Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
MSc Technical Art and VFX
This groundbreaking Technical Art and Visual Effects programme will give you access to facilities available nowhere else in the UK and the opportunity to learn under a team of academics with years of industry experience.
Course detail
Start Date
SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months or part-time: 24 monthsAward Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
The games industry's rapid growth demands ever more innovative visual content, pushing developers to new creative heights. Similarly, film and television face the challenge of adapting to global audiences and the rise of streaming platforms. This evolving landscape calls for cutting-edge content that resonates across diverse markets.
In response, production methods are shifting toward real-time (RT) technologies and interactive, immersive and programmable approaches. This demands a new generation of flexible, creative and technically literate artists capable of developing content, solving problems, and building tools across platforms: the Technical Artist.
The MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects is one of the first Master’s programmes designed specifically to develop this role, combining creative and technical skills to solve complex production challenges. Core areas include the emerging synergy between Unreal Engine and Houdini, equipping graduates with real-time capabilities rooted in procedural thinking and production logic.
Using SideFX's Houdini for asset creation
A central focus of the programme is proceduralism, with SideFX’s Houdini as the primary tool for asset creation, simulation, iteration, and pipeline design. Houdini’s node-based architecture enables students to build scalable, reusable, and optimised tools and workflows essential for modern production.
🎞️ Watch the video to see examples of work created by MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects students using Houdini
Through the Solaris context, students gain experience in USD-based scene assembly, collaborative layout, and look development. The use of MaterialX also ensures cross-platform shader design for consistent visuals across offline and real-time engines, including Unreal.
MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects graduates emerge as true Technical Artists - creative, communicative problem-solvers ready to meet the demands of film, games, and virtual production.
Addressing the role of the Technical Artist
MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects is one of the first Master’s programmes to specifically address the role of the Technical Artist. It's this role that enables the delivery of creative solutions to complex artistic and logistical production challenges. Demand for this skillset is extremely high and only set to increase.
The technical and creative content of this programme encompasses engine programming, pipelines, VFX, optimisation, tools development, art, and animation pipelines.
This programme will enable you to enter the industry with the most up-to-date creative and production approaches and real time software and hardware experience.
🎞️ Watch the video to see examples of showreel work created by Abertay's MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects students.
World-class facilities
As an MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects student, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art virtual production studio (ViPRE – Virtual Production Research Environment) - the only one in the UK.
The system is used in cutting-edge movie production and has seen the University film real-time scenes shot hundreds of miles apart – a feat never accomplished before.
ViPRE Studio
Our state-of-the-art virtual production studio is the only one of its kind in the UK
Request your Postgraduate Guide
Our Postgraduate Guide contains information about all our postgraduate programmes. It also has pages dedicated to the University, the beautiful city of Dundee, how to apply, support services and much more!
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (2.2 or better) in a related area. These include 3D Modelling/Animation/Visual Effects, Computing or Computing related (Engineering).
Consideration will be made regarding individuals with extensive experience with 3D modeling tools and/or game engines.
Applicants should also submit a portfolio of work (i.e., showreel/breakdown reel, game engine demo or scripting examples).
Examples of 3D modelling/animation and/or engine exposure and portfolio and/or Coding or scripting experience should be collated in a showreel, breakdown reel or a ‘making of’ video where possible. Code or scripting can be demonstrated in short demos, either captured, pre-rendered or as a small application.
Videos should be provided as HD 1080p MP4 if possible (to keep the file size down) or provide links to YouTube/Vimeo examples, and please provide any access passwords required to view the work. You can also share links to websites with examples of your work on it.
PDF’s can also be submitted to document your production processes, and to show any pre-production, concept work, static images or other examples of technical art and visual effects work.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants around the world. Please select your country from the list below to view Postgraduate entry requirements. If your qualification is not listed, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk
Select Your Country
Academic Requirements
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
English Language Requirements
All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare/Bachelor degree score of 7.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Specialist/Bachelor degree score of 70% or 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Bachelor degree / Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) score of 3.0 (on the 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Bakalavr/Diplomu score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Bachelors Degree of 4 years or more with a minimum score of 60% or 2.6 GPA (on a four point scale). Degree must have been awarded from the following institutions (including affiliated colleges):
- North South University
- Independent University, Bangladesh
- American International University, Bangladesh
- East West University
- Ahsanullah University of Science & Technology
- University of Asia Pacific
- BRAC University
- Daffodil International University
- United International University
- International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
- Bangladesh University of Professionals
- University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh
- Jagannath University
- National University
- University of Dhaka
- Port City Chittagong University
- Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET)
- Jahanginaga University (JU)
- Southeast University
- Eastern University
- Bangladesh University of Business & Technology
- Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET)
- Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET)
- Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET)
- University of Rajshahi (RU)
- Chittagong University (CU)
Or a Bachelor of Science in Egineering with a minimum score of 55% or 2.2 GPA (on a four point scale), awarded by Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) or awarded 2012 onwards by a private university and accredited by IEB with independent research as part of the course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licentiaat / Licencié with a minimum score of 12 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a minimum Licenciado/Título score of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (5-6 years) with a minimum score of 70%, or a Master's degree with a minimum score of 60%, in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado, Titulo de Bacharel or Titulo de (subject area) will be required to pass with 6.0 (on a 10 point scale), in a related subject where required.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 4.0 (out of 6) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of C+, 65% or 2.5 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants wil typically require one of: a 4-year Bachelor Degree/Licence; Diplome d’Etudues Supérieures de Commerce; Diplôme d'Ingénieur; Maîtrise / Master sans thèse; with a minimum score of 11, or a GPA of 2.7 (on a 4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Baccalauréat with a minimum score of 2.5 (4-point scale), 62% or C+ average in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Qualification: PG Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies / PG Diplome d’Etudes Superiures Specialisees / PG Matrise with Independent Research/Project
Applicants will typically be required to pass the PG Diplome d’Etudes with a minimum of 13 (on the 20 point scale) in a relevant subject.
20 Point Scale:
1st Classification: 17
2:1 Classification: 15
2:2 Classification: 13
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically be required to pass the Grado de Licenciado in the essential subject with a 5.5 GPA (7-point scale).
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado/Título/Maestro with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea or Diploma - Visoko obrazovanje (4-6 years) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/Ingeniero/Máster with a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum score of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalář degree with a minimum score of 2.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Candidatus Philosophiae / Professionsbachelor with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado or Título with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (from a university) with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado, Título or Título de Maestro/Maestria with a minimum score of 6.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalaurusekraad (Bachelor degree) or Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma) with a minimum score of 3 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants from an Ethiopian university will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum score of 2.75 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Kandidaatti / Kandidat with a minimum score of 1 (4-point scale) or 2.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplôme d'Ingénieur / Licence / Grade de Licence / Licence Professionnelle / Grade de Licence Professionnelle with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist degree with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor or Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) with a score of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale), or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Ptychio (AEA or TEI) degree with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Graduate Diploma or Master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree (Honours) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or Lower Second Class (2:2) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Alapfokozat (Bachelor degree) or Egyetemi Oklevél (University Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Bakkalárpróf with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (with Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is included.
Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce (NO Independent Research)
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor of Arts / Science / Commerce with an average pass of 65-70% or 6.5-6.9 GPA (on the 10 point scale) if Independent Research is NOT included.
Bachelor Degree in Professional Subject*
Applicants will typically be required to complete a Bachelor Degree in a Professional Subject with an average pass of 55-60% or 5.5-6.0 GPA (on the 10 point scale).
*Professional subjects include: Agriculture, Architecture, Business Administration, Business Management, Business Studies, Computer Applications, Engineering, Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Technology.
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree Sarjana I (S1) with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree with a minimum score of 13 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a 2.2 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello, Diploma de Mediatore Linguistico, Laurea, or Licenza de Accademia de Belle Arti with a minimum score of 94 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 55%, 2.0, or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Advanced Diploma with a minimum GPA of 60% or 2.2 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 65% or 2.5 (4-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/ Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 70%, 2.3 (4-point scale), or 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA percentage of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.6 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalaura Diploms with a minimum score of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree/Licence with a minimum GPA of 2.8 (4-point scale), score of 12 (French 20-point scale), or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalauro Diplomas with a minimum overall score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum overall score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically be require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (4-point scale), 4.5 (6-point scale) or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course. Applicants with a professional Bachelor's degree may be considered, though this must be in a related subject area.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 55% (lower second classification) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants studying a Titulo de Licenciado or Titulo Profesional de (subject area) will be required to pass with 7.0 (on a 10 point scale).
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma de Licenta (Bachelor degree) or Diploma de Magistru (Master's degree) with a minimum score of 8.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Grau de Licenciado/a with a minimum score of 14, or Grau de Maestre with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree / Professional Bachelor degree (competed after 2009) or Master's degree with a minimum score of 60% or grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will require either:
- A four-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60% in a related subject from one of the following universities: Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Tribhuvan University, Agriculture and Forestry University, Purbanchal Universite, Lumbini Buddhist University, Mid Western University, Far Western University, Nepal Sanskrit University, or
- A Masters degree following a three-year Bachelors degree with a minimum score of 60%.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications and references.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum grade of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelorgrad (Bachelor degree) or a Candidatus/a Magisterii with a minimum overall grade C in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (4-5 years) with a minimum GPA of 2.6 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Grado Académico de Bachiller or Título de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) with a minimum score of 12 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree from a well-ranked university with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (5-point scale), 2.5 (4-point scale), or 82% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licencjat / Inżynier with a minimum score of 4 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado with a minimum score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomă de Licenţă (Bachelor degree) with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (Honours) with a minimum score of 12/20 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale), 3.25 (5-point scale), or 73% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomirani (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (4-point scale) or 3.5 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bakalár (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (4-point scale) or 72% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) with a minimum GPA of 7.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree or Professional Bachelor degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado / Título Universitario Oficial de Licenciado with a minimum GPA of 6.0 (10-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree (Special or Honours) at 2:1 classification or 3.3 GPA minimum in a related field.
Applicants will also be required to have undertaken Independent Research.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications, and references.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a good Bachelor's degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen with a majority of credits at G in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diploma/Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (6-point scale), 6.0 (10-point scale), or 3.0 (reverse 5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 60-70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist Diploma or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Yokary bilim Hakynda Sahadatnama (Diploma of HE) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Specialist degree or Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale) or 4.0 (5-point scale) in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 56%, or grade C+ in a subject related to their chosen course.
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum GPA of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Learning and Assessment
You'll be taught using a mixture of lectures and practical tutorials in our dedicated production and lab spaces. There is an expectation to underpin this learning in your own time, outside of timetabled sessions.
Assessment will take the form of practical projects, reports and exams. You'll produce a practice-based folio of technical art and visual effects examples in the shape of a showreel/breakdown reel or technical demo.
Frequently asked questions
Explore the common questions asked about this programme.
What is an MSc in Technical Art & VFX?
The MSc Technical Art and VFX is a groundbreaking postgraduate programme designed to address the highly sought-after role of the Technical Artist. It bridges the gap between creative artistry and technical engineering to solve complex production challenges across film, games and virtual production. You'll master real-time technologies, procedural asset creation and pipeline design.
Key areas of the curriculum include:
-
Procedural workflows using SideFX's Houdini
-
Real-time capabilities within Unreal Engine
-
USD-based scene assembly via the Solaris context
-
Cross-platform shader design using MaterialX
This degree transforms you into a communicative problem solver equipped with the technical literacy required by modern entertainment industries.
How long is the MSc Technical Art & VFX?
This postgraduate course offers flexible study options to fit around your commitments. You can choose to complete the programme via one of the following pathways:
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Full-time: 12 months
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Part-time: 24 months
Both pathways provide the same access to Abertay's expert academics and world-class production facilities.
Do I need coding experience for the MSc Technical Art & VFX?
To apply, you must submit a portfolio of work that includes coding and scripting. You're encouraged to showcase your coding expertise in short demos, pre-rendered videos or a small application as part of your showreel to demonstrate your technical literacy.
What are the entry requirements for the Technical Art & VFX Master's?
To gain entry into this postgraduate programme, UK applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Academic background: A minimum of a 2.2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline, such as 3D modelling, animation, visual effects, computing or computing-related engineering.
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Alternative experience: Relevant industry experience or extensive knowledge of 3D modelling tools and game engines will be considered if your degree is in a different subject.
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Portfolio submission: You must provide a digital portfolio, such as a showreel, breakdown reel, game engine demo, scripting examples or examples that demonstrates your practical or coding exposure.
Is studying visual effects more difficult than animation?
This course could be considered more complex than an animation course. This is because the MSc Technical Art & VFX combines elements of both disciplines. The programme highlights that technical art and visual effects require a unique blend of creative vision and advanced technical literacy.
Rather than focusing solely on traditional animation, you'll study the complex underlying logic of art and animation pipelines, engine programming and procedural asset creation, making it an ideal challenge for students who enjoy both creative design and technical problem solving.
What jobs can you get after a Technical Art & VFX Masters?
This programme prepares you for a highly specialised career solving artistic and logistical challenges across various entertainment sectors.
Graduates emerge ready to meet the hiring demands of global industries like film, gaming and virtual production. You will be qualified for roles including (but not limited to):
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Technical Artist
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VFX artist
The programme ensures you enter the job market with the most up-to-date hardware experience, software expertise and real-time production approaches.
Is a Technical Art & VFX Master's worth it?
Yes. The rapid growth of the games, film and television industries has created an exceptionally high demand for technical artists, a trend that is only set to increase. Production methods are shifting heavily toward real-time, immersive and programmable approaches.
This master's degree is highly valuable because it is one of the first programmes to specifically address this skills gap. Furthermore, Abertay students gain a competitive edge by training in the Virtual Production Research Environment (ViPRE) studio - the only state-of-the-art virtual production facility of its kind in the UK.
Is the MSc in Technical Art & VFX TIGA-Accredited
While many of our Games Development degrees are TIGA-Accredited, this specific MSc has not been accredited yet. However, it is Houdini certified.
I had no experience in VFX before starting the course, but I was familiar with Unreal Engine from an environment art perspective, which helped me find my footing quickly. I knew I wanted to challenge myself and grow technically — and this course gave me the space to do that.Maja Oszczypala | Abertay University | MSc Technical Art and Visual Effects
Adobe Creative Cloud
As a student on this programme, you'll have full access to a comprehensive suite of over 20 applications designed to provide tools for graphic design, video editing, photography, and more. Key applications available include Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, and many others.
In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.
Through our partnership, all Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering them to enhance their digital skills with industry-leading tools.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this programme, you'll have the knowledge and skills to enter the games, film and television industries as a competent Technical or Visual Effects Artist.
This could be with an established studio, or you may want to explore setting up your own studio as many previous graduates of Abertay's School of Design and Informatics have done.
You can find out more about the career support available at Abertay by clicking the link below.
Fees and Funding
Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 28 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.
The tuition fees you’ll pay and the funding available depend on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you’re studying a postgraduate taught (PGT) degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:
-
Scotland
-
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland
-
International
Fee Status
Your fee status is typically based on the country where you’ve lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.
We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.
International
International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)
Annual Tuition Fees
|
Fee Status |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
|
£7,900 |
£7,900* |
|
|
£10,400 |
£10,400* |
|
|
£17,000 |
£19,950** |
**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of their course.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Abertay International Scholarship
An award of up to £3,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, for prospective new international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility located at the heart of the University, providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community and researchers.
Join us as a postgraduate
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Explore all undergraduate and postgraduate courses
