MSc Virtual Production is one of the only postgraduate degrees of its kind in the country. It equips students with the creative, technical, and professional skills necessary to be innovators at the cutting edge of contemporary virtual production. This evolving industry has a wide range of applications across diverse and exciting specialisms, from film and TV productions, immersive experiences, and virtual conferences to corporate events, music videos, and much more.

Course details

  • Qualification Master of Science
  • Duration 1 year - full time, 2 years - part time
  • Location Production Park, Wakefield, WF9 3NR
  • Validated by University of Bolton
  • Tuition fees Full time - Home £11,500, International £20,000
  • Entry Requirements 2:2 Honours degree or above in a relevant subject and/or appropriate relevant work experience.
  • Start date September 2025

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Course Overview

Virtual production is reinventing the way many industries work and pushing the boundaries of creativity today. Using real-time applications of incredible immersive technology, virtual and real environments are indistinguishable. As a result, technology and practices in this field are advancing rapidly, smashing conventions, and redefining established processes.

These advancements impact film and TV disciplines as varied as set design, cinematography, production design, VFX, animation, camera operation, directing and beyond. Sectors such as education, gaming, and corporate events are also beginning to embrace the wide-ranging uses of virtual production. As a result, there is unprecedented demand for specialist expertise and skills.  

All modules are industry-focused with opportunities for you to engage in placement activity with XPLOR as part of your research, the Academy of Live Technology’s £7m+ research and innovation facility. You will work with world-leading technologies in The Centre for Virtual Production, which houses the first XR (extended reality) facility in Yorkshire and arguably one of the best-equipped spaces of its kind in the North of England.  

Virtual production is disrupting established technologies and techniques. As such, this is a rich area for potential research. Students on this MSc course have the genuine opportunity to help shape the future of this field and contribute to the forefront of technological innovation. Students can work with manufacturers on live briefs and collaborate on changing working practices using industry-standard products such as Unreal (Epic Games), Disguise, Quixel, and Notch.        

Alongside studying virtual production in all its current forms, you can specialise in 2-3 narrower student-led fields. These could include real-time fundamentals, motion-capture technology, interactive and immersive technologies, video servers, systems configuration and integration, in-camera visual effects, lighting and sound design, software and hardware capability analysis, pre-visualisation and modelling, cinematography/DP concepts and more.  

This course is offered either full time over 1 year or part-time over 2 years. Our approach to blended learning supports working professionals to engage flexibly with studies. 

Academy of Live Technology provides students with a supportive and inclusive environment where students are challenged through praxis – applying critical thinking to practical, hands-on experimentation and reflection. Teaching uses blended learning, combining practical work with online and face-to-face lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussions, guest speakers, and masterclasses. 

Students have the unrivalled position of learning in the heart of the creative industries on Production Park. Surrounded by global brands and using advanced facilities and equipment, you will study virtual production in our specialist facilities. You will find first-hand how technology can be improved, integrated, and developed through practical experimentation.

Students are encouraged to use their continuing professional practice as part of their research process and build on our close relationships with the creative industries. Developing plans for new creative projects is coupled with a higher level of academic study and learning. Our experienced staff have both the academic and industry experience to support your learning journey. 

A personal study time is expected to be undertaken by students comprising, for example, background reading, online activities, assessment work and preparation for sessions. The course includes three subject specialist modules and two modules that you will share with students on other postgraduate courses. 

This course is ideal if you... 

  • are about to graduate from a BA/BSc course in a related area. 
  • have a background in gaming and visualisation, world-building, or content creation but want to segue into this area and learn more about real-time filming and TV production. 
  • wish to increase your employability with an advanced qualification in your area of specialism.  
  • are an industry professional looking to upskill, retrain, or further develop your craft. 
  • want to explore new technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. 
  • have a desire to expand your academic research and development skills.  

The programme aims to...

  • give graduates and professionals in related creative industries critical insight into principles and practices underpinning virtual production.  
  • encourage collaboration with others to solve technical challenges in this expanding field. 
  • provide rigorous opportunities for advanced study, research, and embedded practice led by field specialists, enabling exploration and ownership of your virtual production practice.  
  • cultivate your projects and research in collaboration with students from other postgraduate courses, culminating in your final negotiated research project. 
  • offer specialist professional and personal preparation for careers in the creative industries. 

Key features 

  • Students can engage with cutting edge developments at the Academy of Live Technology’s new £7m+ Research and Innovation Centre, XPLOR, and the Centre for Virtual Production.  
  • Academy of Live Technology boasts the first XR studio in Yorkshire and arguably one of the best-equipped spaces of its kind in the North of England. 
  • Academy of Live Technology’s extensive live event industry networks and contacts help students deepen their skills, experience, and creative practice. 
  • The course offers access to unique commercial opportunities through the Academy of Live Technology's connection with Production Park and the impressive array of businesses on campus. 
  • Expert staff use their extensive industry experience to teach up-to-date live event practices. 
  • We offer the freedom to explore live projects independently or collaborate with peers from other postgraduate courses, encouraging creative innovation and experimentation. 

Why Academy of Live Technology?

  • Employability is central to everything – hands-on experience is embedded in all our courses. 
  • Our postgraduate programmes are designed for, and by, the creative industries. 
  • We supply sought-after practitioners to one of the largest and most exciting global industries. 
  • There are phenomenal career opportunities, progression routes, and roles in diverse sectors. 
  • We celebrate the exploration of research, innovation, and invention through creative collaboration. 
  • Courses are designed for you to drive your own learning and explore your own specialisms. 
  • Facilities at the Academy of Live Technology are exceptional and demonstrate a multi-million-pound investment. 
  • The campus is situated at Production Park, known as Europe’s leading live-industry destination.  
  • The site is home to over 20 internationally renowned live events and creative businesses.
  • Past students have experienced global work opportunities at diverse international live events. 
  • Our extensive international partnerships tap into the latest technology, funding, and practices. 
  • Staff are experienced industry professionals with extensive practical and academic knowledge. 
  • We offer tailored mentoring and individual support owing to favourable staff:student ratios. 
  • Teaching and research take place in a welcoming and inclusive learning environment. 
  • The student experience we deliver is award-winning (Educate North Awards, 2020). 
  • Our campus is extremely accessible via road and motorway, rail, and international flight routes. 
Ambion Superoom AR Stage
Hibino VFX Studio Japan
disguise studio backdrop

Course content

  • XR Principles & Processes - 30 Credits

    This module aims to introduce key critical and cultural ideas and theories, alongside developing your research practice.  Throughout the module, you will consider how the opportunities, possibilities and challenges that technologies present both restrict and facilitate XR & Virtual Production.  


    You will explore specific areas of professional practice relevant to your negotiated area of specialism to identify key principles, practices and emerging trends that affect and influence creative technology development and innovations and the creative industries. 


    Throughout the period of study, you will be set several specific case study/scenario tasks related to the module content that will test your understanding and application of Virtual Production and its associated technologies. These will build a comprehensive portfolio that you will submit as a single piece of work at the end of the module. 

     

    Indicative Content:


    • - Critical thinking skills & research methodologies 
    • - Principles of virtual production  
    • - Standards for virtual production 
    • - Introduction to virtual production workflows 
    • - Introduction to camera systems 
    • - Introduction to screen technologies 
    • - Principles of motion capture 
    • - Key practitioners, products & projects 
    • - Critical thinking skills & research methodologies 
  • Virtual Production Practice 1: Research and Development - 30 Credits

    This module aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to enable you to use advanced methods of conceptualising and developing technological solutions to creative challenges. 


    The first part introduces Research & Development principles, processes, and workflows. The objective is to plan and develop a framework from which you can examine the efficiency and effectiveness of your chosen technologies in responding to a given brief.  The second part considers the impact of a range of different scenarios & related fields on the framework, and how the culture of the sector informs this process. Finally, students consider the potential of emerging technologies and examine how they might inform and influence Virtual Production practice.  


    The module summative assessments then provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through a realised project to a given brief. 

     

    Indicative Content: 

     

    • - Contemporary issues in virtual production  
    • - Real time fundamentals 
    • - System design & integration 
    • - Pre-visualisation and modelling 
    • - Worldbuilding & environments 
    • - In camera visual effects  
    • - Lighting & sound design  
    • - Research & development principles & processes (Including experimentation, prototyping & testing) 
  • Virtual Production Practice 2: Realisation and Production - 30 Credits

    This module will extend the learning of VP7002 (Virtual Production Practice 1: Research and Development) through to the realisation and production of complex technologies for XR. 


    You will develop further critical and practice-based work in your chosen specialism, whilst collaborating with other practitioners and managing the requirements of clients and/or stakeholders.  

    Advanced skills workshops, masterclasses and lectures will strengthen your core skills and allow you to experiment with further emerging tools, techniques, technologies, and platforms as appropriate to your discipline. 


    Indicative Content: 

     

    • - Project management 
    • - Content management 
    • - Client management 
    • - Lighting for camera 
    • - Integrating systems 
    • - Programming and playback 
    • - Troubleshooting – overcoming operational issues & technical challenges 
    • - Specialist skills development 
  • Working in the Creative Industries: Managing Yourself and Others - 30 Credits

    As you advance through your career you will find yourself collaborating with others, both formally and informally. Whether managing project teams or building business relations as innovators and entrepreneurs, you may have to make decisions about a range of people-orientated issues.  


    To manage successfully in this, or any other environment means understanding yourself, learning or developing the interpersonal skills to interact with others and understanding the processes involved in establishing and growing successful working “professional relationships.”  


    This module will introduce you to the processes involved in learning and personal development and enhance your critical understanding of the skills you have, and the ones you need in order to pursue a postgraduate level career. In it, you will examine the importance and major areas of interpersonal skills from perception and communications and teamwork to resolving conflict and motivating both yourself and others, and how the impression you create can contribute to a successful career.  


    You will complete a series of tasks which will enable you to explore your own responses to the themes discussed and as part of your ongoing (lifelong) learning, you will examine the importance of personal development and career planning. 


    Indicative content:

    • - Interpersonal skills and managed self-development 
    • - Understanding behaviour: the role of perception 
    • - Communication skills 
    • - Motivation at work 
    • - Teams and collaboration 
    • - Personal and professional negotiation 
    • - Personal and career planning 

     

  • Major Project - 60 Credits

    This module aims to provide a framework for you to undertake a negotiated programme of personal study and research leading to a substantial output.  

    This could take a number of different formats including but not limited to:  

    - A large-scale collaborative technical or creative project 
    - An event 
    - A traditional written academic paper 
    - A new business start-up 
    - A product launch. 

    It is expected that most of the work is independently undertaken with the support of a supervising tutor; however, in line with industry practice, collaborative projects may be negotiated with the module leader.  


    Whatever format is chosen you will need to demonstrate/evidence your accumulated knowledge, skills and understanding acquired throughout the entirety of your study on your course, and that you meet the course learning outcomes. Throughout the module, you will be expected to demonstrate progressively increasing levels of independence and autonomy. The module is delivered across the whole year and is in three stages:  

     

    Stage 1: Preparation. 


    This stage will explore and evaluate a range of approaches and research skills and methodologies appropriate to a variety of final outputs. During this stage, you will formulate and define your research question(s), consider ethical issues relating to that research and define the format for your submission.  


    Stage 2: Development. 


    During this stage, you will consolidate your ideas and depending on your agreed format undertake field (primary) research and/or research and development. This may also include work-based learning or placement activity that informs your study.  


    Stage 3 Output. 


    In this stage, you will finalise and work toward the presentation of your project and submission of your work. It is important you understand this realisation is an integral part of the research journey, which is consolidated through your critical reflection on any conclusions Where appropriate you may also have the opportunity to present your final output to industry professionals in order to showcase your work and boost employment prospects and industry networking opportunities. 

     

    Indicative content: 


    • - Development of research, academic skills and good academic practice 
    • - Generating and initiating research project ideas in the context of the live events
    • - Development of research, academic skills and good academic practice 
    • - Generating and initiating research project ideas in the context of the live events 
    • - Exploring the context of the research environment, for example, preparing a literature review 
    • - Philosophical approaches and paradigms (including practice research) 
    • - Research methodologies and strategies 
    • - Ethical considerations (confirmed consent) 
    • - Data collection, recording and documenting strategies 
    • - Analysing, understanding and disseminating results 
    • - Development and realisation of your own research proposal 

Entry Requirements

You should have at least a lower second class (2.2) honours degree (or equivalent) in any subject or five years’ relevant work experience.

If you hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject, you may provide a transcript or other documentation that details your prior study. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate your professional experience via a portfolio of attested work. Please contact the programme leader to discuss your options.

If you wish to gain admission on the basis of five years’ relevant work experience, you’ll be required to attend an online or face-to-face interview and present evidence in the form of a portfolio of work and examples that demonstrate your suitability and aptitude for the course. The evidence should be presented in electronic format and attested by an independent person. The independent person could be a current or former lecturer or an employer who has a more senior role than yourself. The University is looking for candidates who can demonstrate a clear style and commitment to their professional practice and who will benefit from experiencing this area of study.

We'll consider applications where appropriate work experience can be demonstrated in lieu of, or in addition to, the published academic qualifications in line with the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) procedures.

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band (or equivalent).

Please note: it is our practice to interview all applicants. 

Assessment

Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes of each module and are completed before the end of the module. Module assessments typically involve written coursework, project work, oral assessments and portfolios.

Our team of academic and professional staff will use a variety of teaching and learning strategies to help you gain and develop appropriate concepts, knowledge and skills. You can expect practice-based enquiry, self-directed study, lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and work-based learning.

It’s important to realise that the time spent with a tutor during formally scheduled activities is only a small part of the learning time identified for a module. You’ll also be expected to spend a significant amount of time in guided independent study, such as general background reading, preparing for seminar activities and working on assignments. We are committed to supporting you throughout your learning journey. Over time, our guidance will purposefully become less structured and prescriptive. This will encourage you to develop confidence and independence in your studies and take responsibility for managing your own learning time as you increase in autonomy.

The assessment strategy for the programme is designed to help you achieve the overall aims of the curriculum, as well as the learning outcomes for individual modules. As well as assessing your achievement, it helps to organise and develop your learning. Assessment feedback can help you develop your skills and an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.

The types of assessment you’ll be required to complete fall into two general categories: formative and summative. Formative assessments help in learning and developing knowledge and skills. Summative assessments, on which grades are allocated, reflect the quality of the learning that has been achieved. Formative assessment will take place via tutorial discussion, group workshops including peer and tutor review, and guidance on work in progress. Formative feedback will be provided face-to-face via discussion, online or in written form. Summative assessments consist of both practical and applied theoretical work. These will include a range of assessments including practical projects, written work, presentations and portfolios.

Employability

Graduates will gain a competitive edge as Virtual Production specialists in the dynamic and developing creative industries. This is a career-focused postgraduate degree that will support you to develop advanced knowledge and skills. The skills training is combined with project-oriented creative education and will enable you to adapt and develop your practice throughout your future career. 

We’ll guide you to make clear plans as to how you will use your expertise to progress your career during the course. As a graduate of this MSc, you will be well prepared to seek employment, promotion, or become self-employed using the professional skills you’ve developed as part of the course. This qualification also forms the basis for doctoral studies if you wish to pursue a career in academia or research and development. 

The programme will equip you with a range of transferable, interpersonal, and technical skills allowing you to capitalise on career opportunities that exist in a vast range of sectors. These include live music, performing arts, multi-media sectors, gaming, TV, film, e-Sports, corporate events, animation, and many other creative areas. 

Careers could include Virtual Production Supervisor/Director, Virtual World Supervisor, Unreal Engine Stage Operator, Virtual Production Technical Producer/Director/Operator, Creative Production Supervisor, Virtual Reality Video Creator and many more.     

Equipment / software

Students at the Academy of Live Technology benefit from having access to a wide range of specialist equipment, software and technology in line with the latest industry developments - much of which is made possible through our partnerships with some of the industry’s best entertainment technology manufacturers and distributors. 

Depending on your programme of study, this may include:

Sound equipment such as:

  • Desks from Allen & Heath, Avid, Midas and Soundcraft
  • Sound Systems from D&B and KV2 Audio
  • Microphones from Audix, Sennheiser and Shure.

Lighting equipment such as:

  • Wide range of lighting fixtures including Art2000s, Powercubes, moving lights, Source 4s and blinders from Avolites, Chauvet, Chroma-Q, Clay Paky and Prolight
  • Lighting control from Avolites, ChamSys, GrandMA and Hog
  • TitanNet processors from Avolites.

Video equipment such as:

  • Media servers from Avolites, Disguise, Green Hippo and Isadora
  • LED video wall from ROE Visual and Prolights
  • Laser projectors from Epson and Panasonic
  • Video switcher and cameras from Blackmagic Design
  • Networking from Luminex.

Communications equipment from Riedel. 

Software such as: Avolites Ai & Titan, Blacktrax, Disguise, Green Hippo Zookeeper, Isadora, Notch, SketchUp, Smode, Vectorworks, WYSIWYG, Adobe Creative Cloud package and Microsoft Windows 365 suite. 

Rigging equipment such as:

  • Truss from Prolyte and Sixty82
  • Motors from CM Lodestar
  • Load cells from Broadweigh.

Mature / International students

Academy of Live Technology welcomes students of all ages to study on our degree programmes. 

We accept applications from international students to study full time. For further information please visit our International Students page.

How do i apply?

Applications for our MSc in Virtual Production are made directly to the Academy of Live Technology. 

Please click on the link below to start your application.   

FEES AND FUNDING

 Home full time - £11,500, Part time - £5,750 p/year

International full time - £20,000 per year. We do not offer this course to international students on a part time basis.

To find out more about fees and funding, please visit our Student Finance page.


International & EU Students

The Admissions Team provides support through the visa process, but it’s ultimately the student’s responsibility.  We start issuing CAS numbers about 3 - 4 months before courses begin, typically from late May for September starts.

Student Visa costs vary by course length and include the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access, even if you have private insurance. More details are available on the government website.

 Different rules may apply if you're already studying in the UK — check UKCISA for guidance.

Make an Enquiry

Please complete our enquiry form via the link below and one of our postgraduate team will be in touch.

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