Visual Effects Program (Online) (Postgraduate) (P418)
Program Description
Program Overview
In George Brown College's Visual Effects online graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no ability to transfer into the in-class Visual Effects P408 program after the start date.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This is a 100 per cent online program, irrespective of the current remote delivery for P408 in light of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. P418 will remain as a permanent online option. Therefore, students in this program do not come to Canada, and are not eligible for a study permit, and graduates will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon completion of this program.
Full Description
In this three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D procedural animation, compositing, virtual production and visual effects workflows for film, television and the video game industry. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, visual effects artists combine technical skills with the creativity of a designer. In our commitments to remain a lead provider of education while fostering studio capability, we utilize our LED wall to keep up with leading trends to the industry.
Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such as digital lighting, surface attribute design, 3D compositing and virtual engines. Student have an opportunity to work with our LED wall to understand current industry standards and to be equipped with the knowledge that are required to perform adequately within the industry.
The Visual Effects program at GBC, is taught by industry professionals employed in some of the leading companies in the Ontario area, and combine skills learned with hands on training in a classroom environment with collaborative and extra-curricular activities currently used within the school of Media and Performing Arts.
Program Requirements
The Visual Effects program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:
- laptop or desktop
- CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six coresor equivalent
- graphics: RTX 2000 series or equivalent
- RAM: 32GB (the more you can afford the better)
- screen: 15-inch minimum
- storage: 500GB – 1TB SSD
- additional storage: 4TB Portable HD or more
- optional but recommended: Wacom tablet;
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This online program is only available to study while remaining in your home country and does not qualify for study/work permit eligibility in Canada.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field is a strong and well-established industry. As film and television continues to adapt to new technologies such as LED wall technology, this industry continues to grow in numerous countries around the world.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX 1001 | Digital Visual Effects |
VSFX 1002 | Digital Compositing |
VSFX 1003 | Photorealistic Modelling |
VSFX 1004 | Procedural Modelling and Animation |
VSFX 1005 | Immersive Environments |
VSFX 1006 | Visual Effects Project I |
VSFX 1007 | Visual Effects Models and Shaders |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX 1013 | Photorealistic Rendering |
VSFX 1014 | Particle System Effects |
VSFX 1015 | Cinematography For Visual Effects |
VSFX 1016 | Visual Effects Project II |
VSFX 1018 | Visual Effects Rendering |
VSFX 1019 | Matte Painting |
VSFX 1020 | Portfolio |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX 2010 | Entrepreneurship |
VSFX 2020 | Experiential Thesis |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
- Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
- Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
- Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
- Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
- Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
- Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
- Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
- Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer-generated imagery and live action elements.
- Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- bachelor OR diploma/advanced diploma
- digital portfolio
- letter of intent (in digital format/web link)
* Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.
English Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit our English language proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
International (Visa) Students
This is a 100 per cent online program, irrespective of the current remote delivery for P408 in light of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. P418 will remain as a permanent online option. Therefore, students in this program do not come to Canada, and are not eligible for a study permit, and graduates will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon completion of this program.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International student should apply through our Online Application System.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Media & Performing Arts
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015
Email: media@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Information sessions are available. Have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College program. Sign up for an information session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour. You can also check out our virtual tour.
Visual Effects Program (Online) (Postgraduate) (P418)
Program Description
Program Overview
In George Brown College's Visual Effects online graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no ability to transfer into the in-class Visual Effects P408 program after the start date.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This is a 100% online program, irrespective of the current remote delivery for P408 in light of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. P418 will remain as a permanent online option. Therefore, students in this program do not come to Canada, and are not eligible for a study permit, and graduates will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon completion of this program.
Full Description
In this three-semester online Visual Effects graduate certificate program, students will expand upon concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics or audio/video editing for film and television. Preparing for a career in the post-production industry, visual effects artists combine the skills of a programmer with the creativity of a designer. As members of film and television production teams, visual effects artists turn concepts into visual representation.
Visual effects artists hone their visual storytelling capabilities through the use of elements such as digital lighting, surface attribute design and camera composition. While learning the procedures for planning visual effects for film, students cover the techniques of procedural modeling and animation used in visual effects films.
Program Requirements
The Visual Effects program requires students to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:
- laptop or desktop
- CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six coresor equivalent
- graphics: RTX 2000 series or equivalent
- RAM: 32GB (the more you can afford the better)
- screen: 15-inch minimum
- storage: 500GB – 1TB SSD
- additional storage: 4TB Portable HD or more
- optional but recommended: Wacom tablet;
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This online program is only available to study while remaining in your home country and does not qualify for study/work permit eligibility in Canada.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field is a strong and well-established industry. As film and television continues to adapt to new technologies such as LED wall technology, this industry continues to grow in numerous countries around the world.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX1001 | Digital Visual Effects |
VSFX1002 | Digital Compositing |
VSFX1003 | Photorealistic Modeling |
VSFX1004 | Procedural Modeling and Animation |
VSFX1005 | Immersive Environments |
VSFX1006 | Visual Effects Project I |
VSFX1007 | Visual Effects Models and Shaders |
SEMESTER 2
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX1013 | Photorealistic Rendering |
VSFX1014 | Particle System Effects |
VSFX1015 | Cinematography For Visual Effects |
VSFX1016 | Visual Effects Project II |
VSFX1018 | Visual Effects Rendering |
VSFX1019 | Matte Painting |
VSFX1020 | Portfolio |
SEMESTER 3
Code | Course Name |
---|---|
VSFX2010 | Entrepreneurship |
VSFX2020 | Experiential Thesis |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Design visual effects sequences using storyboarding and pre-visualization that meet production requirements.
- Use filmmaking and game terminology to communicate effectively throughout all stages of production.
- Complete the production of live action plates for use in visual effects.
- Manage the production of visual effects projects to meet production schedules.
- Identify hardware and software protocols specific to the field of visual effects.
- Analyze images and physical sets to digitally re-create lights, cameras, locations and objects.
- Create photo-real images to match live action footage.
- Recreate natural phenomena by using appropriate particle or dynamic effects.
- Integrate 2D and/or 3D computer-generated imagery and live action elements.
- Create customized tools through software or scripting to allow for more advanced application of visual effects techniques.
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams on the production of visual effects.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of the program starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for program semesters starting at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor OR diploma/advanced diploma
- digital portfolio
- letter of intent (in digital format/web link)
* Instructions for submitting the portfolio will be provided to successful applicants during the application process. Please also see Special Requirements below.
English Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the college level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit our English language proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit our Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
International (Visa) Students
This is a 100% online program, irrespective of the current remote delivery for P408 in light of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. P418 will remain as a permanent online option. Therefore, students in this program do not come to Canada, and are not eligible for a study permit, and graduates will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon completion of this program.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International student should apply through our Online Application System.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Media & Performing Arts
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 2015
Email: media@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered through our School of Media and Performing Arts and classes take place at our St. James Campus, mainly at 230 Richmond Street East, and 341 King St. East., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Information sessions are available. Have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College program. Sign up for an Info Session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour. You can also check out our virtual tour.