
Course Information for UK Dual Award Visual Effects Degree in Malaysia at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)
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Award-winning Asia Pacific University (APU) is the only private university in Malaysia offering the BA (Hons) in Visual Effects. After SPM or O-Levels, students may enter the Foundation in Design or Diploma in Design & Media (Animation & Visual Effects) before continuing on to the degree.
“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 (commonly shortened to Visual FX or VFX) can be added to live-action, captured through techniques such as matte painting; rear- and front- screen projection; miniature or forced perspective sets; computer graphic objects, characters, and environments; and compositing of images recorded in any number of ways. A high demand of CGI has made visual effects more accessible and hence its presence is felt all around us.
The VFX award is for applicants looking for a career in the film, post-production or games industries – although some graduates may move onto positions within architectural visualisation, re-touching/advertising agencies or postgraduate study. VFX is predominantly about ideas and concept generation for film or games, covering characters, vehicles, products, clothing, sets and environments – ultimately taking those ideas through to finished concept artwork or 3D models.
More than ever, the film and games industries need tangible, exciting plots/scenarios with characters, environments and props to match them. Students develop ideas sometimes as 2D artwork concepts, complemented by accurate 3D digital modelling, coupled with green screen/compositing techniques. Design methodology, concept origination, speculative design, visualisation skills, life drawing, physical sketch and facsimile modelling provide traditional design skills.
In this article, you will find out more about the Visual Effects degree at APU, the course information, intake dates, entry requirements and facilities. Upon completion of the degree, students will receive a degree from APU and another from De Montfort University, UK.
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What you will Study in the BA (Hons) in Visual Effects at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU)

The Visual Effects degree programme at Top Ranked Asia Pacific University (APU) is specifically designed to provide:
- This programme aims to produce 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 organizational qualities, communication skills necessary for the effective exchange of ideas, information and teamwork; with particular emphasis on understanding production ‘pipelines’ associated with VFX industries.
APU-DMU Dual Degree Programme – Double Your Advantage

- APU’s partnership with De Montfort University (DMU), UK enables students to be awarded Dual Awards – separate degree certificates from each institution – and enhances not just teaching and learning experiences, but also career prospects.
- Upon graduation, students will receive 2 Degree Certificates & Transcripts: 1 from APU, Malaysia and 1 from DMU, UK.
Both degrees are recognised locally & internationally. - The APU-DMU Dual Degree Programmes are offered under an approved collaboration in accordance with the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Higher Education as published by the United Kingdom Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

Admission Requirements
Programmes | General Requirements | |
DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 1 OF THE DEGREE: | ||
STPM | A Pass in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any 2 subjects. | |
A-LEVEL | 2 Passes in A-Level. | |
UEC | 5 Grade B’s iUECn UEC. | |
MATRICULATION/ FOUNDATION | A Pass in Matriculation or Foundation studies with minimum CGPA of 2.00. | |
DIRECT ENTRY TO LEVEL 2 OF THE DEGREE: | ||
RELATED DIPLOMA | A Diploma in Design & Media or equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.50. Candidates with CGPA below 2.50 but above 2.00 may be admitted subject to a rigorous internal interview or submitting a relevant portfolio. | |
PORTFOLIO | Note: All applicants will be individually assessed via a portfolio, interview including drawing. |
Note: Equivalent qualification and / or experience which is recognized by the Senate / institution.
What You Will Study in the Industrial Design Degree at APU
DEGREE LEVEL 1

Level 1 of VFX will focus on getting the basics right. The students will be exposed to drawing and concept sketching techniques, creative thinking for visual design, understanding the importance of research and analysis in conceiving a concept. Technically they will be introduced to the VFX workflow via Digital Art and Illustration, 3D Modelling and Compositing Techniques. Team Work, Project Management and Presentation is an integral part of the learning process.
Common Modules
- Intro to Creative Project
- Applied Timing
- Illustration for Concept Art
- Cinema Film Analysis
Specialised Modules
- 3D Pipeline
- Advance 3D Pipeline
- Digital Illustration
- Digital Compositing
DEGREE LEVEL 2

In Level 2, the modules strengthen the core skills of the students. Moving on from Year 1 the students are trained to emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving skills. They are exposed to advanced 3D Modelling and Compositing skills on software’s that are currently used by the VFX Industry. The students have the choice of selecting their elective module to strengthen their skills in their field of choice.
Common Modules
- From Script to Screen
- Digital Film Production
- Effects & Simulation
- Rigging for Animation
- Visual Culture
Specialised Modules
- Character Concept Design
- Advanced Digital Compositing
- Set Design
- Digital Sculpting
- CGI Production
INTERNSHIP (12 weeks)
Students will undertake a short Internship/ Industrial Training for a minimum period of 12 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment.
DEGREE LEVEL 3

In Level 3 the students will be implementing their prior knowledge and skills to create professional portfolio projects as part of the final year projects. From Proposal Pitch, Pre Production, Production and Post Production the students go through the entire process to create their FYP with constant guidance from experts and industry professionals. The students are given the opportunity to exhibit their showreel in an year end show that will involve industry partners and potential employers which provides them the avenue for immediate employment.
Common Modules
- Sound Design
- Animation Techniques for Games
- Research Project Report
- Exhibition Design
Specialised and Option Modules
- Team Production Project Proposal
- Professional Project – Specialization Proposal
- Team Production Project
- Professional Project – Specialization Proposal
MQA Compulsory Subjects*

- Ethnic Relations (M’sian Students)
- Islamic & Asian Civilisation (M’sian Students)
- Malaysian Studies (Int’l Students)
- Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
- Workplace Professional Communication Skills
- Employee & Employment Trends
- Co-Curriculum
(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency)
Career Options

Vincent Lim, Software Engineering Graduate, Asia Pacific University (APU)
- 2D Artist
- Previs Artist
- 3D Generalist
- Modeller
- Lighting Artist
- Matchmove Artist
- Matte Painter
- Story Baord Artist
- Rigger
- Animator
- Motion Graphics Artist
- Digital Compositor
- Producer
- Technical Director
- Concept Artist
- Roto Artist
- Texture Artist
- VFX Coordinator
- Creative Director