Computer Animation and Visual Effects

Computer animation and visual effects are the disciplines behind some of the most impressive and affecting imagery in contemporary cinema, television, games and immersive media. Computer animation encompasses the creation of digital characters, environments and movement, from the expressive performances of CGI characters to the sweeping environments of animated films and games. Visual effects involves the integration of computer-generated elements with live-action footage, from invisible effects that audiences never notice to spectacular sequences that would be impossible to photograph.

Both depend on a combination of technical expertise and creative vision.

At the London College of Communication, part of the University of the Arts London, the three-year full-time degree develops your skills across both computer animation and visual effects. You will learn the principles and practices of 3D modelling, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering, compositing and the production pipeline that takes a project from concept to finished image. The programme includes a sandwich year and a work placement, giving you the opportunity to develop professional experience in a visual effects studio, animation company or related organisation before graduation.

LCC's new building in Elephant and Castle provides a cutting-edge environment for this kind of creative and technical work, and the college's London location connects you to one of the world's leading centres of visual effects and animation production. The UK visual effects industry is globally significant, and graduates from London art schools are well represented within it.

Graduates work in visual effects studios, animation companies, games developers, advertising agencies, broadcast and digital media companies and architectural visualisation firms. Roles include animator, compositor, lighting artist, technical director, motion graphics designer and VFX artist. Postgraduate study in visual effects or animation is a route for those who want to develop further specialist expertise.