Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
ICDL
Fees
AUD$ 15,300 per annum (per 0.5 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
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CRICOS Code
092822M
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Entry requirements
Applicants seeking entry to the program will have:
a) a completed three year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in media arts, visual effects or a related discipline OR
b) a completed Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media or equivalent from an accredited Registered Training Organisation OR
c) a Graduate Certificate in Compositing and Tracking OR
d) at least 3 years in a Visual Effects industry position as demonstrated by submission of a CV and showreel.
Alternatively, applications will be considered from applicants holding a completed academic qualification from a recognised higher education institution in an unrelated field who are able to demonstrate substantial experience in media arts or visual effects, demonstrable in the showreel and curriculum vitae submissions.
All applicants are required to submit a showreel of their own work and a curriculum vitae outlining their relevant experience. Details of showreel and curriculum vitae requirements can be found here.
Applicants must submit a copy of their current resume, and a link to their online showreel through their SATAC application.
Your curriculum vitae should be no longer than two pages and must be a current professional résumé detailing education and work history; and must contain at least two referees.
This program complements the Graduate Certificate in Compositing and Tracking (ICVE) in partnership with Rising Sun Pictures.
Classes are delivered at the Rising Sun Pictures Studios in Adelaide.
Degree overview
- Be mentored by industry leaders and professionals at Adelaide-based world-renowned visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures.
- Learn from the World No. 17 Visual Effects School1 with UniSA and Rising Sun Pictures.
- Benefit from face-to-face sessions with key staff at Rising Sun Pictures.
- Deliver work using industry-level tools, such as Shotgun, Substance Painter and Houdini.
- Produce your own show reel.
- Benefit from unique networking opportunities as you work alongside skilled visual effects artists and industry professionals.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1The Rookies Awards 2023
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This unique qualification will set you apart from the crowd, provide you with the skills and techniques needed to produce industry quality visual effects, and offers the opportunity for you to learn first-hand from the professionals at Rising Sun Pictures
You will immerse yourself in the world of visual effects when you embark on this intensive 12-week graduate certificate. Working alongside qualified visual effects artists at Adelaide’s Rising Sun Pictures studio, you will:
- learn how to create 3D visual effects such as explosions, water effects and clouds, as well as procedurally generated environments such as cities, beaches and forests
- learn how to use computer generated lighting applications
- produce a finished show reel
- graduate with a professional resume and reel to show prospective employers.
What you'll learn
This intensive 12-week graduate certificate will immerse you in a simulated studio environment where you will:
- learn key digital asset development techniques
- learn how to create 3D visual effects such as explosions, water effects and clouds, as well as procedurally generated environments such as cities, beaches and forests
- learn how to use computer generated lighting applications
- gain theoretical knowledge, skills and techniques needed in professional practice
- join in Rising Sun Pictures company meetings and events
- produce a finished show reel of screen shots
- work with Rising Sun Pictures’ recruitment team to professionalise your resume and reel
- graduate with a professional resume and reel to show prospective employers
You will also develop an understanding of current trends, technologies and professional practices, ensuring you graduate industry-ready.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports
- projects
- supervisor evaluations
- portfolios
- journals.
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting
This graduate certificate offers students from a range of disciplines a unique, highly regarded opportunity to fine-tune their skills and gain experience working for world-renowned visual effects studio, Rising Sun Pictures.
Under the guidance of highly skilled visual effects artists you will develop your own show reel and graduate with a professional resume and portfolio. You will also get the opportunity to use industry-level software and build important industry relationships and connections.
Your career
This unique offering prepares students for an exciting career in the entertainment industry, and our collaboration with Adelaide’s own Rising Sun Pictures means you may even land a job before graduation. Careers to consider:
- FX artist: construct dynamic effects such as simulations, explosions and natural phenomena for feature film and television
- lighting technical director: ensure lighting, colour and mood are consistent
- Production assistant / coordinator: ensure all aspects of a production run on time and to budget
- VFX producer: responsible for the running of the project
- VFX supervisor: ensure VFX shots are ready for post-production
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will have access to Rising Sun Pictures simulated studio environment where you will be introduced to the various roles and responsibilities of visual effects.
Your program director
Carolyn is the Program Director for Film and Television at the University of South Australia. She has oversight of the Bachelor of Film and Television, Graduate Certificate in Film and Television, Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting and Graduate Certificate in Compositing and Tracking. She is also the Coordinator for the Documentary Film course. Carolyn is a Documentary filmmaker with recent broadcast credits for Marjorie Lawrence: The World At Her Feet (ABC), Paris or the Bush: the story of the Cods (9 Network and Foxtel) and Tour de Legacy: the Western Front (SBS).
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Artwork by Thomas Maher
