Overview
Visual effects play an important role in the digital entertainment industry which includes film, television, animation and video games. Studios across BC and Canada are constantly looking for talented visual effect artists who have experience and training with industry standard software applications, such as Houdini. As the digital entertainment industry grows, demand for the following expertise increases:
- Creating particle effects
- Applying realistic physics
- Creating effects for a variety of platforms such as film and game engines
- Producing photorealistic effects for games, film and animation
The Statement of Completion in Houdini for Visual Effects and Dynamics provides you with skills in designing and producing visual effects for a variety of sectors in the digital entertainment industry. The three courses in this program build students’ proficiency and skills using Houdini, an industry standard, visual effects 3D software application used to design and create dynamic effects, such as particle systems, Pyro, Smoke, Destruction, Fluids and Collisions. In addition, the courses introduce the concept of the visual effects production pipeline to students, so you develop an understanding of different stages of effects production for animation, games and film.
About the statement of completion
This statement of completion is designed for professionals who are currently working in the digital entertainment industry and who would like to add expertise in creating visual effects and dynamics to their professional skillset, as well as for graduates of programs such as BCIT’s 3D Modeling, Art and Animation Diploma and the Technical Arts Advanced Diploma, or similar programs.
- Three successive courses to complete the statement
- Courses progressively develop your skills and mastery of Houdini
- Courses delivered on-campus and online
Who should complete the Statement of Completion in Houdini for Visual Effects and Dynamic?
This statement of completion might be right for you if:
- You want to expand your skillset with regard to in-demand software applications for the digital entertainment industry.
- You want to enhance your employability and professional capacity in visual effects and dynamics.
- You’d like to differentiate yourself as a visual effects artist.
You will work with industry instructors with real-world experience while taking advantage of flexible training through Flexible Learning.
What grads can do
With the applied training you receive throughout this BCIT Statement of Completion in Houdini for Visual Effects and Dynamics, you will build a solid foundation using an industry standard, visual effects 3D software application, to add to your existing professional toolbox and enhance your career as a visual effects artist.
Entrance Requirements
About Flexible Learning
Take a single course or work towards a credential — all at a pace that’s right for you.
Part-time courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible day time delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (April).
Applicants to the BCIT School of Business + Media are required to have completed two years of full-time study in high school or post-secondary program in English in an English speaking country. If you do not have English 12 and have not studied in an English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. For information on English equivalencies, testing and upgrading options, visit:
Formal application to the Statement of Completion is not required. Upon successful completion of the courses, email the program contact with your full name, student number, and mailing address to be issued a Statement of Completion.
Recommended for success
This program is intended for graduates of programs such as BCIT's 3D Modeling, Art and Animation diploma, Technical Arts advanced diploma, or similar programs offered by other institutions, as well as 3D professionals who would like to add expertise in creating visual effects and dynamics to their professional skillset.International applicants
This program is not available to international students. View available programs.
Scheduled Intakes
Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.
Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees page for more information.
Books & supplies
We recommend that students in the Houdini for Visual Effects and Dynamics statement of completion have a Windows compatible laptop or PC desktop. Costs for a computer will vary depending on the configuration chosen. Please see below for recommended specifications.
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) version 1809 or later |
| Processor | 64-bit Intel® or AMD® multi-core processor with SSE4.2 instruction set |
| Memory | 8 GB minimum, 16 GB or higher recommended |
| Graphics | A GL4.0 compliant graphics card is required. GL3.3 cards will have missing features. Graphics card must support OpenCL version 1.2 or higher. or Maya Certified Hardware [PDF] |
| Storage | 500GB SSD or higher |
| Monitor | 1920 x 1080 or better |
| Internet | Internet connection and registration are necessary for required software activation, validation of subscriptions, and access to online services. |
Courses
Important Updates to Flexible Learning
English Requirement: Find out more.
Class hours
Courses may be offered evenings and/or weekends.Program matrix
Check current availability of courses for this program.
| Required Courses: | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| MDIA 1740 | Houdini Essentials | 3.0 | |
| MDIA 2740 | Houdini for Visual Effects and Dynamics | 3.0 | |
| MDIA 3740 | Advanced Houdini | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 9.0 | ||
Check current availability of courses for this program.
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
Program delivery
This program is offered on a course-by-course basis. Students register for each course individually and may undertake studies in any term. Courses will be held in a computer lab.Program location
Burnaby Campus
3700 Willingdon Avenue
Burnaby, BC
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