Visual Effects & Post-Production Traineeship – Levels 5 & 6

The Advanced Skills for Visual Effects, Video and Animation Post Production Traineeship at Ballyfermot College offers a unique opportunity to enter Ireland’s booming digital media sector. Specifically, leading industry companies helped design this two-year programme to directly address the growing demand for skilled visual effects and animation professionals. As a result, students gain intensive, hands-on experience that prepares them perfectly for immediate employment in top-tier studios.

Certification

In Year 1, students earn a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Creative Media. Upon successfully completing Year 2, graduates receive a QQI Level 6 Combined Certificate.

Course Content

This highly practical traineeship seamlessly blends classroom learning with real-world industry exposure. Notably, students complete a 12-week work learning project over the first summer, followed by another 12-week commercial studio placement during the second year. The curriculum covers a wide array of industry-standard software, including Avid, DaVinci, Nuke, and Houdini.

Year 1

• Computer Illustrated Graphics (5N1929)

• 3D Computer Graphics (5N5029)

• Communications (5N0690)

• Work Experience (with 12-week work learning project over summer) (5N1356)

• Design Skills (5N0784)

• Digital Editing (5N1438)

• Image Processing (5N1292)

• Multimedia Authoring (5N1299)

• Figure Studies (5N1869)

• Cinematography Camera Operations (5N1590)

Year 2

• Editing Practice and techniques (AVID) (6N5427)

• Digital Video Processing and Production (Da Vinci Colour Grading) (6N5426)

• Graphics and Animation (Motion Graphics After-Effects) (6N4979)

• Multimedia Technology (Nuke – Compositing) (6N4514)

• Design Skills (Houdini – Effects) (6N3446)

• Film and Digital Video Production (6N5428)

• Work Experience (Studio placement in Year 2) (6N1946)

• Communications (6N1950)

• Directing Film (6N18515)

• Scriptwriting for Film and Television Drama (6N18517)

Suitability

This course perfectly suits school leavers and mature students with a keen interest in digital media and visual effects. Additionally, it is ideal for highly motivated individuals who want to bypass traditional academic routes and secure employment directly in Ireland’s leading animation, VFX, and video post-production studios.

Requirements

Academic Requirements:

• Five O6/H7 grades in the Leaving Certificate / LCVP, or a Merit in the Leaving Certificate Applied.

• Alternatively, applicants can present a relevant QQI Level 4 certificate or equivalent.

• Standard academic entry requirements may be waived for mature applicants (21+).

• Note: This course currently operates on a two-year enrolment cycle.

Portfolio Requirements:
Applicants must attend a 20-minute interview and present a portfolio of recent creative work. Make sure to prepare this in advance:

• Include short video clips, photographic images, or digital artwork that you have produced, edited, or digitally enhanced.

• Provide clear evidence of a good work ethic and a strong personal interest in the subject area.

• While not an essential requirement, evidence of drawing ability is considered a distinct advantage.