Degree Entrance Scholarship Available
Once you’ve applied for admission to this program, we’ll automatically consider you for this award.
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
(Oakville)
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Overview
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Courses
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Admission Requirements
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Careers
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Co-op
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Degree Completion
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Learning Outcomes
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Internship
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Fees & Financial Aid
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FAQs
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Labs & Technology
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Virtual Workshop
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Financial Planning Certification
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Professional Sales Certificate
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Program Transition
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Earn your Masters degree
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Transfer Opportunities
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Clinical Placements
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Articulation Agreements
Develop an in-demand computer animation skill.
Program Overview
Create characters and creatures audiences will remember
Working in the Sheridan Centre for Animation and Emerging Technologies (SCAET), you'll advance in your ability to create memorable characters/creatures, from script to storyboard to modelling and advanced rigging, all the way through to post-production.
Develop career-ready skills
- Study advanced computer animation techniques
- Study and apply physically accurate and technical animation
- Study advanced rigging and modelling
- Expand your portfolio
- Showcase your technical skills and creativity
Earn your master's in 3D animation studying abroad
Sheridan has an arrangement with the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design (IADT) in Ireland. Graduates of Sheridan’s Digital Creature Animation post-grad certificate program from 2009 or later can apply to IADT to earn their master's degree in 15 weeks.
Industry professionals as your professors
Sheridan's professors, all longtime veterans of the industry, will do more than work with you on your skills. They'll also teach you good work habits as well – the little things that can make the difference between mediocre work and outstanding creature computer animation, modeling and rigging.
Additional information
Sheridan's Digital Creature Animation program offers you advanced training in a specialized, highly sought-after computer animation skill. Designed in response to industry demand, this post-graduate program offers an exciting opportunity: With just ten months of study and the proper amount of dedication, creature computer animation school graduates and young industry professionals can launch or advance their careers.
Image credit: Perry Lin
Sheridan is a proud partner of SideFX — the company behind the Oscar-winning 3D animation software Houdini.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
International Student?
This program is part of our new two-year graduate certificate bundles! You may be able to qualify for a three-year post-grad work permit.
Courses
Creative, innovative learning is at the core of all Sheridan’s courses. Here are the courses you’ll take in this program.
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Semester 1
CODE TITLE CREDITS ANIM 54579 Digital Creature Project Pre-Production 3 ANIM 50036 Digital Creature Methodology 1 6 SYST 56367 Digital Creature Systems 1 6 ARTS 53431 Anatomy and Life Drawing 1 3 ANIM 53672 Digital Sculpting Tools 3 Total: 21 -
Semester 2
CODE TITLE CREDITS ANIM 56693 Digital Creature Directed Project 3 ANIM 58634 Digital Creature Methodology 2 6 SYST 55142 Digital Creature Systems 2 6 ARTS 50004 Anatomy and Life Drawing 2 3 Total: 18 -
Semester 3
CODE TITLE CREDITS ANIM 54178 Digital Creature Capstone Project 8 ANIM 52758 VFX Industry 2 Total: 20*
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Courses subject to change.
Find course details:
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Sheridan's Computer Animation Program or equivalent as assessed by Sheridan.
and
- A postsecondary diploma or degree in art and/or design.
or
- Demonstrated competence through relevant educational and/or work experience.
Credentials earned at less than the equivalent of an Ontario College Diploma will not be considered as having met the academic entrance requirements.
A thorough understanding of 3D CG modelling, rigging, texturing and lighting (Maya or Houdini preferred) as well as basic character animation skills are essential factors to qualify for this program.
Applicant Selection
Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Demonstrated competence through related work and/or educational experience
and
- Letter of Intent and résumé
- Portfolio assessment
A portfolio review fee is required with the submission.
Postsecondary transcripts, indicating courses completed to date, must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.
Domestic applicants with education outside of Canada must have their transcripts assessed for equivalency through ICAS or WES. A general (document-by-document) or a comprehensive (course-by-course) assessment is required.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.
English Language Proficiency
All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Sheridan’s English proficiency requirements.Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our program have a specialized, highly marketable skill that translates directly to the workplace. They enjoy career opportunities in such industries as: film, television, advertising, video gaming and web animation. Students often find work in character modelling/rigging.
Sample job titles of our graduates include:
- Animation Director
- Designer
- Rigger
- Creature Animator
- Modeler
- Video Game Artist
- TD Supervisor
- Technical Director
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Co-op
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Degree Completion
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Learning Outcomes
- Apply appropriate principles of animation to the articulation of a CG creature/character including realism.
- Convey personal style through design elements.
- Operate a computer animation pipeline system including file management, shell scripting and troubleshooting.
- Produce 3D animated sequences through technical direction including planning and problem resolution.
- Create advanced creature tools such as scripting for the purpose of enhancing the deformation, simulation or appearance of a CG creature.
- Create an animated CG creature/character with an emphasis in rigging and articulation.
- Employ advanced rigging technique to articulate a creature according to natural kinesiology.
- Utilize hardware and software protocols specific to the field of animation.
- Integrate computer generated imagery and live action elements.
- Match plate – create an effective lighting environment.
- Simulate hair and cloth dynamics.
- Meet project deadlines.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Internship
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program Fees
Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.
The fees shown here are for the 2021–2022 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic terms of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent terms are not reflected on this website.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Program Fees
Fees for this program are paid to Brock University.
Program Fees
Fees shown here are estimates only. Fees are in Canadian dollars and include tuition, health insurance and ancillary charges.
For Canadian Students
The fees shown here are for the 2021-2022 academic year, and are subject to change. The fees displayed are for the first two (2) academic terms of study at Sheridan unless otherwise noted; fees for subsequent terms are not reflected on this website. For English Language Studies, depending on your level placement, your program completion time may differ.
For International Students
The fees shown here are for Fall 2021, and are subject to change. The English Language Studies program is offered to international students in 7-week sessions. The fees displayed are for each 7-week session and include tuition and health insurance. Depending on your level placement, your program completion time may differ.
Fees for Canadian students
$12,914.47Notes: Fees shown are for three academic terms.
Fees for International students
$24,853.47Financial Aid & Awards
Your education is a big investment, and we're here to help! Keep an eye on our Financial Aid & Awards page for regular updates, and check out these important links:
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Work Study Assistance Program
All new international students beginning their studies in the Fall 2021 or Winter 2022 semesters will receive an entrance scholarship ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship
Sheridan is pleased to provide an entrance scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to select applicants in this degree program. View Sheridan Degree Entrance Scholarship details for eligibility criteria and more.
Bursaries for Grade 12 Students Pursuing Studies Toward a Career in Law
The annual Bursary Program for grade 12 students pursuing careers in the justice sector at an Ontario university or college is now open! Bursaries are offered by the Association of Justices of the Peace of Ontario (AJPO), the Association of Ontario Judges (AOJ) and the Ontario Superior Court Judges’ Association (OSCJA). Each association offers one bursary per year in each of their judicial regions for a total of 22 bursaries province-wide!
Applications close on May 26. Spread the word to students! Visit the Bursary web page for more information.
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Labs & Technology
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Is Experiential Design the right program for me?
Date: Wednesday, May 26th, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Want to learn more about Experiential Design? This interactive workshop will explain what Experiential Design is and explore the many exciting career options in this rapidly-growing field.
Sheridan’s new Bachelor of Experiential Design is the first degree of its kind in Canada, teaching holistic approaches to wayfinding, public installation, placemaking, exhibition design, themed environments and event design. Our internationally recognized faculty, deep industry connections and renowned creative culture provide the ideal foundation for this ground-breaking program.
Workshop Schedule
- Overview of what Experiential Design is all about
- Interactive design activity exploring sensory communication
- Q&A with experiential designers working in the industry
Financial Planning Certification
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Professional Sales Certificate
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program Transition
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Earn your Masters degree
Why pursue your master's degree?
Earning your master's in 3D animation can open up a world of exciting and promising career possibilities.
It demonstrates a high calibre of academic and professional achievement, and will be an asset to finding employment in the industry. A master's degree is also necessary for those who want to pursue an academic career, such as teaching at the post-secondary level.
What is Sheridan and IADT’s master's agreement?
Sheridan is proud to offer an agreement with the Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art and Design (IADT), near Dublin, Ireland—the first of its kind in Ontario.
Sheridan graduates who hold a post-grad certificate in Computer Animation or Digital Creature Animation from 2009 or later can apply to IADT and earn their master's degree in a 15-week study abroad program.
Eligible students who have their post-graduate certificate must also complete a 7-week (42 hour) research methodologies course at Sheridan and successfully complete the application process before they can study at IADT.
Applications for the first cohort will be accepted in August 2019 for a January 2020 start, and in May 2020 for a September 2020 start.
What are the application requirements?
Students wishing to study 3D animation abroad must apply to IADT with:
- Transcript indicating successful completion of the Computer Animation and/or Digital Creatures Postgraduate Certificate (2009 or later)
- Standard IADT postgraduate application form (Download PDF form) (Download .docx form)
- Proof of enrolment in Sheridan’s Research Methods for Creative Practices course (Register for the course)
- A cover letter (500-600 words explaining why the applicant wants to study at IADT, their areas of interest and why they are a prime candidate)
- Portfolio of previous work
- Two references, including one academic
- A full resume
- Send the completed form to eileen.mcnamarra@iadt.ie or admissions@iadt.ie
IADT may call shortlisted candidates for interview via Skype.
Applicants with English as a second language must demonstrate a competency in English.
Do I need a visa to study in Ireland?
Students are responsible for securing the appropriate visa for their study period. IADT will produce a letter which confirms the student is registered in order to help secure the necessary visa.
For more information on how to apply, please contact Noel Hooper (noel.hooper@sheridancollege.ca) or Sherra Murphy (sherra.murphy@iadt.ie).
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Transfer Opportunities
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Clinical Placements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Articulation Agreements
Take a virtual campus tour
Faculty
Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design
Designation
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
1 yr (3 semesters)
Location
Trafalgar Road Campus
1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville
Helpful links
Program availability
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Full-time 1 year Program code: PCDCA
| Start date | Campus | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | Trafalgar Road Campus (Oakville) | Available |
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