Why Graduate Certificate in 3D Animation?
Bring real and mythical characters to life in this industry immersed qualification.
You’ll learn the specialised techniques and knowledge essential to crafting photorealistic 3D animation, and animate a range of props, vehicles, and digital doubles, as well real and mythical creatures.
Studying this program will equip you with specialist skills in photorealistic 3D animation, while you learn in a simulated studio environment on-site at Rising Sun Pictures, and you will graduate with your own industry standard 3D animation showreel. Graduate with the career management skills and professional practice standards needed to work in a VFX studio.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Graduate Certificate in 3D Animation will prepare you for a vibrant career in the global 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 Maya and be taught by experienced 3D animation artists and supervisors.
In this immersive qualification you’ll learn the specialised techniques and knowledge essential to crafting photorealistic 3D animated sequences, and animate a range of props, vehicles, and digital doubles, as well real and mythical creatures, and develop the career management skills and professional practice standards needed to work in a VFX studio. While learning the process of animating realistic assets and characters, 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 experience and learn in a simulated studio environment.- Build industry-standard expertise in photorealistic 3D animation.
- 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 3D animation showreel.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Certificate in 3D Animation is an advanced qualification designed to expand your VFX skills in the specialised field of photorealistic 3D animation.
Learn how to create complex 3D animated sequences, including animating props, vehicles, digital doubles, and real and mythical creatures. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the professional animation pipeline and build a strong foundation in industry standards and technologies, while gaining expertise in 3D animation software such as Maya.
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 photorealistic animated sequences. Your studies will cover topics on:
- Assets animation: animate realistic props and vehicles and understand how they logically fit within a scene.
- Human animation: animate realistic human characters, including how to work with motion capture data within a full production pipeline.
- Creature animation: animate real and mythical creatures, using creature rigs, reference data, and analytical skills, to create an original creature animation.
- 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 3D animation 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.
Degree Structure: Graduate Certificate in 3D Animation
Program code: GCANI
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses students need to complete and the recommended timing for each, helping to guide enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. Students who have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from their Program Director should refer to that guidance.
Courses
This section shows all the courses that contribute to a student’s program, including elective options that can be selected. These courses come together to form a study plan.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Visual Effects Professional Practice
|
Course code
COMP5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Assets Animation
|
Course code
COMP5017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
3D Animation Project
|
Course code
COMP5018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Creature Animation
|
Course code
COMP5019
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
The specialist skills you’ll develop in this program 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.
You might become a 3D animator, developing photorealistic 3D animations of characters, digital doubles, and CG assets for films and episodic series. Perhaps you’ll create rigs for digital 3D characters and assets – or ensure all aspects of a production run on time and to budget as a production coordinator.
You may work in roles such as:
- 3D animator: develops photorealistic 3D animations of characters, digital doubles, and CG assets for films and episodic series.
- Rigger: creates rigs for digital 3D characters and assets.
- 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 directly with industry partners and contextualising all the skills you learn with a global and career-minded perspective, you’ll graduate with enviable technical and project skills. You’ll also start with networks to enter the entertainment industry.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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 program team
Dr Josh McCarthy
Program Director
College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
School of Art and Design
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
