Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting

Postgraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Brisbane - Rising Sun Pictures

Duration

0.5 year(s) full-time

Program code

GCDYL

Study as

Full time or part time

Indicative annual fees

$27,800

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

Prospective students should have entry level skills/knowledge in Dynamic Effects and Lighting, or broad entry level skills/knowledge in visual effects.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

A completed bachelor degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution; OR
A completed Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) from a registered training organisation (RTO); OR
Three years experience in the visual effects industry or the creative industries with a relevant showreel of visual effects work.

Essential requirements

All applicants must submit a CV and a 60-second visual effects showreel.

Note:

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

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 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

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.

How to apply

Find your program

Discover the programs and explore the opportunities.

Explore our programs

Check the requirements

Look out for any prerequisite or assumed knowledge courses. Some degrees may have additional entry requirements.

Consider your preferences

To prepare for your future and to maximise your success consider adding additional preferences.

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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: