Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects

Programme Description

"Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or simply impossible to capture on film”.

Visual effects (VFX) involve the integration of liveaction footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create scenes that are otherwise too dangerous, costly, or impossible to capture on camera. From imaginary environments to dramatic action sequences, VFX plays a central role in contemporary storytelling across film, television, games, and digital media.

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects is a three-year degree focused on CGI production within the wider VFX landscape. This programme equips students with both creative and technical skills essential for producing high-quality digital assets. Students will explore the full production pipeline, including concept design, 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering, green screen integration, and compositing. The curriculum emphasises visual storytelling, encouraging students to create content that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The programme combines traditional art foundations such as life drawing and sketching with digital workflows using industry-standard software. Through project-based learning, students develop characters, props, and environments while building a professional portfolio aligned with industry practices. Guided by lecturers with professional experience, students gain insight into real-world expectations and production standards.

Graduates will be prepared for careers as CG artists, environment modellers, compositors, or VFX generalists, with opportunities across film, games, advertising, and virtual production. With the increasing demand for CGI in creative industries, this programme offers a solid foundation for students to succeed in the evolving world of digital content creation.

Programme Outline

What We Teach

This programme is specifically designed to provide students with:

• The knowledge and skills to support the study and development of conceptual artwork, digital assets for both film or games industries and visual effects (VFX) work as a creative and dynamic activity. 
• To develop the organisational qualities, communication skills necessary for the effective exchange of ideas, information and teamwork; with particular emphasis on understanding production ‘pipelines’ associated with VFX industries

Admission Requirements

General Requirements

Direct Entry to Level 1 of the Degree

• STPMA Pass in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any 2 subjects.
• A-Level2 Passes (Grade A-D) in A-Level.
• UEC5 Grade B’s in UEC.
• Matriculation/ FoundationA Pass in Matriculation or Foundation studies with minimum CGPA of 2.00.

Note: Pass an Interview OR submission of Design Portfolio as required.

Entry to Level 2 of the Degree

• Related DiplomaA Diploma (Level 4, MQF) with a minimum CGPA of 2.00, or its equivalent.
• A pass in DKM / DLKM / DVM with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 subjected to HEP Senate/ Academic Board’s approval.

Equivalent qualification and / or experience which is recognised by the Senate / institution. 

Note: The above entry requirements may differ for specific programmes based on the latest programme standards published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The qualification and entry requirements for the programmes will be determined based on the "Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)" published by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

English Requirements

• International StudentsIELTS : 5.5
• TOEFL IBT : 46
• Pearson (PTE) : 51
• MUET : Band 4

Application Process

As part of the entry requirements into the APU Design Degrees, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit either one of the following for evaluation together with complete educational documents:

• Portfolio Submission
• Interview

Your Career Path

2D Artist

Previs Artist

3D Generalist

Modeller

Lighting Artist

Matchmove Artist

Matte Painter

Story Board Artist

Rigger

Animator

Motion Graphics Artist

Digital Compositor

Producer

Technical Director

Concept Artist

Roto Artist

Texture Artist

VFX Coordinator

Creative Director