Yes – embedding soft skills development in the curriculum is essential.
Current evidence and industry feedback indicate that graduates often lack the combination of hard and soft skills required for VFX roles. While technical proficiency is prioritized in education, soft skills are critical drivers of hard skills development. Without adaptability, initiative, and communication, students cannot keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies or thrive in collaborative, high-pressure environments.
Key Findings
- Graduates Lack STEM Hard and Soft Skills
- Industry leaders emphasize the need for both STEM and artistic skills in VFX education (Pat Joseph, Televisual, 2014).
- ScreenSkills Employer Survey (2018–2019) reports gaps in work preparedness, primarily in soft skills such as:
- Interpersonal skills
- Initiative and technical engagement
- Collaboration and communication
- British Film Institute Skills Scoping Study (2023) highlights the need for graduates to:
- Adapt to rapidly changing workflows
- Work collaboratively across disciplines
- Develop resilience and self-starting behaviours
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Heavy Reliance on Overseas Talent
- UK Government’s Creative Industries Sector Vision (2023) recognizes VFX and animation as STEM-related sectors critical to economic growth.
- Persistent shortage of domestic talent with STEM skills (hard and soft) has led to VFX roles being placed on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) from 2019. In 2025, with SOL being replaced by Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), employers can sponsor non-UK labour related to animation, visual effects and related professionals under code 2142, Graphic and Multimedia Designers.
- Employers advocate for immigration flexibility and education reform to address these gaps.
Conclusion
There is no structured effort to develop soft skills in VFX education, creating a cycle where graduates lack essential competencies, forcing studios to hire overseas talent. Embedding STEM-related soft skills into the MA curriculum is not optional—it is vital for employability, industry sustainability, and diversity.