Overview
If you want to be an artist and animator for the next generation of games, apps, movies and streaming shows, this course is for you.
Bring ideas to life as you build immersive virtual worlds and compelling characters for 3D games and film.
We aim to develop your traditional art skills with the latest creative technologies for games, film and VFX industries.
You’ll learn using the latest industry software and hardware, working in open plan studio spaces. We also have a VR lab and green screen and audio facilities.
Develop skills and techniques in:
- 3D modelling
- digital sculpting
- surfacing and texturing
- rigging
- animation
- lighting
- rendering
- VFX compositing.
You’ll gain valuable advice from industry professionals, with a strong focus on practical, real-world outcomes and career-ready skills.
You'll be working on live briefs and hands-on projects that mirror professional practice. You’ll also have opportunities to take your experience further through internships and placements, helping you step confidently into the industry.
Why study 3D Animation and Visualisation with pathways for Games and VFX at GCU?
- GCU is ranked 1st in Scotland and 6th in the UK for Computer Games and Animation (Daily Mail University Guide 2026), giving you confidence in the quality of your degree.
- Work on live, team-based VFX and games projects, building real-world experience and a strong portfolio.
- Learn in state-of-the-art facilities, including a VR lab, green screen and professional audio studios.
- Gain a degree accredited by ScreenSkills, helping prepare you for careers in the creative industries.
Accreditations
What you will study
We aim to display the most up-to-date information possible.
The modules listed on this page and the Programme Specification are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course. Please note that course content, modules, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at GCU. This might be because we are required to do so by law, by a governmental authority, regulator or accrediting body. We may also make changes for quality assurance reasons, or to enhance the course.
Understanding core and optional modules
The core modules shown are based on the standard full-time route for students entering Year 1 of the course. If you study full time from Year 1, you will normally study the outlined core modules for each year of the course.
Optional modules provide opportunities to tailor your studies. You will not normally study every optional module shown and will be asked to select from the available options during your studies. Information about available options and the module selection process will be provided after you enrol. Please note that the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and is subject to factors including student demand, timetabling, staffing and academic requirements.
The module information shown is based on the standard full-time route through the course. If you study through an alternative entry or study route, including part-time study or Advanced Entry, the modules you take in each year and the order in which you study them may vary.
Careers
You’ll leave with the creative and technical skills necessary for gaming, media and tech industries. We aim to teach you transferable skills for a variety of industry styles, including full-time employment and freelancing.
Graduates have gone on to work in the following roles:
- modeller
- animator
- rigger
- texture artist
- environment artist
- lighting artist
- VFX artist
- prop artist.
Course information
Take a virtual tour with us
Download the programme specification
In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.
Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.
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