Title: Houdini & Simulation for Film and Games

Language: English

Credits: 30 ECTS points

Duration of the program: 12 weeks 

Next program: April 8 - June 28, 2019

Application deadline: EXTENDED - Sunday February 10, 2019

Place: The Animation Workshop/VIA University College, Kasernevej 5, 8800 Viborg, DK

Fee EU/Non EU Citizens: 

• EU citizens: 3240 EUR (approx. 24,100 DKK)
• Non-EU citizens: 7500 EUR (approx. 55,800 DKK)

Open Education

Houdini & Simulation for Film and Games is an Open Education program, part of the Bachelor in Computer Graphics Art at The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (TAW). Open Education is a wide range of educational programs in Denmark offered to adults who wish to undergo further training. It is open to anybody who has successfully passed our admission criteria.

PLEASE NOTE: Students from outside the European Union are allowed to stay in Denmark for maximum 90 days on a tourist visa.

More information:

• Overview of the course program (PDF)
• Practical information (PDF)

To apply to the Houdini & Simulation for Film and Games course, please use the online application form. Please see the deadline under “Facts”.

In addition to basic information, you are asked to provide a CV, motivation letter and a showreel/portfolio. The course is designed for and open to CG, compositing and VFX artists.

In the event of a successful application to the course, you will receive a signed acceptance letter within 1-2 weeks after the application deadline. In this connection, we ask you to confirm your seat as soon as possible afterwards.

The Animation Workshop, VIA University College reserves the right to cancel the course should there not be enough participants registered.

Apply now

The focus of the 12-week course is simulation. Students will study and implement graphical, physics-based solvers as well as real-time simulations. The foundation of the course is based on Houdini. Additional software training includes Touch Designer, game engines, and basic programming. On completion, students will showcase highly specialized knowledge of node-based procedural workflows. Projects will take the form of well-presented simulations in tandem with case studies targeted towards bringing new ideas into Europe’s diverse art and technology markets (film/games/animation/sciences).

With the study of Houdini, TouchDesigner, a game engine, and coding; a student has complete technical and artistic freedom with simulation; at the heart and edge of computer technology. A graduate will be simultaneously skilled in sought after industry solutions as well as software independent to adapt to changes in the highly volatile field.

What you get:

• An intensive course developed with the help of industry professionals
• Instructors are all active professionals with updated and production-tested knowledge
• Hands-on teaching and practice every day from morning to afternoon
• Access 24-7 to your own personal workstation with industry-standard software
• Art and didactic material
• A professional network
• Access to all extra-curricular activities: sports, lectures, parties etc.
• 12 weeks immersed in a creative and social environment
• Assistance with housing, and travel advice

Course learning objectives:

• To master the craft of computer simulation in various forms
• To work with highly complex physics solvers
• To work with real-time simulation paradigms present in motion graphics and game engine technology
• To understand the foundations of computer science through application of direct programming
• To undergo the problem solving process as pertaining to complex unknown variables
• Training to deliver plan and deliver project milestones on time
• To become independent and self-driven as a technical artist
• Research of a phenomenon for simulation
• Produce a well-polished final presentation to industry of a simulation
• Produce a case-study detailing the process going into the simulation
• An understanding and proficiency in Houdini software
• A grasp of real time motion graphics using Touch Designer software
• A grasp of real time physics and environment using a game engine
• The ability to solve custom software needs using direct coding
• Understanding of how to successfully market a project to a wider audience

Course instructional method:

Lectures from instructors/industry practitioners. Guided mentorship through notable stages of individualized projects. Biweekly milestone review. Weekly group critique.

Course assignments:

Simulation, Case study

Course materials & Software

• Houdini
• Touch Designer
• Game engine (Unity)
• Development environment
• Finishing software as needed (Nuke, Photoshop, Premiere)
• Waterproof, high-speed camera such as the GoPro
• Dedicated PC per student
• Project-based external stimuli or devices (approved per project).

The course is open to non-EU applicants, as the duration of the Houdini course is designed to match the normal 90-day tourist visa to Denmark which applicants would be able to get without difficulties.

You can find further information about visas and residence permits on the official portal for foreigners.

EU citizens: 3240 EUR (approx. 24,100 DDK)
Non-EU citizens: 7500 EUR (approx. 55,800 DDK)

Please note that you will be asked to pay the fee upfront before the course starts. Unfortunately, we cannot offer scholarships on this particular course.

We aim to locate housing options that are furnished and located close to the school, and which provide you with the opportunity to live with other adult course participants from the same course program.

The prices range between 3-400 EUR (2200-3000 DKK) per month.

You will be offered a specific accommodation by the housing organization shortly after you have been accepted into the course. Rooms offered are typically located in the dormitory Camp Logos, which is located right next to TAW. Please note that TAW cannot guarantee that you get the specific room type you have requested. In some cases, we just have to accept what is currently available from the housing organization.

Practical information

All rooms in Camp Logos are furnished with a bed, bedside table, bedside lamp, room divider, desk, chair and kitchenette. Please note that there are no kitchen utensils for the kitchenette in the room, but you can buy utensils at second hand shops in Viborg. The school will provide a duvet and pillow, so you will only need to bring bed sheets and towels. There is also a shared kitchen and common area at your disposal.

As a PRO course participant, you only have to pay a reduced deposit of 2500 DKK (instead of 10.000 DKK).

If you have any questions in relation to housing during your course, please contact taw.housing@via.dk