Programming for Games and VFX short course
Programming for Games and VFX short course
Course Details
Location
Start date
15th September 2025
23rd February 2026
Duration
14 or 21 weeks
Contact time
2.5 days per week
Entry requirements
- Be over 18
- Have a good understanding of written and spoken English (we recommend a B2 level)
- Feel comfortable using a computer
Fees
14 weeks - London campus: £7,845
14 weeks - Live online: £6,100
21 weeks - London campus: £11,080
21 weeks - Live online: £8,590
Apply now
September 2025:
- 14 weeks: London campus/ live online
- 21 weeks: London campus/ live online
February 2026:
- 14 weeks: London campus/ live online
- 21 weeks: London campus/ live online
Discounts
To be eligible for our discounts, apply by:
- 23rd June (September 2025 intake)
- 1st December (February 2026 intake)
Course overview
Our Programming for Games and VFX short course gives you the opportunity to study the first 14 or 21 weeks of our MSc Programming for Games and VFX degree. This option is suited to students who want intensive training without academic qualifications. You'll complete the first 2-3 modules of the programme and gain an introduction to programming and graphics systems, games development and design.
Our Programming for Games and VFX cutting-edge short course will enable you to develop and refine your skills with individual specialisms. You'll have rich and varied opportunities to develop experience in teamwork, as well as the soft and technical skills that developers look for in Programmers.
Why choose this course
- Designed with industry - this course has been created with industry professionals.
- Learn from our expert tutors who bring industry experience to the classroom.
- Receive feedback from industry professionals - an opportunity to level-up your work and build connections, ready to embark on your creative career.
- Get to grips with the good practice, hardware, software and programming languages relevant to industries this course encompasses.
- Aftercare package - we'll help you polish your portfolio and find the right job, with access to our studios and showreel clinics for 12 months.
Course modules
Module 1 - Introduction to Programming and Graphics Systems
7 weeks
Programming fundamentals
- Mathematics for programmers
- Logic, control and flow
- Functions and operators
- Software/hardware
- Object-oriented programming (Encapsulation, Inheritance, and Polymorphism)
- IDE’s
- Source and version control
- 2D graphics (coordinates, transformations, image formats, synthesis, processing)
- 3D graphics (coordinates, transformations, models, projection, shading, rendering)
- Introduction to Graphics Software and Hardware (Operating Systems, CPU, GPU)
- The use of graphics libraries (OpenGL/Direct X)
- Real-time rendering and optimisation
Module 2 - Games Development and Design
7 weeks
Gameplay
- Game mechanics
- Proto-typing and playtesting
- Games engines, APIs and libraries
- Platforms (Desktop / Mobile Development)
- Feature set, API and libraries
- Data Structures & Management
- Rendering and Shading
- Game Architecture and Design Patterns
- Input Handling (Control Schemes)
- Audio
- Performance and Memory Management
Module 3 - Distributed Systems and Networks for Games and VFX
7 weeks
Introduction to distributed systems
- Network architecture and systems security (encryption, intrusion detection)
- Scalability, balancing and resilience
- Data management and distribution
- Quality of Service (QoS) for real-time
- Case Studies in Games and VFX Pipelines (e.g. multiplayer games and render farms)
- Cloud Systems
- Streaming and Real-time Data Processing
- Monitoring and Debugging Tools
For more details about modules, see the programme and module specifications.
More Information
Entry requirements
Minimum requirements
We welcome and encourage applications from students with a variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
To study this short course, you must:
- Be over 18
- Have a good understanding of written and spoken English (we recommend a B2 level)
- Feel comfortable using a computer.
If you’d like to discuss your circumstances before applying, contact us!
Non-UK students
We accept international students for our short courses, with no difference in course fees or administration costs.
The Standard Visitor visa allows students to come to the UK to study for a course of up to six months at an accredited institution. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a standard visitor visa prior to departure from your home country. For more information visit:
- Gov.uk - Check if you need a visa
- Gov.uk - Standard visitor visa
- Gov.uk - Caseworker guidance
- UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) - Information for visitors
Contact us on admissions@escapestudios.ac.uk or +44 (0) 204 570 5091 for any questions.
Online study requirements
We can provide remote access to our workstations during teaching time. Due to availability restrictions, we highly advise you to have your own set up at home to study in your own time.
More things you’ll need:
- A strong internet connection
- Cloud storage or external hard drive to back up your work, 1TB+ recommended
- A three-button mouse or graphics tablet. Please note, the Wacom Intuos Pro range of tablets have the best support for our remote desktop software and provide the best experience.
- A computer microphone (and optionally a webcam)
- Note-taking materials.
If you have any questions about learning online or if you need help with what to buy, get in touch at hello@escapestudios.ac.uk.
How to apply
To apply, complete the relevant online application form linked below.
15th September 2025:
- 14 weeks: London campus/ live online
- 21 weeks: London campus/ live online
23rd February 2026:
- 14 weeks: London campus/ live online
- 21 weeks: London campus/ live online
Our Admissions Team will get in touch to take you through the next steps.
If you have any questions about your application or our entry requirements, get in touch!
- Call our Admissions Advisors on +44 (0)203 441 1303
- Email us at hello@escapestudios.ac.uk
- Reach us on chat Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
There isn't a formal application deadline for most of our short courses, but you may need to apply by a certain date to be eligible for our short course discounts.
As part of the application process, you will need to agree to our terms and conditions for your place on the course to be secured.
Fees and funding
Fees
14 weeks - London campus: £7,845
14 weeks - Live online: £6,100
21 weeks - London campus: £11,080
21 weeks - Live online: £8,590
Payment plans
We offer payment plan options for all courses. Following an initial deposit at registration stage, your chosen payment plan will break down your remaining fees into up to three instalments, to be paid before the end of the course.
Visit our admissions page for any questions about fees, funding and payment plans.
Software
- Rider
- Unreal Engine
- VS Code
- Git
- Perforce
- Maya
- Houdini
- Flow Production Tracking (formerly ShotGrid)
Career opportunities
You will develop and apply the theoretical understanding, skills, knowledge, and competences required to excel in many different technical roles within the creative industry, such as a Programmer.
Check out our Careers Guide for more information about career opportunities and progression routes.
Why Escape Studios?
