Why Graduate Certificate in Creature Effects?
Master the tools and techniques needed to work as a creature technical director (CFX TD) in the visual effects industry.
Creature Effects (CFX) is a vital part of the visual effects (VFX) production pipeline, and CFX TDs are responsible for bringing creatures, digital doubles and CG props and scenes to life, through the creation of realistic hair, fur, and cloth dynamics.
Studying this program will equip you with specialist skills in CFX production, while you learn in a simulated studio environment on-site at Rising Sun Pictures. You’ll also graduate with your own industry standard CFX showreel.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Creature Effects will prepare you to work as a CFX TD in the visual effects industry. Designed in partnership with award winning VFX company Rising Sun Pictures (RSP), and delivered on site in their Adelaide studio, you’ll develop advanced skills in industry standard software like Maya and be taught by experienced CFX artists and supervisors.
In this immersive qualification you’ll learn the specialised techniques and knowledge essential to crafting creature effects, alongside the career management skills and professional practice standards needed to work in a VFX studio. While learning the process of creating realistic creature and asset effects, you’ll get the opportunity to plan, iterate and deliver a project to meet a production brief and deadline to industry standards.
You’ll graduate career ready with expertise in current trends, technologies, and professional practices, along with local, national and international industry contacts, with first-hand experience of how a world class VFX studio operates.
Key features
Gain invaluable experience and learn in a simulated studio environment.- Build industry-standard expertise in creature effects.
- Be mentored by experienced visual effects artists and supervisors.
- Work with Rising Sun Pictures recruitment team to professionalise your resume and showreel.
- Establish valuable networks with local and national industry professionals.
- Graduate with an industry standard showreel.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Creature Effects is an advanced qualification that will expand your understanding of the VFX production pipeline and provide specialist skills in creature effects. Learn how to realistically simulate hair, fur, cloth, and other garments, and simulate a diverse range of digital props and assets, such as flags, sails, ships, cables, chains, and more.
Build foundational and contextual knowledge of contemporary VFX practices, and an understanding of creative, technical and operational roles within the VFX industry. Gain insight into operational workflows in professional VFX departments, including business development, pipeline management, accounting, and recruitment to develop a well-rounded skillset for various career pathways.
Learning in RSP’s custom built simulated studio environment, you will learn to create complex creature effects. Your studies will cover topics on:
- Cloth Simulation: Learn the techniques required to create realistic cloth simulations for animated characters and environments. Use cloth dynamics, constraints, and collision detection; and apply physical properties such as weight, density and flexibility, to achieve realistic movement and interaction. Learn to sculpt and fix deformation issues in 3D meshes, while troubleshooting and fixing common issues in post-production. You will also learn to sculpt art-directed shapes for characters and creatures and improve project performance.
- Hair Simulation: Learn to simulate lifelike hair and fur for a range of digital characters and creatures using industry-standard software and apply physical properties to create realistic movement and interaction. Learn to sculpt and fix deformation issues in simulations, while troubleshooting and fixing common issues in post-production. You will also learn to sculpt art-directed shapes for characters and creatures and improve project performance.
- Final Creature FX Project: Take what you've learnt in previous topics to create realistic movement and action, containing cloth and hair simulations. Use all techniques and practices to produce industry level effects using provided assets based on an approved brief.
- Visual effects professional practice: Develop an understanding of professional practice standards in the VFX industry and the various roles and departments within the VFX pipeline.
You’ll study on-site at RSP in their simulated studio environment, and graduate with an industry standard CFX showreel, and showcase your work to peers, RSP staff, as well as local and national VFX recruiters.
This qualification is focused on industry experience and insight – and from day one you will be studying alongside industry professionals, building important relationships and networks, and learning on the job. Rising Sun Pictures has created VFX shots for over 200 films and episodic series including Star Wars, Indiana Jones, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Visual Effects Professional Practice
|
Course code
COMP5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Creature Effects Project
|
Course code
COMP5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cloth Simulation
|
Course code
COMP5015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Hair Simulation
|
Course code
COMP5016
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
 |
Course name
Cloth Simulation
|
Course code
COMP5015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Hair Simulation
|
Course code
COMP5016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Creature Effects Project
|
Course code
COMP5014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Effects Professional Practice
|
Course code
COMP5007
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
The weird and wonderful creatures we see in film, television and video games showcase boundless creativity. Iconic creatures can look very different – ranging from the photo-realistic rendering of the lion pride in Disney’s The Lion King and the fuzzy 3D models of Sonic the Hedgehog in Sonic 3, to the blood-curdling and visceral monsters like Stranger Things’ Demogorgon or the Colosseum animals in Gladiator 2.
The specialist skills you’ll develop in this program will provide a direct pathway into a career as a creature technical director, while the knowledge and understanding you gain of the broader VFX industry, could lead to a variety of other roles. Maybe you’ll work for Rising Sun Pictures bringing digital creatures to life for the latest Hollywood blockbuster, or perhaps you’ll move interstate to work at Framestore or Industrial Light and Magic in a production role, and lead a team, ensuring projects run on time and to budget.
You could work in the following roles:
- Creature technical director: building, developing and programming the software for artists to create believable fur, feathers and skin on creatures
- Production coordinator: ensuring all aspects of a production run on time and to budget
- VFX producer: responsible for running VFX projects
- VFX supervisor: ensuring VFX shots are ready for post-production
- Technical services operator: responsible for monitoring and controlling the rendering process within the production of VFX shots.
Industry trends
Australia’s screen industry is growing. Careers in post, digital and VFX are on the rise both in Australia and globally. In 2023, the industry was worth $714 million, a 21% increase from the previous year (Screen Australia, 2023). Adelaide University will prepare you to meet the demands of this growing industry on both an Australian and international stage, through working with leading industry partners and a globally relevant curriculum. Apply your specialised skillset across various roles in VFX and beyond.
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.
