Virtual Production BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): I150
- Start Date(s): September
- Duration: Three years, full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Confetti Nottingham
Introduction:
From The Mandalorian on Disney+ to the BBC’s coverage of Tokyo 2020, this rapidly growing area of content production creates an environment where physical and digital content co-exist and interact in real-time.
With VP studios being built across the world, the screen sector is facing unprecedented demand for graduates with the right skillset to support this new way of working.
The key aim of this course is to develop graduates who are creative practitioners equipped with the technical skillset to work in and shape the emerging Virtual Production industry.
This course will teach students how to work with the latest immersive technologies in cutting-edge facilities that rival those you will find in the industry, whilst being able to apply a fundamental understanding of how real time engines can be used to produce in-camera visual effects.
Additionally, you will acquire skills in a range of roles and responsibilities across the workflow of Virtual Production and will be able to work within the Virtual Production environment and calibrate technology efficiently to achieve consistent outputs.
Studying at a renowned institute of creative technologies, you’ll be in good hands. You’ll be surrounded by the best facilities. We have our very own commercial virtual production and esports venue – kitted out with industry-standard software, supported by our expert technological specialists.
Your practical learning will be supported by insights and masterclasses from industry, such as Confetti Industry Week – the largest of its kind in the UK.
This course is taught at Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies in Nottingham.
What you’ll study
Master the art of virtual production with this hands-on degree. Confetti’s unique links with the creative industries make it the perfect place to develop your portfolio.
Virtual Asset Development (40 credit points)
From initial look development to production-ready models and environments, asset development within Virtual Production is the responsibility of the Virtual Art Department.
This module will allow you to learn and develop the skills required to work with industry-standard software to create camera-ready assets for production, such as objects, animals and props.
During this module you will work alongside a client to develop a portfolio of assets which you will present at the end of the module. By the end you will evidence 80 hours of work like experience.
Real Time Engines (40 credit points)
Virtual Production combines virtual and augmented reality with real time engine technologies to enable production crews to see their scenes unfold as they are composed and captured on set.
This module will teach you how to use and integrate real time engines with traditional and emerging technologies in order to see image output in real time to a live LED wall and produce final-pixel imagery, completely in camera.
You will create a portfolio of assets using real-time engines in order to evidence the learning outcomes for this module.
Visualisation (20 credit points)
In this module students will learn about the role of Visualisation in Virtual Production.
Visualisation is the starting point of a production and its ability to leverage real time technologies means it has become the cornerstone of effective virtual production.
Visualisation is used to convey the creative intent of a shot or sequence. Visualisation can take the form of Pitchvis, Previs, Virtual Scouting, Techvis, and Postvis.
You will engage in research and enquiry to develop knowledge regarding the different factions of Visualisation in order to meet the learning outcomes for this module.
Virtual Cinematography (20 credit points)
Virtual Production is changing the role of the on-set cinematographer. This module will allow you to explore the relationship between real-world camera technology and the virtual equivalent across a wide range of Virtual Production contexts.
In this module you will learn how virtual cinematography simulates real-world camera characteristics,
including optical properties, camera format, aspect ratio, and movement.
You will develop a portfolio of asset using virtual cameras and will also work with real cameras to study and learn how they interact with in-camera visual effects presented on an LED volume.
Advanced Asset Production (40 credit points)
This module will teach you to create complex virtual environments for use in a Virtual Production studio. You will also be introduced to the use of augmented and immersive technologies and the role they play in asset creation.
To evidence the learning outcomes for this module you will develop a complex environment within a real time engine.
You will provide a technical breakdown video that 'stitches' together a series of videos that tracks the development of the environment from initial conception through to final pixel output on an LED volume.
You will be expected to provide a reflective audio commentary on each video to demonstrate the application of your knowledge.
Studio Management (40 credit points)
You will be introduced to the Virtual Production studio more commonly known as a Volume. You will learn how to assemble and operate studio equipment safely and efficiently in readiness for producing high-end content.
You will develop a portfolio of work to evidence the learning outcomes for this module that includes detailed analysis of the technologies used within a Virtual Production studio, comprehensive plans for the acquisition of content within a studio environment and a final video artefact of content produced within a Virtual Production studio.
Performance Capture (20 credit points)
Performance capture is an advanced form of motion capture that is the process of recording the actions of human actors, their faces, fingers, and captures subtle facial expressions.
In this module you will learn how to work with actors in the capture of facial and body movements to use with character assets for advanced visualisation, such as stunt vis and tech vis.
You will plan and prepare for performance capture of actors and/or performers in order to create digital assets for use within a Virtual Production environment.
In order to evidence the learning outcomes for this module you will present, analyse and evaluate your work to an audience.
Hybrid Virtual Production (20 credit points)
Hybrid virtual production is the use of camera tracking to composite green screen cinematography with computer generated elements. This type of virtual production is used within television production, particularly in live broadcasts.
In this module you will explore the use of live camera tracking and green screen studio technology to create live virtual production scenarios driven by real time technology.
You will work alongside a client to evidence 80 hours of work like experience in the planning and delivery of a live hybrid Virtual Production.
Virtual Production Project Planning (40 credit points)
This is a synoptic assessment which allows you to bring together all of your knowledge and understanding and skills and attributes when designing and planning for Virtual Production output.
In this module you will work alongside a client to evidence 40 hours of work like experience.
Virtual Production Project Realisation(40 credit points)
This is a synoptic assessment which builds on the planning and development undertaken in the Virtual Production Project Planning module. In this module you will bring together those plans to execute a Virtual Production.
You will work alongside industry to evidence 40 hours of work like experience.
Emerging Technologies and Innovation (40 credit points)
This module will explore new and emerging technologies in the field of Virtual Production.
You will look at the sustained and rigorous research in the field of Virtual Production and how the work carried out is shaping the industry.
How you’re taught
Within individual modules the delivery of the material encourages increasing levels of skill development and student participation, ensuring that, as you progress through the course, you become a more confident and independent learner. We aim to include a range of methods of delivery that may include;
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshop
- Group tutorials
- Academic Tutorials (ATs)
- Presentations and Pitches
- Team working
- Independent learning
- Visiting industry professionals
All the modes of delivery are structured to develop on-going abilities and skills through exploring ideas and problem solving.
Assessment
Assessment tasks are designed to challenge students, and to allow them to demonstrate their own creativity and independent research. Assessment design is moderated to ensure students can demonstrate the full range of learning, skills and attributes and to confirm its relevance to the development of the skills needed for the workplace and for further study.
A range of assessment types are used allowing students to demonstrate that they have met the module outcomes. All summative assessment is aligned to formative development of the skills needed. Assessment feedback is developmental and aligned to learning outcomes. Formative feedback includes peer, employer and staff feedback and may be written or verbal. For some modules, there will be a range of submission methods available to offer a degree of personalisation.
20% of your final degree mark will be based on your work in Year 2, and 80% from your work in your final year.
Industry Week
You'll also take part in Industry Week where you’ll be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries. Past guests have included the likes of Youtube content creator award-winners, Framestore, Industrial Light and Magic, Stephen Graham and Russell T Davies.
Check out our talks OnDemand here.
Degree Show
In your final year you will exhibit your work as part of Confetti's Degree Show. This event includes all final year students across Confetti's courses and is a great platform for you to showcase your work to key influencers across the creative industries.
Careers and employability
Your time at Confetti doesn’t have to stop once you finish your undergraduate course. Choose to continue your studies on our postgraduate degrees that can help you further develop your skills and obtain the experience you need to get a head start in your career.
The aim is to arm you with the ability to produce engaging content for high street brands, corporate clients, social media influencers or your own channels as a freelancer or start-up.
Graduates will be highly employable and equipped with skills in design, story-telling, video production, editing, communications, and social media asset building. You’ll be able to pursue work in a wide variety of roles including shoot edit filmmaker, media strategist, digital designer, graphic designer, marketing officer, social media influencer, and digital content editor.
Connecting with industry
Industry professionals will visit the course to guest lecture and share their experiences. Live projects will help you to gain real experience of the industry, make contacts, and build your portfolio and CV.
You will also take part in Confetti’s annual Industry Week where you will be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries.
Through the Confetti Media Group Head of Talent Development you will be offered a range of opportunities within the industry.
Work placement and internship opportunities
You will be actively encouraged and supported to undertake informal work experience and professional practice in addition to your studies.
Our teaching staff, including part-time lecturers who are professionally active, help and support students in directing them towards work placement and professional practice opportunities.
Campus and facilities
On this course you'll study in Confetti HQ, 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
Entry requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications
- Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
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:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
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.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there's no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
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
Application for this course is through the UCAS application form.
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Selection for this course takes place through UCAS application form.
Application deadline
This course starts in September and applications should be submitted by the UCAS deadline.
Applications received after this date will only be considered if places are still available, after all applications received by the deadline have been assessed.
Mature students
We welcome applications from mature students (over the age of 21) for this course. We will assess applicants of this nature on an individual basis.
If you are a mature student, you will still need to apply to us by UCAS form, but you don't necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades,
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It's your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You've got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you're applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
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.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on 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.