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Virtual Production MSc

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September
  • Duration: One year, full-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: Confetti Nottingham
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024/25

Introduction:

Virtual production has quickly established itself in the entertainment industries, connecting specialists across VFX, film and game technology.

The UK is facing unprecedented demand for those with the skillset in virtual production, and on this Masters degree we’ll equip you with the knowledge and experience to make it in the entertainment industry.

Virtual production combines physical and virtual elements using a suite of software tools, and its at Confetti where you’ll get to learn and work with industry-standard equipment and software. As well as learning from industry experts, you’ll also work alongside Masters and undergraduate students studying in related courses, including Esports Production, Games Production, Film Production, and Content Creation.

The course will cover:

  • Undertaking comprehensive research and enquiry to advance knowledge in the field of Virtual Production.
  • Critically evaluating the potential for innovation in the application of production technologies in the creation of high-end content in the Virtual Production environment.
  • Issues relating to sustainability, ethics and legal frameworks when developing high end content in the Virtual Production Environment.
  • Strategic approaches to leadership, management, and problem-solving when working as part of a team in a Virtual Production environment.
  • Critically reflecting on your own work produced in a Virtual Production environment.
  • The global impact of Virtual Production, and the potential impact of new and emerging technologies.
  • Learning techniques of research and enquiry in authentic work-like contexts to create and interpret knowledge in Virtual Production.
  • Creating ethical, diverse, and inclusive high-end content for specific target audiences, demonstrating innovation, and originality through the application of appropriate Virtual Production technologies.
  • Developing resilience and initiative on a range of complex Virtual Production projects through established and emerging production management techniques and problem-solving strategies.
  • Different ways of working. Working in flexible, creative, and independent ways, showing self-discipline, self-direction, critical self-awareness, and reflexivity when working both independently and in teams.
  • Advancing your knowledge and understanding through the creation of high-end Virtual Production content and develop new skills to a high level.
  • Investigative skills relating to employability, undertaking detailed career planning through defining personal objectives in line with future industry developments.

This course is delivered at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies and validated by NTU.

What you’ll study

Master both the hardware and software required to create innovative and ground-breaking content in a Virtual Production environment.

Engage in high level research combining critical thinking, practical experimentation and reflection to support your development and deep understanding of immersive technologies and their application within the Virtual Production environment.

Develop complex and thorough planning for diverse and sustainable high-end content for both intended and non-intended audiences.

Through exposure to new and emerging technologies prepare for your career as an innovative technologist, collaborating with others to project manage and develop original solutions to technical challenges within the Virtual Production environment.

You will develop mastery working immersive technology in the Virtual Production environment.

You will apply a fluent understanding and mastery of technical skills working with immersive technologies to produce cutting-edge, high-end content, realising your concept.

You will then deliver your final product to an audience and gather both qualitative and quantitative data on the reception of your final product and analyse data, and evaluate your impact and contribution to the Virtual Production industry.

How you’re taught

Work based learning and industry engagement are at the heart of this course. Students will engage with live and technical events run as part of Confetti X and Metronome to produce Virtual Production content working with professionals and students on other Postgraduate pathways to deliver tailor made content.

Collaboration and networking with industry professionals through Confetti's multiple industry links within the wider creative technology community will also be an integral part of the course.

Careers and employability

Our aim is for you to graduate with a standout portfolio, entering a career in areas such as film and TV production, games production, sound design, live events, and digital content production.

The type of roles could include virtual production coordinator, virtual production TD, DOP, VFX technical director, immersive sound designer, asset designer, production engineer, games engine technical artist, virtual graphics artist, and games engine specialist.

Campus and facilities

On this course you'll study in Confetti HQ - Confetti's digital media hub, whilst you'll also spend some of your time Metronome and Confetti X.

You’ll have access to:

  • 37m2 green screen studio
  • 48m2 Motion capture Studio
  • 24 seat post-production lab with Dual Screen PC workstations
  • 25 seat screening room with Dolby Atmos audio facilities
  • Specialist software including Nuke, Mari, Houdini, ZBrush, PF Track & Unreal Engine
  • Full Autodesk Suite (Maya, 3DS Max, Mudbox)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop)
  • Industry-standard cameras from Sony and Blackmagic
  • Wacom Cintiq 13HD touch tablets
  • Foley suite
  • Production and meeting rooms
  • Access to audio post-production equipment

NTU’s City Campus

As a Confetti student, you’ll also have access to the facilities at our partner institution, Nottingham Trent University. The NTU City Campus is just a ten minute walk away, and boasts cafes, shops, a gym, a three-story Students’ Union building, and an art gallery. You’ll have full student access to the Boots Library right in the centre of the campus, fully equipped with journals, articles, books and e-resources, as well as a laptop loan service and PCs for student use. There’s also a dedicated postgraduate study room at the Boots Library; a private space for postgraduate students to work and study.

You’ll also be welcome to use the facilities at NTU’s Clifton Campus and Brackenhurst Campus, just outside Southwell.

Accommodation

Our partner institution, NTU, offers accommodation specifically for postgraduate students. You can find out more on their accommodation pages.

Entry requirements

  • A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or an appropriate equivalent, i.e. a professional qualification, from a recognised British or overseas institution, in a related subject.
  • Non-standard applicants with at least three years' industry experience are also welcome to apply.
  • Applicants who do not fully satisfy the general criteria will be considered if they are able to demonstrate that they are capable of successfully undertaking and completing the programme at the required standard. Eligibility may be determined by means of an interview for some applicants.
  • Applicants who have been taught and assessed in languages other than English should have an English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Interview:

You'll be invited to an informal interview after you submit your application, to determine your project ideas, your fit with the course, and to discuss your aspirations.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • Bachelor’s degree grade 2:2 or equivalent qualification.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Postgraduate fees and living costs

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there is no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding page will answer your questions.

We are pleased to offer a 20% alumni discount for graduates of Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies and Nottingham Trent University. Terms and conditions apply.

Postgraduate loans

The government introduced a new postgraduate loan scheme for Master degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs. Find out more on our postgraduate loans page.

Scholarships

We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. To find out more visit our Postgraduate Scholarships web page.

Postgraduate fees and living costs

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there is no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding page will answer your questions.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Applications for this course can be made via the NTU Applicant Portal - click on the Apply button at the top of the page to be taken straight through to the Portal.

For a step-by-step guide to making an application through our Applicant Portal, please visit our postgraduate application pages.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Advice for non-standard applicants

We welcome applications from applicants without prior qualifications. However, in this instance, you must have proven experience in industry, which demonstrates appropriate knowledge and skills at honours degree (undergraduate) standard.

If you are applying without prior qualifications, you will need to submit comprehensive details of your achievements with evidence to substantiate your claim (any documentation can be uploaded to the My Documents section of the Applicant Portal). This type of application will be considered with respect to the University’s provision for ‘accreditation for prior experiential learning’. Decisions regarding the accreditation of prior learning are a matter of academic judgement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or support, you can call our Admissions Team on +44 (0)115 848 4200, or email applications@ntu.uk.

Good luck with your application!

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.