Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
Fees
$AU 13,450 per 0.5 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024
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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 #52, 2023 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. 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
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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 student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. 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).
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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.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
Artwork by Thomas Maher
