Entry requirements

Degree:

Honours degree (2:2 or higher) or postgraduate diploma

Further entry requirements may apply

Key facts

Study mode:

Full-time

Start dates:

September (12 months)

Fees:

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £19,100

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

With generous investment into a suite of virtual production and visual effects equipment, our Visual Effects and Virtual Productions MSc is the only course of its kind in the UK.

Virtual production is an innovative, modern post-production technique that uses real-time game engines to create photorealistic sets, then display them on large LED walls behind physical sets using the real-time rendering capabilities of game engines. Virtual production has recently emerged as a transformative technology that is revolutionizing the way films, television shows, and other visual media are created. Big productions, such as The Mandalorian, The Batman and multiple Marvel projects have all used virtual production techniques as a staple in their development.

With increasingly demanding audiences, quicker turnarounds and technological advances, organisations are looking for employees with skills and knowledge in both visual effects and virtual production to help streamline the process of pre-production and post-production. Our Visual Effects and Virtual Production MSc programme is at the cutting-edge of media technology, aimed at upskilling media specialists in the future of film and TV.

Using Leicester Media School’s bespoke virtual production studio – which includes a six-metre-wide industry leading LED video wall – and 12k resolution cameras, you will be able to shoot cinema-quality scenes and take your cinematic skills, filmmaking and post-production knowledge to the next level. Not only will you gain experience in the digital side of the subject, with the creation, refinement and implementation of artefacts, but also the practical studio skills that are required on set to ensure streamlined productions and visually ground-breaking content.

Designed in collaboration with industry professionals, and taught by experts in the field, this programme will ensure you learn the most up-to-date tools and techniques used in the industry. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills needed to meet the demands of the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of virtual production and visual effects content.

Key features

Elevate your production game with our multi-million-pound specialist facilities, including an all-new virtual production suite, audio recording studios, online broadcast-standard radio production studios, multi-camera TV studios and full green screen capabilities.
Supercharge your career with a valuable work placement. Leicester Media School students have worked on live filming projects for Channel 4 right here on campus, as well as securing placements with top industry leaders and many local businesses offering paid opportunities. 
Join our dynamic student societies. As a member of our award-winning Demon Media group, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to its radio station, TV channel and website, and learn from industry experts.
As a Leicester Media School student, you'll have the opportunity to take part in DMU Global. Past students have explored Berlin's fascinating media history, produced a documentary film in Bali, and gone behind the scenes at New York's NBC Studios.
Benefit from block teaching, where most students study one subject at a time. A simple timetable will allow you to really engage with your learning, receive regular feedback and assessments, get to know your course mates and enjoy a better study-life balance.

What you will study

Modules

Block 1: Virtual Environment Design

This module combines theory and practice in the creation, evaluation and presentation of purposeful environments which can feature in Virtual Production shoots. The module is intended to establish a baseline understanding of the subject matter & relevant software packages that are vital to virtual production workflows, whilst designing purposeful cinematic environments within industry-standard software.

Block 2: Virtual Production Pipelines

This module provides an insight into the roles within a virtual production pipeline via research and analysis, whilst also training learners how to effectively set up real-time engine scenes to display content accurately within a Virtual Production studio setting via a combination of lab workshops and studio sessions to establish pipeline knowledge from the digital workflow to the practical presence on set.

Block 3: Virtual Asset Development

The module provides an in-depth exploration of texturing, look development & modelling, which is featured across several different roles that contribute to VFX and level design. A combination of theory surrounding light & physical surface interactivity alongside practical practice within various relevant software packages aids in the creation of refined artefacts which both appear realistic & consider optimisation.

Block 4: Virtual Studio Production

This module provides a thorough and detailed overview to the practices involved in the creation and evaluation of footage which features a virtual environment backdrop. The module covers relevant technical skillsets such as lighting, pre-production/planning, knowledge about health & safety, the functionality of LED video walls whilst on set and how to use the cameras effectively within a studio space.

Block 5: Main Portfolio Project

This module is a negotiated project which is led by the student and underpinned with tutor support in a supervisory role. This comprises of a continuous project development portfolio, with all stages of the production pipeline present and outlined, alongside a reflective evaluation surrounding the entire autonomous project experience and a final polished output allowing students to reflect and analyse their own skillsets and utilise for employability.

How you'll learn

Our approach to your learning experience is shaped by the aim to develop original ideas through engagement with a broad spectrum of artistic practices and reading widely in your field, while developing a high level of communication skills through written argument and discussion.

Lectures by MTI2 staff and visiting scholars/practitioners
Seminars guided by specialist staff in research skills and the use of IT resources
Symposia and concert presentations by MTI2 staff and visiting artists
Individual tutorials with staff
Small group workshops enabling peer-led learning with scope for co-creation of study content
Peer-centred collaborative production of performances and events
Self-directed study in the form of independent reading, reviewing and creative practice

Assessments

Assessments are varied and reflect the aim of developing independent learning and the ability to develop critical insight through questioning of received ideas, through:

Practical creative work
Written work in the form of essays, analyses and case studies
Practice-based papers reflecting on the student's own creative work
Performances and design of environments

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

Your future career

The demand for virtual production professionals is growing rapidly, and a postgraduate degree in virtual production can open up a wide range of career opportunities.

Graduates may find work in film and television production, video game development and advertising in roles such as virtual production supervisor, virtual cinematographer, virtual art director or virtual reality developer.

Careers and employability

An award-winning Careers Team, the #1 UK university for careers support (TargetJobs National Graduate Recruitment Awards, 2024), we provide you with all the support you need.

Our careers commitment doesn’t end at graduation. With DMU for Life, you’ll have access to lifelong career support throughout your entire career.

How we support you

Unlimited one-to-one careers coaching

Get tailored advice and guidance from our expert careers advisors whenever you need it.

Professional development programme

Boost your employability with workshops, bootcamps, training sessions, and employer-led events.

Inside Edge Mentoring

Connect with professionals from dynamic industries to expand your career insight, network and knowledge of the world of work.

24/7 access to digital employability tools

Access LinkedIn Learning, personalised CV feedback, mock interviews and more – anytime, anywhere.

Entrepreneurship support

Bring your business ideas to life with events, networking opportunities, expert speakers, workshops and links to funding opportunities.

Job search assistance

Get support finding part-time work, placements, internships and graduate jobs.

Employability projects and placements

Gain real-world experience through academic business consultancy projects or work placements (course-dependent).

Industry-informed teaching

Learn from real-world experience and academics, guest lecturers and business leaders who share their industry expertise.

Discover postgraduate careers

Fees and funding

UK and Channel Island students

2027/28 tuition fees for UK students: £10,400

EU and international students

2027/28 tuition fees for EU and international students: £19,100

Funding

Postgraduate Master's Loan (Student Loans Company)

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

you normally live in Scotland
you normally live in Wales
you normally live in Northern Ireland

Find out more about a Master's loan

Additional postgraduate loans and grants

Sir Thomas White Loans Charity

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for 9 years from the Sir Thomas White Loans Charity for postgraduate study. Applicants must be resident in Leicestershire or Rutland for more than three years and be aged over 18 years old and under 45 years old.

Telephone number for Sir Thomas White Loans Charity: +44 (0)116 204 6620

Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester

Applicants may be able to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for five to 10 years for business, vocational or education purposes from the Sir Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester. You must be aged over 18 and under 45 and reside in Leicestershire or Rutland.

Telephone number for Sir Harry Riddleston Charity of Leicester: +44 (0)1858 463322

Educational grants, trusts and charities

Some educational trusts and charities provide small grants to help towards books, fees or equipment. There are several searchable online Grants databases such as Turn2us.

Funds for women graduates

Funds for Women Graduates offer grants towards living expenses for the final year of a PhD or DPhil for UK, EU or international students.

Going to university represents a real investment in your future and there is plenty of financial support available to students for both tuition fees and living expenses.

Find out more about funding

Additional costs

The core textbooks for all modules are available in the Kimberlin Library, and journal articles in your reading lists are also mostly available electronically from your myDMU login.

Some students like to purchase their own text books or print course documents and we suggest allowing approximately £200 per year for this.

All students are required to pay for their DBS check if required for your programme or placement.

In addition, students will be required to pay for their travel costs to placements or project locations.

All students are provided the opportunity to participate in DMU Global trips. These trips are subsidised by the University, and the cost and subsidy vary by location.

Scholarships

20% Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

This scholarship provides DMU graduates with an exclusive tuition fee discount of 20 per cent. The discount is available on selected full-time, part-time and distance learning postgraduate taught courses running across multiple start dates.

Read more about the Postgraduate Alumni Scholarship

Global Access Scholarship

This scholarship rewards eligible prospective international students joining a postgraduate taught degree at DMU with up to a £3,000 fee reduction.

Find out more about the Global Access Scholarship

Entry requirements

Degree:

Honours degree (2:2 or higher) or postgraduate diploma

You should have the equivalent of a British Honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a relevant subject.

Applications are welcome from candidates whose primary study or professional practice has been in media, technology or a related discipline.  In all cases, the candidate will demonstrate the potential to engage with the practical, creative, critical or aesthetic dimensions of the application of technology to film and post-production.

Equivalent qualifications from other international systems will receive the same consideration.

As part of your application you will be required to provide a portfolio including a sample of original creative work.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Key facts

Course title

Visual Effects and Virtual Production

Award

MSc

Programme code

W70076

Study mode

Full-time

Study level

Postgraduate

Start dates

September

Duration

12 months

How to apply

How to apply for a masters degree

Save these details for your application

Programme title:: Visual Effects and Virtual Production MSc
Programme code:: W70076

You can apply using the DMU Application Portal. This method allows you to save, revisit and review your application before submitting it at any time of the day.

The following should be submitted with the application form:

Where required, one current reference on official headed paper or from a professional email address. This can be a work or academic reference and must be signed and recently dated
Copies of your academic transcripts
Copies of your degree or diploma certificates
Your personal statement

DMU Application Portal