VFX & Animation Syllabus & Subjects 2024

The VFX course syllabus covers topics like Animation and VFX Principles, Mass Media and Media Literacy, Animation Drawing, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, Story Design and Development, Advanced Rigging, Lighting and Rendering, Tools and Techniques of Cinematography, etc. The VFX course subjects are primarily concerned with practical, technical, and creative abilities relevant to an active professional life in industry.

The primary focus of VFX course subjects is to equip students with practical, technical, and creative abilities that are relevant to an active professional life in the industry. Students will learn how to bring characters to life and create whole new worlds that feel real using the appropriate technology and software. The best VFX designers are those who can combine a sense of design and creativity with technical skills, and VFX courses in India are designed to help students achieve precisely that.

Students can start pursuing VFX courses in India immediately after completing their class 12th and can opt for a diploma or a bachelor's degree. After completing their undergraduate studies, they can enrol in a master's degree VFX course to further enhance their skills and knowledge. Visual Effects (VFX) courses in India offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers both practical and theoretical aspects of the subject. VFX courses are designed to help students pursue a career in the VFX industry by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience. Let us now delve deep into the VFX course syllabus and subjects provided on this page.

VFX syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, encompassing both technical and artistic aspects of creating visual effects for film, television, video games, and other media. Here are some important VFX subjects students will study during the course.

VFX courses typically cover a range of core subjects to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. Here are some common core subjects you might find in various VFX courses.

In VFX courses, students usually have the option to choose from a range of elective subjects depending on their interests and career aspirations. These subjects provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in different areas of the VFX industry, such as film, television, advertising, video game development, and more. The most common elective subjects in VFX courses are mentioned below.

Before discussing the VFX course syllabus in detail, let us first quickly glance through some of the most popular VFX courses available in India at different levels of study.

VFX Certification Course

Visual Effects Course (VFX Course) is a certified career programme designed to meet the growing demand for competent and quality labour in the expanding local and international VFX sector. This course is designed to provide students with the foundational information required to create high-end industry-standard visual effects that cannot always be captured in a camera shot.

Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects Course

Individuals will learn the foundations of animation and visual effects with our one-year online Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects. This course will teach students the fundamentals of animation as well as the advanced mechanics of creating an animated figure and visual effects. Throughout the year, students will study animation fundamentals and several software tools to help them create a firm foundation before beginning their professional careers.

BSc Animation and VFX Course

BSc Animation and VFX, also known as Bachelor of Science in Animation and VFX, is a three-year undergraduate programme open to anybody who has finished 10+2 or equivalent certification with at least 50% in aggregate. This course will teach students about the world of animation and visual effects (VFX). The course is ideal for those with a creative or artistic bent of mind. One needs artistic skills, as well as a keen imagination and an eye for detail. A keen sense of observation is also required to become a successful animator or virtual artist.

BA in VFX and Animation Course

The BA in VFX and Animation, also known as the Bachelor of Arts in VFX and Animation, is an undergraduate degree in Animation and Multimedia. It provides comprehensive training in 2D Classical and Digital Animation, 3D Animation, and Visual Effects. The BA in VFX and Animation includes art and design principles, as well as 2D classical and digital animation. The course covers all aspects of 3D animation so that the learner may create 3D short films. Students are exposed to a comprehensive visual effects programme.

B.Des in Animation Course

B.Des in Animation provides students with a solid foundation in design, video, and audio abilities, as well as modelling, rigging, texturing, lighting, digital cinematography, digital colour grading, and 3D digital graphics. Motion graphics and virtual studio skills, as well as compositing, 3D tracking, particles, and dynamics, are covered in the B.Des in Animation and VFX course modules.

MSc in 3D Animation and VFX Course

The curriculum is designed to train artists and technicians in the fields of visual effects and 3D animation. This course prepares students for positions in the video game, film, and television industries. Graduates have a comprehensive understanding of visual effects and animation. MSc graduates are prepared to fulfil all occupational duties in this industry and can continue their education. This training is also useful for people who want to work in the media and entertainment industries.

Check out the MSc in 3D Animation and VFX course content for each semester provided below.

MSc in 3D Animation and VFX Course Syllabus First Year

MSc in 3D Animation and VFX Course Syllabus Second Year

Check out the B.Des in Animation and VFX course subjects provided below.

B.Des in Animation and VFX Course Subjects in 1st Year

B.Des in Animation and VFX Course Subjects in 2nd Year

B.Des in Animation and VFX Course Subjects in 3rd Year

B.Des in Animation and VFX Course Subjects in 4th Year

Take a look at the BA in Animation & Visual Effects course syllabus and subjects taught in various VFX and Animation colleges in India.

BA in Animation & Visual Effects Subject in 1st Year

BA in Animation & Visual Effects Subject in 2nd Year

BA in Animation & Visual Effects Subject in 3rd Year

Check out the BSc Animation and VFX course syllabus for each semester provided in the table below.

BSc Animation and VFX Course Syllabus 1st Year 

BSc Animation and VFX Course Syllabus 2nd Year

BSc Animation and VFX Course Syllabus 3rd Year

In today's digital age, online VFX courses have emerged as a popular option for working professionals who aspire to learn the art of visual effects. There are a plethora of online VFX courses available, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, which are offered by various renowned platforms, universities, and specialized institutions around the world. Before enrolling in any online course, it is important to check the VFX syllabus to ensure that it aligns with your learning needs and career aspirations. Listed below are the common VFX subjects and software taught during the course.

Online VFX Course Content

Software Covered

The VFX course syllabus and subjects for the Diploma in VFX are mentioned below.

Some of the important VFX course subjects that are covered under certification courses are mentioned below.

Many top VFX colleges in India require entrance exam scores for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Below we have provided a general overview of the syllabus covered in VFX entrance exams.

NID DAT Syllabus

Stage 1: NID-DAT (Prelims) - Written Test

Stage 2: NID-DAT (Mains) - Studio Test

IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus

New technologies and novel approaches are continuously making their way into the animation industry, which means learning never really stops. That is why it pays to invest in books that can assist enhance one’s talents as a VFX designer. Students can always seek resources online or sit through video courses but VFX books are handier for artists who prefer to enhance their skill set the old-fashioned way. Here are some of the top books to study VFX syllabus:

After learning about the many types of Animation and VFX courses that applicants can pursue, let us study the programme course structure to obtain a better understanding of the VFX course syllabus and subjects afterwards.

VFX Course Certification

The VFX Certification Course 3-6 months long certified programme is designed to help Multimedia Students grasp the fundamental concepts of Visual Effects and how to use Video Editing tools to obtain seamless shots and produce projects that meet international standards. Any VFX artist must have a keen sense of creativity and artistic elements, as well as a good grasp of VFX and CG software. The course is structured as follows:

• Core Subjects/Modules
• Practical Workshops
• Group Projects
• Research Projects/Assignments
• Seminars
• Digital Learning
• Practical Lab Sessions
• Interactive Lectures
• Problem-Based Learning

Diploma in Visual Effects (VFX)

Diploma in VFX and Animation is a 12-month diploma programme in Animation and Multimedia. The VFX and Animation course covers everything from 2D Classical and Digital to 3D Animation and Visual Effects. The lesson covers the fundamentals of craftsmanship and construction, as well as 2D old style and advanced movement. The programme covers every aspect of 3D Animation. In the form of core subjects or modules, interactive lectures and sessions, practical lab sessions, digital learning, etc. 

BSc Animation and VFX

The BSc Animation and VFX programme is a three-year undergraduate degree divided into 6 semesters of 6 months each. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work as professionals in the fields of 2D and 3D animation, visual effects, compositing, storyboarding, comics design, and infographics arts. This VFX course syllabus is intended to provide advanced knowledge in Animation and VFX (Visual Effects), 2D Classical & Digital Animation, and 3D Animation & Visual Effects. The curriculum provides pupils with multiple skill sets, giving them a competitive advantage over their classmates. The pedological structure of the programmes is knit around: 

• Theory subjects 
• Practical subjects 
• Workshops/Fieldwork 
• Interactive Lectures
• Problem-Based Learning
• Research Projects/Assignments
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) 
• Viva 
• Internships 

BA in VFX and Animation

The BA programme in Animation and Visual Effects is a three-year curriculum divided into 6 semesters of 6 months each. The degree is known for its innovative approach and unique themes covered. The curriculum is motivated by art and innovative creative techniques. The programme allows students to hone their talents in various sorts of animation, visual effects compositing, video editing, and cinematography, as well as interactive applications. The programme begins with art and design theory, then moves on to animation and visual effects methods and technology. The BA in VFX and Animation programme is structured around:

• Theory subjects 
• Practical subjects 
• Workshops/Fieldwork 
• Interactive Lectures
• Problem-Based Learning
• Research Projects/Assignments
• On-the-Job Training (OJT) 
• Viva 
• Internships 

B.Des in Animation and VFX

The curriculum framework for the B.Des in Animation and VFX programme is holistic in its overall structure, but it focuses on the specific needs of the student to discover, experience, explore, and challenge. Along with the core subject, students can pick from subject-specific specialisations. Furthermore, the curriculum includes Signature and Life-Skills courses through School for Life, based on the diverse needs of the global workplace and expanding lifestyles. Students must complete mandated internships in the social sector, government/public sector, and industry to fill up their learning experience.

Master of Science (MSc) in 3D Animation and VFX

The MSc Animation and VFX degree is a two-year VFX programme broken into four 6-month semesters. The first three semesters are made up of classroom lectures and practicals. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Final Project and Internship. Students have the opportunity to investigate and experiment with concepts, as well as communicate those ideas through narrative and non-narrative storytelling strategies. Classroom lectures, debates, presentations, and industry visits are among the course delivery techniques used in the programme. To imitate an industrial experience, real-world exposure is provided through assignments and projects.

When it comes to VFX projects, the topics can be diverse and varied, ranging from simple to complex, depending on the specific interests, skills, and objectives of the individuals or teams involved. If you are looking to pursue such a project, here are some potential VFX project topics that you can consider exploring:

• Creating realistic explosions and fire effects for action scenes in movies or video games
• Designing and animating 3D characters for films, TV shows, or advertisements
• Developing futuristic environments for sci-fi movies or games
• Adding realistic water and weather effects to enhance the visual appeal of a scene
• Creating stunning visual effects for music videos or live performances
• Developing virtual reality experiences that transport users to different worlds
• Designing and animating creatures, monsters, or aliens for movies or games
• Creating mind-bending visual effects for movies or TV shows that involve time travel or alternate realities
• Setting up the digital skeletons and controls for 3D characters
• Creating the digital surfaces and materials of 3D models
• Synchronizing the movement of the virtual camera with the live-action footage
• Augmented reality and virtual reality
• Motion graphics and visual design