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.
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.
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.

Our state-of-the-art virtual production studio is the only one of its kind in the UK
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
Applicants who do not cover the appropriate subjects during their degree will be considered if they have relevant industry experience.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a minimum Specialist/Bachelor degree score of 70% or 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a minimum Bakalavr/Diplomu score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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):
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Licentiaat / Licencié with a minimum score of 12 or 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a minimum Licenciado/Título score of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically be required to pass the Grado de Licenciado in the essential subject with a 5.5 GPA (7-point scale).
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado/Título/Maestro with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum score of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bakalář degree with a minimum score of 2.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree / Candidatus Philosophiae / Professionsbachelor with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Título de Licenciado or Título with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree (from a university) with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree or Specialist degree with a minimum score of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor or Fachhochschuldiplom / Diplom (FH) with a score of 3.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Baccalaureus / Bakkalárpróf with a minimum GPA of 6.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Degree with a minimum score of 13 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Master's degree with a minimum GPA of 65% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a 2.2 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA percentage of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bakalaura Diploms with a minimum score of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bakalauro Diplomas with a minimum overall score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum overall score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will require either:
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, determined by prior study, work experience, professional qualifications and references.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor degree with a minimum grade of 6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.3 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Licencjat / Inżynier with a minimum score of 4 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Licenciado with a minimum score of 14 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Diplomă de Licenţă (Bachelor degree) with a minimum score of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Diplomirani (Bachelor's degree) with a minimum GPA of 7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor (Honours) degree with a minimum score of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 60-70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 50% in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.6 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7 in a subject related to their chosen course.
Applicants will typically require a Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) with a minimum GPA of 70% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.
Applicants will typically require a Bachelor Honours degree with a minimum GPA of 60% in a subject related to their chosen course.
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.

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
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
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
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 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.)
|
Fee Status |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
|
£7,900 |
£7,900* |
|
|
£10,400 |
£10,400* |
|
|
£17,000 |
£19,950** |
*Tuition fees for 2026/27 are still under review and may be subject to change.
**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of their course.
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
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.
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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.