Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and the National Talent Academy for VFX is offering certified Unreal Engine training for virtual production for advanced beginner & intermediate users.
The film, television, animation & games industries stand at a critical crossroads where understanding virtual production is no longer optional, but essential for competitive success. Fear and lack of confidence in the technology is the first and most important barrier that needs to be broken down. Virtual production (which merges physical filmmaking with real-time computer graphics) represents a fundamental shift in how content is conceived, planned, and executed. For film makers, embracing these technologies (and if used smartly) offers unprecedented creative control, significant cost efficiencies through reduced location shooting and post-production time as well as greater scheduling predictability. The real-time pipeline combined with early stage collaborative opportunities, can greatly enhance the production workflow, save time, save money and allow for impossible creativity!
For worldbuilders, the opportunity to bring your skills onto the VP stage and collaborate at the top of the pipeline adds another dimension to the creative process.
The ability to visualise complete environments before principal photography begins, dramatically reduces creative risk while opening new storytelling possibilities previously constrained by physical limitations. As streaming platforms demand more content and audiences expect increasingly sophisticated visuals, productions that fail to integrate virtual production into their production pipelines risk being outpaced by competitors who can deliver higher quality content more efficiently.
This course is looking for current Unreal Engine users with a solid understanding of animation/3D space and Unreal Engine experience, either working in film production or across:
Some film production experience is advantageous, but not necessary. This course is not for anyone who does not have a solid base in using Unreal Engine.
Applicants must be resident in the Republic of Ireland and must be employed or self employed/freelance.
You will need a good and stable internet connection for remote classes and large file upload/download.
This course will be taught through UE 5.6.1, the current latest version, as there are some UI changes.
Earlier versions may be referenced, depending on Studio Ulster updates and changes will be highlighted if 5.6.2 or 3 is released during the duration of the course.
Unreal Engine typically runs on any recent Mac or PC but you can check tech specs here.
A limited number of remote workstations may be available.
Remote (all remote classes are evening classes 7pm – 8.30pm)
December 2025: Monday 8th, Monday 15th,
January 2026: Monday 5th, Thurs 8th, Thurs15th, Thurs 22nd, Thurs 29th
February 2026: Thurs 5th, Thurs 12th | Worldbuild 13th – 24th
In Person (CoStar Lab, Studio Ulster) | 9am – 5pm
December 2025: Thurs 11th (Travel to Belfast Dec 10th)
February 2026: Wed 25th, Thurs 26th, Fri 27th (Travel to Belfast Feb 24th
€575 per person
Training & Accommodation: B&B Ramada Hotel and welcome evening meal on Wednesday, 10th December (Block 1) and again on Thursday, 24th February (Block 2).
Transport: An application to the NTA VFX for reimbursement for all public transport costs to/from Belfast can be made post training. Car travel & parking will not be reimbursed as part of our sustainability drive. Transport to/from hotel, to/from Studio Ulster will be provided.
Please apply HERE by the application deadline on Friday, 21st November 2025.
If you have any queries, please contact susantalbot@furthr.ie | Subject: VAD UE
