Visual Effects Program (Postgraduate) (P408)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Visual Effects one-year graduate certificate program will expand your knowledge of concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics and audio/video editing for film and television. After graduating from this program, you’ll be able to hit the ground running as a visual effects artist across many dynamic platforms.
The School of Media is ranked as one of Canada’s best film schools by both CourseCompare and Degrees & Careers.
Full Description
In this exciting three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you’ll increase your skills 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, you’ll learn to combine technical skills with the creativity of a designer.
As a visual effects student, you’ll hone your visual storytelling capabilities by using elements like digital lighting, surface attribute design, 3D compositing and virtual engines. You’ll also get to work with our LED wall, which will give you hands-on experience working with industry-leading technology.
This program offers you the chance to learn from leading industry professionals who will guide you through classroom training as well as other relevant collaborative and extracurricular activities.
Program Requirements
You'll need to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:
- laptop or desktop
- CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six cores or 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
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well-established industry. With a long history of providing cutting-edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon for companies that film within Canada and worldwide.
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 various industries.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| VSFX 1001 | Digital Visual Effects |
| VSFX 1002 | Digital Compositing |
| VSFX 1003 | Photorealistic Modeling |
| 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 estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
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 web pages 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’s degree 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 the 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 English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Portfolio Requirements
This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least five examples of two or more of the following mediums: video design, motion graphics, digital art, traditional art, 3D modelling/texturing/rigging/animation/lighting, illustration, and concept art.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
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.
On-campus information sessions are available. Come and 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 classroom. 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 (Postgraduate) (P408)
Program Description
Program Overview
The Visual Effects one-year graduate certificate program will expand your knowledge of concepts and techniques in 3D animation, motion graphics, and audio/video editing for film and television. After graduating from this program, you'll be able to hit the ground running as a visual effects artist across many dynamic platforms.
The School of Media is ranked as one of Canada’s best film schools by both CourseCompare and Degrees & Careers.
Full Description
In this exciting three-semester Visual Effects graduate certificate program, you'll increase your skills 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, you'll learn to combine technical skills with the creativity of a designer.
As a visual effects student, you'll hone your visual storytelling capabilities through using elements like digital lighting, surface attribute design, 3D compositing, and virtual engines. You'll also get to work with our LED wall, which will give you hands-on experience working with industry-leading technology.
This program offers you the chance to learn from leading industry professionals who will guide you through classroom training, as well as other relevant collaborative and extracurricular activities.
Program Requirements
You'll need to have access to a personal computer with the following minimum specifications:
- laptop or desktop
- CPU: Intel Skylake Core i7 – i9 six cores or 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
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The visual effects field in Toronto is a strong and well-established industry. With a long history of providing cutting-edge work to an international market, Toronto is a beacon not only for companies that film within Canada, but also 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 Modeling |
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials (non-refundable), student service and ancillary fees for the first three semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
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 English Proficiency for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Portfolio Requirements
This program requires a digital portfolio featuring at least five examples of two or more of the following medium: video design, motion graphics, digital art, traditional art, 3D modelling/texturing/rigging/animation/lighting, illustration, concept art.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
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.
On-campus information sessions are available. Come and 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 classroom. 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.
