FDA Visual Effects and Post-Production · East Coast CollegeFoundation degree · 2 years
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East Coast College · Undergraduate

FDA Visual Effects and Post-Production Foundation degree at East Coast College

FDA Visual Effects and Post-Production at East Coast College is nationally recognised through a UK degree-awarding body. The curriculum covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

FDA
Award
2
Years
Full-time
Study mode
University of Suffolk (Great Yarmouth)
Location

About this course

​Discover FdA Visual Effects and Post-Production at Suffolk - study in state-of-the-art facilities and prepare for a career in the creative industries. From the provider’s course page.

FDA Visual Effects and Post-Production is a Foundation degree (FDA) at East Coast College, based in University of Suffolk (Great Yarmouth). It runs 2 years, studied full-time.

For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.

Curriculum & modules

Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.

Year 1 6 modules
  • Screen Writing and Production Planning
    Module details

    The narrative composition of a piece of writing will alter dependent on audience, genre and method of delivery and this module will allow investigation of the forms and context to deliver workable scripts to an industry format. You will develop a production document for a 3 min film based on your written script. This document will give you an introduction to the planning phase of a production within a contextualised setting.

  • Editing and Colour Grading
    Module details

    Editors work with directors to creatively determine the way that films unfold and stories develop. This module develops your awareness of and competences in a range of editing skills across a variety of genres. You will be encouraged to adopt an orderly approach to organising the edit environment, and to explore the creative options open to an editor. The module will also introduce students to end product colour grading, asset management and content delivery.

  • Camera Operations
    Module details

    This module aims to develop the skills of camera operators in single-camera acquisition for visual production. You will be introduced to the operating functions and technical requirements of camera operation and recording sound from camera mics in order to shoot and assemble shots effectively. You will also be introduced to the conventions surrounding shots, sequences and framing and develop skills associated with camera work in a range of environments. You will explore lighting techniques using

  • Introduction to CGI
    Module details

    3D computer animation is the cornerstone of modern visual media production and is an essential requirement for working in film visual effects and gaming. This module aims to develop your 3D animation and production skills, introducing you to core computer animation techniques, such as modelling, texturing, dynamics and animation. You will be expected to plan and produce 3D computer animations suitable for use in visual effects and games production pipelines.

  • Professional Portfolio
    Module details

    Within this module you will build an online profile that connects to the industry through social media channels, video presentation platforms and networking platforms. Your online portfolio of work will offer future clients or employers the opportunity to see your skills, creative direction and your personality. Throughout this module you will develop your study skills through self-reflection and skills assessment, you will also be developing your academic writing and researching skills which ar

  • Visual Effects and Motion Design
    Module details

    This module encourages you to investigate the range of 2D and 2.5D animation processes employed by the contemporary visual media industry. Skills acquired in this module will contribute to 2d and 3d Compositing' in year two. Sessions presented by specialists in the field will enable you to experiment with different techniques within VFX and motion design.

Year 2 6 modules
  • Research into Industry Practice
    Module details

    The process of research within this degree supports your academic and ability for independent research within your chosen specialist field of study. The module develops your abilities in this essential area of academic development and facilitates access to progression routes following successful completion of the Foundation Degree. You will be encouraged to focus attention on selecting a research activity which will impact on, and be aligned with, your chosen career pathway. You will further dev

  • 2D and 3D Compositing
    Module details

    This module encourages you to investigate the role of the compositor and to develop the technical knowledge and skills of this demanding role. Compositors work at the end of the production process and receive material from various sources which could include 3D animation, special effects, graphics, 2D animation, live action, etc. Their job is to creatively combine all the elements into the final image, ensuring that the established style of the project is respected and continuity is maintained.

  • Cinematography and the Visual Narrative
    Module details

    This module will investigate contemporary cinematography techniques using both High Definition (HD) and 4k UHD formats. The intention is for you to gain a clear understanding of camera and lenses within a Studio, Location and Green screen context. You will understand exterior and interior advanced lighting, HDR luminance space, ICVFX concepts and techniques, use of tracking markers within a green screen set-up and explore visual narratives through the use of light, shade and composition. This mo

  • 3D Environment Design and Look-Development
    Module details

    3D environment artists create 3D environments for architectural walk-throughs, TV programmes, films, websites and games. The scenery created by these artists includes landscapes, buildings, vegetation and furniture, produced by computers running 3D application software. 3D environment artists are responsible for applying textures to objects and environment items such as the surfaces of walls and floors of buildings. This is a highly skilled area of work which requires considerable knowledge and

  • Motion Capture and Character Animation
    Module details

    This module deals with character animation and motion capture theory and practice, especially in the context of applying motion capture data to character animation for narratives and VFX processes. Theoretical, technical and aesthetic aspects of character animation for arts/entertainment environments are explored, and the module enables the development of a practical understanding of the latest technologies and best practice for 3D character design, rigging and animation together with the use of

  • Major Project
    Module details

    The Major Project module will provide the opportunity to bring together and apply the skills in technical and creative practice, self-management, information and communication, reflection and evaluation acquired during the Foundation degree study period. It is the intention that you create a substantial piece of work which encompasses the previous modules and highlights your own creative pathway.

Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.

Course in depth

What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.

What you'll study

This Foundation degree emphasises practical training in visual effects and post-production, delivered in state-of-the-art facilities to prepare you for the creative industries. Over two years, you'll usually begin with foundational concepts and academic skills, then move into the programme's core themes, visual effects and post-production techniques studied alongside each other. As you progress, a course like this typically introduces applied projects (often team-based work on real briefs), optional breadth modules to extend your knowledge, and professional skills development including placement opportunities. Specialisations such as interdisciplinary core study, applied projects, optional breadth, placement, independent research, and professional skills form the backbone of the curriculum, allowing you to build both technical competence and employability.

Who it's for

This course suits those seeking a focused, practice-led qualification in visual effects and post-production. It's designed for students who want to enter the creative sector quickly or use the Foundation degree as a stepping stone to a full honours degree. You'll need to meet East Coast College's entry requirements; check the university's admissions pages for details.

Careers & job market

Nationally, 85% of General Studies graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Graduate earnings across General Studies courses show a starting range of £24,000–£30,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes data, not university-specific guarantees. Your actual outcomes will depend on your chosen specialism, experience, and career decisions.

University & format

The FDA Visual Effects and Post-Production is delivered full-time over two years at East Coast College, a higher education college located at the University of Suffolk (Great Yarmouth). Instruction is in English. The award is a nationally recognised Foundation degree. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, so your qualification holds the same national standing as degrees from other awarding institutions.

Applicant information

The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

Published entry80 UCAS tariff points (or above), CDD (A typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

Open daysBook an Open Day

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of MMP and around 80 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check East Coast College's official course page for the current offer.

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Offer-based entry

Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.

How to apply

Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
UCAS codeP391quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code P391). One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write your personal statement

    A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results day & confirmation

    On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask East Coast College whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

International£16,440 / yr

Provider fee page. The cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; the provider's page is authoritative.

Check fees at East Coast College →

Check the finance route that applies to you

Support depends on ordinary residence, assessed fee status, course and provider nation. The provider nation is unresolved here, so no national cap or loan amount is being guessed.

Find your official student-finance route →

Paying for it

  • Tuition fee loan: applied for through the student-finance body for the UK nation you live in.
  • Living-cost support: means-tested on household income, from your nation's student-finance body.
  • Repayment: only above the income threshold set by your nation's student-finance system.
  • Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.

Each UK nation runs its own student-finance system; check gov.uk for the rates that apply to you.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All East Coast College funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.

We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.

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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

Careers & earnings

What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.

  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£20,825 – £29,400
After 5 years LEO
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangeaxis £19,500 – £36,500

National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.

Work out your pay

Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.

Job market & outlook

How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across General Studies courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
65%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

How AI is changing the work

AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.

What AI takes off your plate

  • Routine information gathering
  • First-draft writing and summaries
  • Standard analysis and admin
  • Repetitive processing tasks

More human than ever

  • Judgement and original thinking
  • Working with and leading people
  • Owning and sense-checking AI output
  • Ethics and accountability

The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.

Roles & employers

Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.

Where they work

  • Employers across sectors
  • Public sector
  • Corporates & charities
  • Startups

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Combined and general studies across the UK

Students39,200
Aged 25+62.2%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around University of Suffolk (Great Yarmouth)

1,420 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 546Anti Social Behaviour 217Criminal Damage Arson 144Public Order 108Shoplifting 94

Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.

Is General Studies right for you?

Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.

International students

What applying to East Coast College from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £16,440 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.

English language

Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.

Student visa

You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.

Scholarships & funding

Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check East Coast College’s funding pages.

Living costs

Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.

Working while you study

A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.

Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with East Coast College and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Set by East Coast College. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
See the career and earnings data for General Studies below (national Graduate Outcomes / LEO figures).
Home tuition is regulated and the cap depends on the UK nation the provider sits in; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Eligible students can apply for a tuition fee loan and living-cost support from the student-finance body for the UK nation they live in. Repayment thresholds differ by nation. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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