The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects is designed for students who aspire to build careers in the film, television, animation, gaming, advertising, and digital media industries. The programme focuses on Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) production and the complete visual effects pipeline, enabling students to create realistic digital environments, characters, and cinematic effects.

Students gain expertise in concept art, 3D modelling, texturing, lighting, rendering, compositing, motion graphics, green screen integration, and visual storytelling using industry-standard software. The curriculum combines traditional artistic skills such as life drawing and sketching with modern digital production workflows. Through project-based learning, students build a professional portfolio while working on real-world creative projects under the guidance of experienced industry practitioners. Eligible students can also graduate under the APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme.

Subjects / Programme Structure

The programme develops students' artistic, technical, and production skills across the complete CGI and visual effects pipeline.

Typical modules include:

• Fundamentals of Visual Effects
• Digital Illustration
• Storyboarding
• Life Drawing
• Design Principles
• Concept Art
• Character Design
• Environment Design
• 3D Modelling
• Digital Sculpting
• Texturing and Materials
• Lighting and Rendering
• Motion Graphics
• Visual Storytelling
• Green Screen Techniques
• Matchmoving
• Rotoscoping
• Matte Painting
• Digital Compositing
• Visual Effects Production
• CGI Pipeline Management
• Video Editing
• Colour Grading
• Professional Practice
• Research Methods
• Final Year Project
• Portfolio Development
• Industrial Internship

Disciplines / Specialisations Offered

The programme provides comprehensive knowledge in:

• Visual Effects (VFX)
• Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)
• 3D Modelling
• Character Modelling
• Environment Design
• Digital Sculpting
• Lighting
• Rendering
• Digital Compositing
• Motion Graphics
• Matte Painting
• Matchmoving
• Rotoscoping
• Concept Art
• Video Editing
• Visual Storytelling

Highlights

• Ranked among the Top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Malaysia's Premier Digital Tech University.
• Optional APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme.
• Students from over 130 countries.
• Studio-based learning with industry-standard production workflow.
• Strong focus on CGI production and visual storytelling.
• Professional portfolio development throughout the programme.
• Industry-experienced lecturers.
• Modern digital production laboratories.
• Hands-on project-based curriculum.
• Excellent graduate employability.
• Opportunities to participate in industry collaborations and creative projects.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers as:

• 3D Generalist
• 3D Modeller
• 3D Texturing Artist
• Lighting Artist
• Digital Compositor
• Video Editor
• Matchmove Artist
• Matte Painter
• Effects Artist
• Motion Graphic Artist
• Technical Director
• Concept Artist
• Roto Artist
• VFX Coordinator
• Creative Director
• Producer
• CGI Artist
• Environment Artist
• Visual Effects Supervisor (with experience)

Latest Updates / Special Requirement (if any)

• Latest published intakes are 28 September 2026 and 24 November 2026.
• Eligible students may graduate under the APU–DMU Dual Degree Scheme.
• Applicants must complete either a portfolio submission or an interview as part of the admission process.
• The curriculum combines traditional artistic skills with modern CGI production techniques.
• Students develop professional portfolios through project-based learning using industry-standard software and production workflows.

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a Malaysian Student Pass (Student Visa) before commencing their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Valid passport.
• Official APU Offer Letter.
• Acceptance of the admission offer.
• Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Proof of English language proficiency.
• Medical examination before and/or after arrival as required by Malaysian authorities.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Medical insurance coverage.
• Payment of applicable visa processing fees.