3D animation and visual effects industry.

During this two-year course you will work with industry leading content creation tools, techniques and workflows. In addition to developing your artistic ability. With some classes delivered by Industry experts you will learn up to date production techniques.

BCFE has a reputation for graduates who excel in this field working in TV, animation and Feature Films. BCFE graduate Richie Baneham, won the Oscar for the Best Visual Effects on ‘Avatar’, and nominated again for ‘Avatar: The Way of water’.

What will you study?

Course Facilities

Industry-standard hardware/software like Maya, Nuke, Photoshop, Zbrush, Mari, Mudbox, VRay, Arnold, Shotgun and access to our cutting-edge TV Studio facilities

What do you need to apply?

In addition to the Entry Requirements, for this course you will also need to provide a portfolio of your recent work. Please see the ‘Portfolio Guidelines’ for details.

Year 1 Higher National Certificate

• Suitable BCFE QQI Level 5 awards, with a merit profile, that satisfy the entry requirements are:
  • Animation Drawing Studies Level 5 (CDS)
  • Production and 3D Graphics Level 5 (DLO)
  • Short Film & Factual Video Production Level 5 (ITC)
  • Visual Effects including Animation and Video Production Traineeship Level 5 (VFA)

Year 2 Higher National Diploma

• Students who have successfully completed year 1 and have achieved a Higher National Certificate in Creative Media Production (Visual Effects), can progress automatically to year 2.
• Applicants with an equivalent Higher National Certificate and subject to module compatibility may also apply directly to Year 2, Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production (Visual Effects).

Portfolio Guidelines

• Each candidate will be interviewed on their portfolio work.
• The portfolio interview will last approximately 20 minutes.
• Candidates may present a variety of portfolio work. The emphasis should be on quality and not quantity.
• Portfolio work may consist of any or all of the following:
  • Photography
  • Digital artwork
  • Digital images or short video clips which have been either shot, edited or digitally manipulated by the applicant.

Progression Opportunities

• Graduates may apply for the BA (Hons) Degree in Games Design (Visual Media) in BCFE. The BA Honours Degree in Visual Media is validated by the University of Dundee, Scotland.
• Graduates of this course may also apply through the CAO and/or the Higher Education Links Scheme for entry to higher and advanced certificate and degree programmes at national Institutes of Technology, Technological Universities and Universities (applicants should confirm linked awards and eligibility requirements with the relevant Higher Education Institution).
• Graduates may also gain exemption of one or two years from other degree courses in the UK.

Career Opportunities

VFX and CGI/3D are growing sectors with significant employment opportunities in Ireland and On successful completion of the course graduates may seek employment and a career in 3D/CGI/ VFX either locally or internationally.