Why Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting?
This unique qualification will set you apart from the crowd and provide you with the skills and techniques needed to produce industry standard, photorealistic dynamic effects.
You will learn how to bring scenes to life using dynamic simulation solvers in Houdini, and how to shade, light and render them as visual elements to go into shots. Create realistic fire and smoke, particles, destruction and supporting environmental effects. We will also develop your skills in procedural modelling and model placement – that is in the generation of buildings, cities, and forests.
Studying this program will equip you with specialist skills in dynamic effects production and photorealistic lighting, while you learn in a simulated studio environment on-site at Rising Sun Pictures, and you will graduate with your own industry standard visual effects showreel.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting will prepare you for an exciting career 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 Houdini and be taught by experienced visual effects artists and supervisors.
In this immersive qualification you’ll learn the specialised techniques and knowledge essential to crafting dynamic effects sequences and photorealistic shots, alongside the career management skills and professional practice standards needed to work in a VFX studio. While learning the process of generating realistic effects and CG environments, 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 firsthand experience of how a world class VFX studio operates.
Key features
Gain invaluable industry experience and learn in a simulated studio environment.- Develop industry-standard expertise in dynamic effects and photorealistic lighting.
- 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 dynamic effects and lighting showreel.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting is an advanced qualification that will expand your understanding of the VFX production pipeline and provide specialist skills in dynamic effects and photorealistic lighting.
Learn how to develop dynamic CG assets, including explosions, water effects, particle simulations, and procedural models, and integrate them into CG environments and live action plates to generate photorealistic VFX shots.
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, photorealistic dynamic effects simulations. Your studies will cover topics on:
- Effects skills development: Find your footing working within the dynamic effects pipeline. Develop and understand the use of Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs) to create reusable components and automated workflows that support scaling-up the volume of work including surface, dynamic and render operators (SOPs, DOPs, ROPs). Learn how to integrate, remove, isolate, grade, and insert asset elements into a greater scene.
- Effects element development: Undertake production projects to develop familiarity and expertise with key dynamic effects development techniques including how to set up, adjust, fine-tune, debug, execute and write out simulation-based assets using Houdini.
- Look development and lighting: Apply your skills in dynamics effects and lighting into advanced production projects and create an industry-standard project under professional parameters.
- 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 dynamic effects and lighting 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
Effects Skills Development
|
Course code
COMP5011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Effects Element Development
|
Course code
COMP5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Look Development and Lighting
|
Course code
COMP5013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Effects Element Development
|
Course code
COMP5012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Effects Skills Development
|
Course code
COMP5011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Look Development and Lighting
|
Course code
COMP5013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Effects Professional Practice
|
Course code
COMP5007
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
The specialist skills you’ll develop in this program will provide a direct pathway into a variety of roles in the visual effects industry, while the knowledge and understanding you gain of the broader VFX industry, could lead to a career in related screen industries such as film and television or game design. Maybe you’ll work for Weta Digital bringing James Cameron’s Pandora to life in the Avatar film series, or perhaps you’ll work at Rising Sun Pictures on the latest Star Wars series.
You may work in roles such as:
- FX artist: generating dynamic effects such as simulations, explosions, and natural phenomena for feature film and episodic series
- Lighting artist or technical director: ensuring lighting, colour, and mood are consistent
- Production coordinator: ensuring all aspects of a production run on time and to budget
- VFX producer: responsible for running the project
- 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
Careers in Post, Digital and VFX are on the rise both in Australia and globally. In 2023, the industry was worth $714 million, having increased by 21% from the previous year (Screen Australia, 2023).
Adelaide University will prepare you to meet the needs of this growing industry on both an Australian and global stage by working with leading industry partners. By studying alongside real-world workplaces, you’ll understand the technical skills and software expectations before you’ve even started working.
Ready to apply?
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.
