Graduate Certificate in Dynamic Effects and Lighting

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.

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

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 at unisa.edu.au/rsp-admissions-requirements.

Applicants must submit a copy of their current resume, and a link to their online showreel through the Apply online application.

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
• graduate with a professional resume and reel to show prospective employers
• 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

You will also develop an understanding of current trends, technologies and professional practices, ensuring you graduate industry-ready.

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 and 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.

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

This qualification is all about industry experience and connections – and from day one you will be working alongside industry professionals, building important relationships and learning on the job. Rising Sun Pictures' Adelaide-based studio has created thousands of visual effects for over 120 motion pictures, including Dumbo, Alita: Battle Angel, Captain Marvel, Gravity 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.

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

To apply to study with us go to the top of this page and click Apply. You will be directed to our online application portal.

Please note that this degree has additional entry requirements that need to be met. Please review the requirements at the beginning of this page.

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

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

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.