M.A. in Digital Compositing for VFX

Train with the digital composer from the VFX of ‘Star Wars’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘The Martian’, and more.

Learn from the best professionals in Digital Composition for VFX and work on top-notch international projects.

Description

A Multidisciplinary 3D Artist. Specialize in Cutting-Edge Visual Effects

This is the first Spanish master’s program specialized in the digital compositor profile, a profession that brings together fields such as digital art, photography, cinema, mathematics, colour science, programming, and technology.

You will learn how to integrate distinct visual elements into a single image, creating magic that the human eye cannot discern.

You will acquire both the technical and artistic skills used in studios. You will learn about pipelines, photography, color and film science, narrative and cinematography, and cutting-edge tools used in VFX integration, supervision, cost control, and management of human and material resources.

You will work in international companies such as MPC, DNeg, Scanline, El Ranchito, Sony Imageworks, Weta Digital, and other top-tier companies, just like our students do.

Career opportunities

Digital compositor
Paint / Prep artist
Roto / Matchmove artist
Digital matte painting artist
Comp production coordinator
Compositing Lead
2D Supervisor
VFX Supervisor

Admission Requirements

Student entry profile:

People with a general 3D background who want to specialize and orient their careers toward VFX.
Graduates, postgraduates, or higher-level technicians in Audiovisual Communication, Animation, and related fields.
Individuals without prior knowledge who are interested in learning the digital compositor profession and other directly related departments.

Where Our Students Work

Graduates of this master’s program are prepared to take on high-level productions and are working at companies like Sony Imageworks, Skydance Animation, MPC, Illusorium Animation, Framestore, and Giant Animation.

Partner companies

Study plan

Location: U-tad
Hours: Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CET.
ECTS: October-June (600 hours)
Language: Spanish
Modality: In campus / on-line
Centre Attached to: Camilo José Cela University

Couse 1

COURSE NAME

VFX INDUSTRY AND MANAGEMENT

Introduction to VFX, past, present and future

Pipelines and the VFX industry

Demo reel, CV, personal image

VFX Production

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Photograph

Color and film science

Narrative and preview

Artistic composition and effects supervision

Cinematography for composers

Virtual Production

DIGITAL COMPOSITING

Introduction to digital compositing

Nuke I: The pillars of a composer

Nuke II: Keying and integration of elements and sets

Nuke III: Advanced production techniques

Technical Composition

TECHNOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS

3D environment. General Maya management

Shading and lookdev

Lighting and render

Matchmove and rotomation

Matte painting

Other Tecnologies

REVIEW

Weeklies

MASTER’S THESIS

Faculty

Adrián Pueyo

Director of the Master in VFX Composition
Compositing and VFX/VPX Supervisor at Orca Studios

Alejandro More Martínez

Lighting and Rendering teacher
Lead Lighting Compositing Artist at Axis Studios

Nacho Hoyos García

Motion Tracking, Roto, Clean Up & Prep Work teacher
Digital Compositor at Orca Studios

Students' projects and awards

Student Projects and Awards Your Project: Your Best Professional Presentation

The objective of the final project in the master’s program is to deliver a short film or a sequence created by groups, which will involve collaborative work on a VFX project. The production will be handled from start to finish by each group, from pre-production and shooting to time and resource management, editing, colour grading, conforming, and VFX.

This project serves two main purposes: first, to provide an opportunity to practice working as a team on a VFX project and all that it entails. And second, to create the missing shots for each student to complete their personal digital compositing reel and be ready to join the industry.

Doors

Hermes

Talent awards

The projects developed by our students during their studies have won the most prestigious industry awards in different disciplines. Check them out.

Students' feedback

Most importantly, and what I believe will undoubtedly advance my professional career, is having professors who reconcile their work in the industry with teaching in the master's program. Additionally as important is having Adrián Pueyo as the program director, giving first-hand explanation of all the ins and outs of NUKE and its tools. He also shows you what each node does technically and how to apply it to get the best visual and artistic result in a composition. I also like learning from Miguel Pablos, who teaches us the concepts of photography and how to apply them to a shot. All of this combined with the intimate teaching style, the practical exercises, the recorded classes for later review, the support… All this makes this master's degree, in my opinion, a springboard to the industry.

Alejandra OrtizStudent in the Master’s in Digital Compositing for VFX

What I’ve gained most this year is the immense progress I have made in my future prospects. Now I see it as very feasible to work in a big Hollywood production company or to be work in the industry anywhere in the world.

Aitor EchevesteDigital Compositing for VFX Master’s Student

The Master’s in Digital Compositing for VFX is the ultimate step one can take to jump into the VFX industry. The professors and courses are reflective of daily work in millions of companies. I would like to highlight the faculty of industry professionals from Entropy Estudios, Illion and, without a doubt, Adrián Pueyo. He brings true value to this master's degree, as his experience, knowledge, passion and the way he shares it all really motivates me.

Ignacio Hoyos GarcíaAlumni of the Master of Digital Compositing for VFX

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Will I Learn in the Master's in Digital Compositing for VFX?

This program trains you to seamlessly blend CGI elements with real-world footage using industry-standard compositing techniques. You’ll master advanced tools like NUKE and gain in-depth knowledge of cinematography, color science, visual storytelling, and the production pipeline of VFX. The goal is to prepare you for every stage of a professional VFX shot—from prep to final delivery—with both artistic and technical expertise.

Who Is This VFX Compositing Master’s Program For, and What Are the Entry Requirements?

This master’s degree is designed for individuals with a background in 3D, animation, or audiovisual communication who want to specialize in the VFX field. It’s also open to motivated newcomers without prior experience who are eager to learn digital compositing from the ground up. Whether you’re transitioning from a related field or starting fresh, the program adapts to your level and goals.

How Long Is the Program and What Format Does It Follow?

The Master’s in Digital Compositing for VFX runs from October to June, with a total of 600 teaching hours. Classes take place on Thursdays (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM), Fridays (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM), and Saturdays (9:30 AM – 2:30 PM CET). The course is available in on-campus and online formats, making it ideal for students and working professionals alike.

What Career Opportunities Will I Have After Completing the Master’s in VFX Compositing?

Graduates of this program are qualified for a wide range of creative and technical roles, including:

Digital Compositor
Paint/Prep Artist
Roto/Matchmove Artist
Matte Painting Artist
Compositing Lead
2D Supervisor
VFX Supervisor
Production Coordinator for Compositing/VFX

Alumni from this master’s have gone on to work in top studios worldwide such as Sony Imageworks, DNeg, Framestore, MPC, Weta Digital, Skydance Animation, and El Ranchito.

What Kind of Projects Will I Work On During the Master’s Program?

You’ll work on real-world VFX shots, collaborating on a short film or high-quality sequence from pre-production to final delivery. These projects are designed to simulate a professional studio pipeline and will help you build a standout showreel—your main asset when applying to VFX studios globally. All projects are supervised by active industry professionals.

Can I Work While Studying This Master’s in VFX?

Yes, the schedule is designed to fit around a professional workweek. With classes held in the evenings and on weekends, you can keep your current job while advancing your VFX career. Whether you’re reskilling, upskilling, or preparing to enter the industry, this program offers flexibility without compromising on quality or depth.