Outline

Overview

This unit is designed to equip you with a conceptual understanding of, and technical expertise in, the use of digital effects for film and video projects. You will learn how to use software programs such as Adobe After Effects at an intermediate to advanced level, in order to understand how moving images can be transformed in combination with text, masks, animation, filters, effects and sound. Through a series of tutorials, screenings and practical studio tasks, you will develop and refine your After Effects authoring skills, culminating in the production of a studio project.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Sydney College of the Arts
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Harley Ives, harley.ives@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Creative work	Composited Video Project After Effects Video Project	60%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jul 2026	1-3 minutes (2700 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Creative Project After Effects Video Project	20%	Week 06 Due date: 05 Apr 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jul 2026	1-2 minutes (800 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Project Proposal Project Proposal including: Concept statement / Synopsis. Discussion of styles, materials and techniques used in researched media. Discussion of style, materials and techniques to be used in proposed project. Storyboard. 1-2min test video.	10%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 05 Jul 2026	1-2 minutes (500 word equivalent)	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Q&A following presentation, submission or placement	Project Proposal Q&A Live Q&A following submission of Proposal submission	10%	Week 10 Due date: 04 May 2026 at 08:00 Closing date: 22 May 2026	6 minutes Q&A (500 word equivalent)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas. Permitted AI uses will also be explained by the tutor in class.

Please Note - all assessment tasks must be submitted in order to pass this subject!

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

This unit uses standards-based assessment for award of assessment marks. Your assessments will be evaluated solely on the basis of your individual performance You need to satisfy requirements as determined by academic staff, including attendance, communicated to you through the Sydney College of the Arts Handbook, unit of study outlines, other written notifications and/or verbally through tutorials or seminars. All requirements must be met in order to be eligible for an assessment.

Your work will be assessed according to the following criteria, based on: attendance; participation and responsiveness to the unit of study and academic direction; written work; studio work and other unit of study work; tutorial and seminar team discussion. These criteria apply to studio-based learning and to theory units of study.

1. Competence
Demonstration of the development and application of practical and intellectual competency and skills appropriate to the unit of study.

2. Development
Demonstration of the ability to initiate and realise your own objectives for studio practice and theory work within the requirements of the unit of study and of your developing knowledge of the historical and theoretical context of your practice. You are expected to improve your abilities, competency and understanding over the course of a semester, and over successive semesters.

3. Critical Awareness
Demonstration of developing a critical awareness and knowledge of the unit of study and the ability to objectively evaluate your own work, select appropriate methods and materials and to formulate and evaluate ideas/methods.

4. Commitment
Demonstration of commitment and self-motivation in respect of the unit of study. The level of commitment to study in the academic program is reflected in; the development of self-motivation applied to individual, group or assignment-based work; the degree of participation in all units of study including group work, project submissions, essays and discussions; the development of a consistent work pattern; and the regularity and punctuality of attendance and submissions.

5. Innovation
Demonstration of innovative and imaginative thinking, appropriate to the unit of study, evidencing the quality of ideas underlying your work and development in your studies.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Orientation and overview of program. 2. After Effects interface, project management, media management. 3. Basic transform controls and key frames.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	1. Advanced keyframing and parenting layers.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	1. Photoshop masking and layering. 2. Photoshop generative fill and content aware fill. 3. Links between Photoshop and After Effects.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	1. Animating 2D layers in 3D space. 2. Animating virtual cameras. 3. 'Creative Project' questions.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	1. Puppet Pin tools. 2. 'Creative Project' research and production.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	1. Layer masks. 2. Chroma keying. 3. Project research and production. 'Creative Project' due Sunday Week 6 (5th April 11:59pm)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	1. Rotobrush tool. 2. Basic colour correction	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	1. Image stabilisation. 2. Track Motion. 3. 3D camera tracking. 4. 'Project Proposal / Presentation' questions.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	1. 3D objects and animations in After Effects. 2. Lighting 3D objects and Environment lights. 'Project Proposal / Presentation' due Sunday Week 9 (3rd May)	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	'Project Proposal / Presentations' with in class Q&A and feedback on project concept and planning.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	1. Track Mattes. 2. 'Composited Video Project' research and production.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	1. Working with Shape Layers. 2. Null Layers. 3. Expressions. 4. Audio responsive effects. 5. 'Composited Video Project' research and production.	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	1. 'Composited Video Project' research and production.	Tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: According to Faculty Board Resolutions, students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are expected to attend 90% of their classes. If you attend less than 50% of classes, regardless of the reasons, you may be referred to the Examiner’s Board. The Examiner’s Board will decide whether you should pass or fail the unit of study if your attendance falls below this threshold.
Class recordings: Most classes (in recording-equipped venues) will be recorded and may be made available to students on the LMS. However, you should not rely on class recordings to substitute your classroom learning experience.
Preparation: Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Additional requirements from Sydney College of the Arts

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for this unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Unit Coordinator.
All assignments are compulsory and must be attempted.
You must attend scheduled assessments to be eligible to pass. Non-attendance at assessment on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Relevant handouts, viewing links and readings will be provided in class and on Canvas throughout the course.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Conceive, plan and realise 2 short video works that demonstrates competency in compositing and engages with the contemporary media culture using Adobe After Effects and the Adobe Suite
LO2. critically analyse, conceptualise and problem solve through the production process of a digital composited moving image work
LO3. demonstrate appropriate and proficient use of Adobe after effects to realise the moving image project
LO4. critically evaluate aesthetics, information & narratives in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner
LO5. critically understand a range of different approaches to moving image practice and engage with related theoretical and cultural debates.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Additional information about AI use in Assessments has been added to 'other relevant information' section below. Assessment 3 due date moved to Stuvac to give students more time to work on other unit assessments due in Formal Exam week.

Additional information

AI use is permitted in assessments for this course, subject to the student always acknowledging AI has been used in their submitted assessessment; discussing their proposed AI uses with the tutor prior to assessment submission; and providing a critique the effectiveness of these AI uses based on tutor guidance and advice as needed.

Additional costs

It is recommended that you purchase the Adobe Creative Cloud through the university at a reduced cost compared to Adobe Student. (more information on Canvas).

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

MFDI9303: Digital Effects for Film and Video

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links