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MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects

UK

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What will I learn?

Programme Overview

The games industry's rapid growth demands innovative visual content, pushing developers to new creative heights. In parallel, the film and television industry faces similar challenges, adapting to an ever-expanding global audience and the rise of streaming platforms. This shared landscape necessitates cutting-edge content that resonates across diverse markets.

To meet these requirements, there have been pioneering shifts in production approaches, placing new emphasis on real-time (RT) technologies, and interactive, immersive and programmable methods.

These emerging aspects of Technical Art and Visual Effects, means the sector is changing very quickly. Employers simply do not have the time or resources to train people ‘on the job’. The lack of employable talent is well recognised and is exacerbated by the emergence of the Virtual Production (VP) Industry.

Addressing the role of the Technical Artist

MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects is one of the first Master’s programmes to specifically address the role of the Technical Artist. It's this role that enables the delivery of creative solutions to complex artistic and logistical production challenges. Demand for this skillset is extremely high and only set to increase.

This programme will enable you to enter the industry with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches and real time software and hardware experience.

The technical and creative content of this programme encompasses engine programming, pipelines, VFX, optimisation, tools development, art, and animation pipelines. The knowledge and skills learnt on this programme will enable you to enter the marketplace with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches and RT software and hardware experience.

Which department am I in?

Abertay University

Study options

Full Time (1 year)

Tuition fees
£18,000.00 (19,61,212) per year
This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Start date

September 2025

Venue

Abertay University

Bell Street,

Dundee,

Dundee, City Of,

DD1 1HG, SCOTLAND, Scotland

Entry requirements

For international students

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2.2 or better) in a related area. These include 3D Modelling/Animation/Visual Effects, Computing or Computing related (Engineering). Consideration will be made regarding individuals with extensive experience with 3D modeling tools and/or game engines. Applicants should also submit a portfolio of work (i.e., showreel/breakdown reel, game engine demo or scripting examples). Examples of 3D modelling/animation and/or engine exposure and portfolio and/or Coding or scripting experience should be collated in a showreel, breakdown reel or a ‘making of’ video where possible. Code or scripting can be demonstrated in short demos, either captured, pre-rendered or as a small application. IELTS/IELTS Indicator - Minimum: overall score 6.0 (with no component less than 5.5). TOEFL - Minimum overall score: 78 (individual components: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17).

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.

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About Abertay University

Abertay is the Top Modern University in Scotland for student satisfaction (NSS 2023) and UK Top 20 for teaching quality (Times and Sunday Times)

  • Based in the heart of beautiful Dundee on Scotland’s east
  • Excellent teaching quality ratings - UK Top 20 for teaching
  • Pioneers of videogame and cybersecurity education and research
  • 90% of graduates in work or further study 6 months after grad