Why Bachelor of Visual Effects?
Transform your creative ideas into captivating visual effects for audiences in film, video games and beyond.
Become a multidisciplinary VFX professional with skills across a range of relevant areas including compositing, tracking, creature effects, photorealistic lighting, 3D modelling, and 3D animation. With a career in visual effects, you might create seamless final shots for CGI-based blockbuster films, design alien worlds for science fiction films, or bring objects to life in fantasy films.
Expand your technical skills and creative techniques under industry guidance with a degree from Adelaide University. Work on practical projects and build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents in visual effects production.
The Bachelor of Visual Effects is a specialist degree, co-delivered with multi award winning studio Rising Sun Pictures – ensuring you graduate ready to tackle the global screen and media industry.
Overview
The visual effects (VFX) industry is experiencing significant growth and transforming the global screen sector. The rising demand for visual content on popular streaming platforms drives the industry to seek out captivating and original creators and creations.
Learn an innovative and industry-focused degree that combines theoretical and technical skills to set you up as a multidisciplinary artist. Study in a simulated studio environment at award-winning VFX studio, Rising Sun Pictures (RSP).
Gain hands-on experience in essential techniques across various VFX specialisations to prepare for a successful career in the field. Create a professional-quality demo reel showcasing your best VFX work, and form important industry connections.
Study alongside students in other discipline areas including animation, illustration, film and television and creative arts. Explore cutting-edge visual effects that are highly desired by clients including Disney, Marvel, Warner Bros, Netflix, and Amazon.
Key features
Develop technical, theoretical and practical skills as a visual effects artist. - Gain specialist skills in compositing, tracking, dynamic effects, photorealistic lighting, creature effects, 3D modelling and 3D animation.
- Understand the global nature of visual effects production and uncover international perspectives.
- Learn directly from industry experts while working with the latest technologies and software.
- Complete in-studio projects with our Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) partnership.
- Graduate with a personal VFX showreel.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Visual Effects utilises industry-immersed learning experiences, ensuring you gain world class visual effects skills and knowledge. You’ll cover core concepts, theories and technical skills within key and emerging visual effects disciplines.
Your first one-and-a-half years of study will provide you with opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement and to foster industry networks. You’ll build foundational skills in a range of disciplines including compositing, dynamic effects, 3D modelling and animation, virtual production, cinematography and storytelling.
Develop individual technical skills, theoretical knowledge and professional expertise for a range of diverse careers as a visual effects artist in your final years of study. You’ll gain multidisciplinary skills in relevant areas including tracking, dynamic effects, lighting, 3D modelling, creature effects, and photorealistic 3D animation.
Build your understanding of the various roles visual effects artists play by working with the latest production software and technologies. You’ll do this with access to specialist VFX labs, virtual production studio, film and tv studio, green screen and VR facilities.
Our degree is designed in collaboration with the multi-award-winning visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures. You’ll complete 60% of your degree on-site, learning in a simulated studio under the guidance of working VFX artists and supervisors. These learning opportunities will provide you with a direct line to local, national and international VFX recruiters.
Assessments will be practical, including creative practice project work and producing industry standard VFX sequences.
Graduate as a highly employable, multiskilled visual effects artist with the capability to move seamlessly into an exciting career.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 72 units for Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 48 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Compositing
|
Course code
COGR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cinematography and Editing
|
Course code
MDIA1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Film and Television
|
Course code
MDIA1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Look Development
|
Course code
MDIA1900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Dynamic Effects
|
Course code
MDIA2015
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Compositing
|
Course code
COGR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Film and Television
|
Course code
MDIA1009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematography and Editing
|
Course code
MDIA1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Look Development
|
Course code
MDIA1900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dynamic Effects
|
Course code
MDIA2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hard Surface Modelling
|
Course code
COMP2900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Hard Surface Modelling
|
Course code
COMP2900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Compositing
|
Course code
COGR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Film and Television
|
Course code
MDIA1009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematography and Editing
|
Course code
MDIA1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Look Development
|
Course code
MDIA1900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dynamic Effects
|
Course code
MDIA2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hard Surface Modelling
|
Course code
COMP2900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
Complete 72 units comprising:
- 72 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
VFX Placement: Compositing and Tracking
|
Course code
COMP2901
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
VFX Placement: Dynamic Effects and Lighting
|
Course code
MDIA3901
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
VFX Placement: 3D Animation
|
Course code
MDIA3903
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
VFX Placement: Creature Effects
|
Course code
MDIA3904
|
Units
24
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Compositing
|
Course code
COGR1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Film and Television
|
Course code
MDIA1009
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematography and Editing
|
Course code
MDIA1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Look Development
|
Course code
MDIA1900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dynamic Effects
|
Course code
MDIA2015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hard Surface Modelling
|
Course code
COMP2900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
24
|
Career outcomes
A career in visual effects blends creativity with technology to bring imagination to life on screen. The demand for skilled VFX artists is growing across multiple industries including film, television, games, and virtual reality (VR).
You might design and build CG sets, assets and characters for the next big children’s animated television series. Maybe you’ll bring to life real or mythical digital creatures, ensuring their movement, skin and fur is photorealistic. You might even seamlessly composite live-action footage with CG elements or backgrounds in blockbuster films and episodic series for Marvel and Disney.
Careers in the field are dynamic and exciting, with a variety of VFX roles including:
- 3D animator
- FX artist
- Lighting artist
- Compositor
- Concept artist
- Paint and roto artist
- Matchmove artist
- DMP artist
- 3D modeller
- Creature technical director
- Layout artist
- Production assistant/coordinator
- Rigger
- VFX editor
- Technical services operator.
You could work locally, nationally and internationally at companies including RSP, Industrial Light and Magic, Framestore, MPC, DNEG, Pixel Zoo, Luma Pictures, Mighty Kingdom and Lightstorm Entertainment.
Industry trends
The global visual effects market is estimated to reach over US$106 billion by 2032 (Expert Market Research, 2024) – driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for high-quality content across various media platforms.
In Australia, this growth is particularly significant as the country continues to establish itself as a hub for film and television production, supported by government incentives and a skilled workforce. Australian studios are increasingly involved in major international projects, contributing to the global VFX landscape. Graduate from Adelaide University with the skills and talent to be successful in this innovative industry.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
