Start date
February
September

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

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]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
092822M

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

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

What you 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
Visual Effects Professional Practice COMM 5073 4.5
Effects Skills Development COMM 5074 4.5
Effects Element Development COMM 5075 4.5
Look Development and Lighting COMM 5076 4.5

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

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.

Global opportunities

Why Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting

Why this Degree

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.

Real-world connections

This qualification is all about industry experience and connections – and from day one you will be working alongside industry professionals, building meaningful relationships and learning on the job. Rising Sun Pictures' Adelaide-based studio has created thousands of visual effects for over 160 motion pictures, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, Hawkeye and the Harry Potter series. Through this industry placement, you will graduate with a valuable connection with one of Australia’s leading visual effects companies.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Career outcomes

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

global-travel-delivery

Rising Sun Pictures has created visual effects for over 100 motion pictures including: Gravity, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, The Great Gatsby and the Harry Potter series.

handshake-business-team

In 2015 Rising Sun Pictures' staff received two awards at the 13th Annual Visual Effects Society Awards in LA.

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In 2021, the total Australian media and entertainment market reached $45.6 billion1.

1PwC’s Entertainment & Media Outlook 2022?

How to apply

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.

More scholarships

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

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.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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 study spaces

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).

Dr Josh McCarthy

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Josh McCarthy
Portrait image for Dr Josh McCarthy

Dr Josh McCarthy

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

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