VFX & Animation Syllabus & Subjects 2023

Animation, whether for the big screen or video games, is all about bringing a character to life and creating whole new worlds that feel real. The greatest VFX designers can combine a sense of design and creativity with the appropriate technology and software.

Animation and visual effects (VFX) courses in India (diploma and degree) are developed so that students may start from scratch and learn what they need to know to transform their passion into a career. Aspirants can also complete their animation and VFX courses immediately after class 12th and get a bachelor's degree or a diploma. Following that, students can enrol in a master's degree VFX course.

Furthermore, students have a variety of VFX course syllabus and subjects to choose from, including Certification in VFX and Animation, Diploma in VFX and Animation, BSc in Animation and VFX, BA in Animation and VFX, B.Des in Animation and VFX, MSc in Animation and VFX, and others. A bachelor's degree in VFX often lasts 3-4 years, whereas a master's degree usually lasts 2 years.

The VFX course syllabus and subjects are primarily concerned with practical, technical, and creative abilities relevant to an active professional life in industry. The training begins at the most basic level, with no additional education required beyond the formal entry requirements. 

Let us delve deep into the Animation and VFX course syllabus and subjects that aspirants will study while pursuing different types of VFX courses in India at different levels of study.

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Before discussing the semester-by-semester VFX course syllabus and subjects of different VFX degree programmes, let us first get to know about the different types of VFX programmes that are available in India for aspirants are mentioned below:

VFX Course Certification

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 Visual Effects (VFX)

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 

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

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. The Bachelor of Arts in VFX and Animation programme provides comprehensive training in 2D Classical and Digital Animation, 3D Animation, and Visual Effects. The Bachelor of Arts in VFX and Animation programme 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 and VFX

This Bachelor of Design or B.Des in Animation and VFX curriculum 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.

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

The Master of Animation and Visual Effects degree prepares students for positions in the video game, film, and television industries. Graduates have a comprehensive understanding of visual effects and animation. It is a wonderful option for people who want to work in animation or video games. This postgraduate programme will prepare individuals for several jobs. It will help students prepare for the next stage in their jobs as well as future education. Students who complete an MSc in Animation and VFX programme are prepared to work in a number of media. Graduates with a diverse set of technical abilities are in high demand in this industry.

The curriculum is designed to train artists and technicians in the fields of visual effects and 3D 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.

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.

Let us finally go deep into the various VFX course syllabus and subjects that students will learn while pursuing their chosen degree course about the VFX and Animation:

VFX Course Certification

Some of the important modules and subjects that are covered under the VFX Certification course are mentioned below:

Diploma in Visual Effects (VFX)

The VFX course syllabus and subjects for the Diploma in VFX and Animation degree are prescribed below:

BSc Animation and VFX 

The BSc Animation and VFX course syllabus and subjects for most Indian colleges have been shared below: 

First Year 

Second Year 

Third Year

BA in VFX and Animation

The generic BA Animation and VFX course syllabus and subjects for most Indian colleges have been shared below: 

First Year 

Second Year 

Third Year

B.Des in Animation and VFX

The following is the generic B.Des in Animation and VFX course syllabus and courses for most Indian colleges:

Second Year 

Third Year

Fourth Year

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

All universities and institutes have the same course structure for the MSc in 3D Animation and VFX degree, as well as the same VFX syllabus and subjects. The following is a general outline of the syllabus:

First Year 

Second Year 

Some of the most common course elective subjects for VFX courses are:

• 3D Character Animation
• 3D Animation Production
• Motion Capture
• 3D Dynamics
• Internships in Media and Design
• Advanced Color Correction
• Previsualization
• CG Compositing
• Advanced Topics in Visual Effects
• 3D Animation Survey
• Fundamentals of Cinema Production
• Editing Intensive
• Visual Effects Supervision
• 3D Modeling and Shading
• Colour Correction
• Virtual Cinematography

Different colleges utilise different processes of selection for enrollment in any VFX course. Though most institutions choose candidates based on merit and 10+2 results, certain colleges rely on admission exams. Some institutions conduct separate entrance exams, while others rely on those administered by reputable institutes such as the National Institute of Design (NID). Among these are some of the following:

• NID DAT (National Institute of Design Aptitude Test)
• BHU UET (Banaras Hindu University Entrance Test)
• NMIMS NPAT (National Test for Programs After Twelfth)
• SUAT (Sharda University Admission Test)
• CUET (Central Universities Entrance Test)
• SEED (Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design)
• ADYPU CET (Ajeenkya D Y Patil University Common Entrance Test)
• AID Aptitude Test (Apeejay Institute of Design Aptitude Test)
• AMU Entrance Exam (Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam)
• AP ADCET (Andhra Pradesh Art and Design Common Entrance Test)
• BIT CAT (Birla Institute of Technology Creative Aptitude Test)
• DTU DAT (Delhi Technological University Design Aptitude Test)
• IIAD Entrance Exam (Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam)
• JMI Entrance Exam (Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam)
• JNAFAU FADEE (Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University Entrance Exam for Fine Arts and Design)

The syllabus for some of the VFX course entrance exams is as follows:

NID DAT Syllabus

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

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

IIAD Entrance Exam Syllabus 

Even though the institute has prescribed syllabi, the IIAD Entrance Exam exam syllabus for two sections of test paper is normally based on Class 10th and 12th-grade curricula.

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 visual effects designer. Students could 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 picks:

• Lighting for Animation by Jasmine Katatikarn and Michael Tanzillo
• Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Innovation by Pamela Glintenkamp
• Acting for Animators: 4th Edition by Ed Hooks
• Illuminated Pixels: The Why, What, and How of Digital Lighting by Virginia Bowman Wissler
• Matchmoving: The Invisible Art of Camera Tracking by Tim Dobbert
• The Art and Science of Digital Compositing by R. Brinkmann
• The VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Industry Standard VFX Practices and Procedures by Jeffrey A. Okun and Susan Zwerman
• Masters of FX by Ian Failes
• The Digital Matte Painting Handbook by David Mattingly
• Physics for Animators by Michele Bousquet