Graduate Certificate in Visual Effects

at Sheridan College - Trafalgar Road Campus, Oakville Canada

Writing music for screen and stage today is about teamwork. In this program, you'll collaborate with your peers in our renowned arts programs and bring projects to life with music. You'll compose music for animation, video games and apps, film, TV and musical theatre. No other music composition program offers access to these arts programs or provides the broad skill set clients and employers want.

Broaden your skill set
Composing music for screen and stage means being able to take on multiple roles. In this program, you'll develop a broad skill set. You'll learn orchestration, recording, mixing and editing. Using the latest technology, you'll compose music for several of Sheridan's arts programs, and create a workplace-ready demo reel that showcases your ability to work in a variety of media.

Become the complete package
This program brings music and technology together. Many of our students have either a formal music background or technical experience, but not both. This graduate music certificate builds on your existing skill set, while bridging any gaps in experience you may have. You'll have classes in music composition, as well as the technical aspects of recording, mixing and sound design

In the Interactive Media Management program, you'll learn to create, manage and develop web and mobile content, leveraging a curriculum in usability, interactivity, front-end coding, social media, user experience (UX) and emerging mobile technologies in an interdisciplinary, inter-professional collaborative learning environment.

The most up-to-date new media skills
Develop superior new media skills in this intensive one-year graduate program, learning to combine graphics, text, animation, audio and video to produce:

• Web and mobile applications
• Physical computing and augmented reality
• Immersive experiences and installations
• Visual communication and visualization work
• Games and puzzles

ATVF integrates the practical, technical and creative aspects of television and film studies while providing direct, industry-relevant experience. You'll develop your creativity while gaining the specialized skills you need to bring your ideas and vision to life on the screen. You'll also acquire an understanding of new technologies and production methods, enabling you to stay current.

Get immersed in the industry

• Learn sophisticated production techniques and explore a variety of digital image capture systems and technologies.
• Gain skills in areas such as directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound, production design and post-production.
• Build career connections during a four-week job placement.
• Produce dramatic or documentary films.

Professional faculty and facilities
Our instructors and production facilities rank second to none among film schools in Canada. You'll work in professional surroundings, learn from practicing filmmakers with years of industry experience, and be immersed in the culture of the television and film industry — and, in just one academic year, you can become part of it.

In the technical areas, camera students will work in professional-style camera teams coached by industry gaffers, 1st ACs and cinematographers. Students shoot on both documentary and cinema cameras. Audio students are trained in software such as Pro Tools. Sheridan has two industry-style mixing theatres for audio mix playback. Students can screen their final films on a cinema-size screen with an industry-quality projector and a Dolby surround-sound environment.

Award-winning film students and graduates
Sheridan's Advanced Television and Film (ATVF) program provides a benchmark of excellence for film schools in Canada. Our student work consistently wins awards at film festivals in North America, and our camera students have won Canadian Society of Cinematographer "Best Student Cinematography" nominations in two of the last three years. Our graduates continue to achieve professional and artistic success with nominations for Oscars, Emmys, Canadian Screen Awards and ACE (Editing) awards.

Outstanding career preparation
We're unique because we train students to understand emerging technology and industrial workflows so our graduates are well placed to work anywhere notwithstanding technological change. New interactive courses keep students current.

You'll earn your graduate certificate through classes that involve:

• Researching styles, trends and new developments within the industry.
• Developing two-dimensional special effects concepts and work-ups of what they might look like complete.
• Using specialized products and equipment to animate, sculpt, create, cast and mold your creations.

Professors who know the business
Because classes are small, you'll receive lots of personal support from your professors who are themselves highly experienced in the field. Most are still active in special effects makeup. Through your study you'll also be introduced to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the union representing the profession.

Practical, hands-on experience
During the summer following the first two semesters, you'll participate in a field placement where you can use your newly acquired special effects makeup skills in a professional setting. This invaluable work experience and exposure to professionals in the field can be a springboard for employment.

Stand out from the crowd by specializing in cloud computing, data analytics, game engineering or network engineering. You’ll be introduced to each of these growing fields of computer science in your first year of studies, then take eight courses in the area of your choice. Each field requires specific skills not taught in traditional diploma and degree programs.

Build a strong foundation in computer science
Not a computer expert? No problem! You'll begin with the basics in your first year, learning about computer programming, networks, mathematics, scripting and database modelling. More than 80% of our Computer Science degree curriculum consists of core courses designed to develop fundamental skills that will prepare you to work in all areas of computer science, both now and in the future.

Internship, co-op and applied research opportunities
At Sheridan, we believe the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Between your third and fourth year of studies, you can work for our industry partners through a four-month internship or a paid co-op placement that can last up to 16 months. You can also sharpen your research skills by providing computer science support to any of Sheridan's various applied research projects.

Sheridan offers the only business-focused professional photography degree program in Canada, and one of the best in North America.
A professional photography education:-
This program prepares you for a professional photography career in the dynamic communications industries. In your photography classes, you’ll create conceptually, visually and technically compelling photographs and films, and explore photography’s expressive potential in existing and emerging fields. You’ll be ready for the changing global and digital business world.

Outstanding industry reputation:-
For over 40 years, Sheridan's photography program has had an outstanding industry reputation. Our business connections rank Sheridan as one of the top photography schools, and happily hire our students for their internships. During your internship, you'll have the chance to work with and learn from experienced photography professionals and gain experience to launch your photography career.

In our Craft and Design – Ceramics program, you'll develop new skills and ideas in pottery, sculpture and design to begin an exciting career.

Hands-on learning
We offer hands-on learning in one of Canada's leading Ceramics studios. Inspiring, dedicated faculty help you explore a full range of processes and techniques with an awareness of contemporary ideas and community. You'll learn innovative approaches to clay, such as wheelthrowing, handbuilding, moldmaking, slipcasting, clay/glaze formulation and firing salt/soda, wood, pit, gas and electric kilns.

In Ceramics, you'll gain real-world experience and engage with the local and international community through professional events, workshops, competitions and exhibitions in galleries and museums. You'll build leadership skills through volunteering, fundraising and organizing initiatives. You'll participate in an internship and connect with renowned visiting artists and our large alumni network.

Get a foundation in all Craft and Design studios
Our program provides a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to Craft and Design. You'll major in your studio of choice while building skills in the four other disciplines. You'll work with students and faculty from across all five studios on interdisciplinary projects that bring together a range of expertise and experiences to explore the potential of contemporary art, craft and design.

In our two-year Visual and Creative Arts diploma, you’ll get rigorous in-studio training in every semester of the program. You’ll study 2D and 3D design, observational drawing, colour theory and painting. In second year, you’ll choose from electives to specialize in areas of interest and build a broader set of marketable skills to help you find work after graduation.

During your second year, you'll learn how to apply your studio skills to many art and design related careers, learning the basics of:

• Time management and deadlines
• Project budgeting
• Writing proposals
• Contemporary practices

Sheridan has a reputation as one of the best art schools in Canada, and we’re globally recognized for our illustration and animation programs. You’ll learn art in world-class studios and immerse yourself in our one-of-a-kind creative campus atmosphere. You’ll also learn from experienced faculty who are connected to galleries, studios, agencies and others in the Greater Toronto Area's arts scene.

Sheridan’s program combines hands-on, real-world experience backed by theoretical learning in all aspects of the industry.
Lights, camera, education!
In the first two years of this degree, you'll get a taste of everything this industry has to offer. Under the guidance of industry-experienced professors, you'll choose electives in direction, production, writing and editing to find where your talent lies. In your final semesters, you'll specialize — documentary or drama production, scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, editing or sound.

Your own film:-
Many students also want to achieve a portfolio film, and this program culminates in an exciting capstone project: create your own short film, television or transmedia project. You'll work in teams, partnering with others in different specializations to pitch, seek funding, write and produce your project. You'll go through the same process filmmakers do to prepare you for the real industry.

Sheridan's Honours Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences (Information Systems Security) program provides outstanding preparation for a rewarding career in this rapidly growing field. Our one-of-a-kind degree program has a stellar reputation among employers. With a Sheridan Information Systems Security degree, you'll be prepared to join this exciting profession – and to get ahead in it.

Gain practical experience
This degree program includes an internship (up to 28 weeks long) in the form of a field placement in a real-world workplace.