Realtime Art & Visual Effects (Master)

Embark on an evolutionary educational journey into animation that merges art with groundbreaking technology. Our Master's programme in Realtime Art & Visual Effects integrates the principles behind leading real-time graphics platforms and intricate procedural generation tools. It's about mastering the interplay of creativity and technology, and spearheading the next era of immersive digital narratives.

Degree awarded: Master of Arts in Arts and Design (MA)
Length of study: 4 semesters (2 years)
Study mode: full-time
Study places per year: 20
Location: Salzburg University of Applied Sciences (Campus Urstein)
Language: English
Tuition: 363 Euro per semester + Euro 24.70 student union fee per semester
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Why study Realtime Art & Visual Effects at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences?

Studying Realtime Art & Visual Effects places you at the centre of a rapidly evolving animation industry. This industry is being transformed by groundbreaking applications such as digital twins, data visualisation, and virtual production, which are augmenting the traditional realms of film, visual effects, and video games.
These advancements are reshaping the animation medium, expanding its reach and utility far beyond conventional storytelling.With hyperrealism setting a new standard and big data emerging as a vital source for smart information visualization, the integration of AI and real-time technologies has become indispensable.This dynamic landscape offers opportunities for innovative creations that blend artistic vision with cutting-edge technology.

The programme's strength is magnified by the long-standing collaboration between the study programmes MultiMediaTechnology and MultiMediaArt. Integrating into this collaboration establishes a triangular project structure and curriculum design. This design promotes real-world collaboration among producers, technicians, and designers, mirroring industry expectations.

Each student embarks on a comprehensive deep dive into a personal research project. Guided by individual supervision from an industry expert, this immersive journey culminates in their final master thesis, showcasing their prowess and specialized insight in the field.

Josef Schinwald

FH-Prof.
Head of Degree Programme Realtime Art & Visual Effects

Realtime Art & Visual Effects creates an outstanding synergy between design and technology. We have worked closely with international industry partners in the development of the curriculum and are already certified as an 'Unreal Academic Partner' and a 'Houdini Certified School'. This ensures that our students are trained according to the latest industry standards and offers future graduates excellent job prospects in the VR/AR/XR industry, in the games industry, in the film and VFX sector as well as in newly emerging future industries.

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The T-Shaped Advantage

In the ever-evolving landscape of the creative and digital realm, adaptability is key. The T-shaped generalist model is central to our curriculum, equipping students with a blend of specialized knowledge and broad understanding. This approach prepares graduates to excel in their core domain while understanding and bridging interdisciplinary boundaries, crucial for success in dynamic creative environments. In the final semester, each student embarks on a comprehensive deep dive into a personal research project. Guided by individual supervision from an industry expert, this immersive journey culminates in their final master thesis, showcasing their prowess and specialized insight in the field.

Four Pillars, Endless Possibilities!

Unlock your potential with our cutting-edge programme that focuses on three key areas of expertise:

Realtime Workflows

Dive deep into the world of real-time graphics, where the boundaries between interactivity and visualization merge seamlessly. 

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Procedural Workflows

Learn to replace the conventional linear production with dynamic, system-oriented techniques.

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AI Workflows

Delve into the cutting edge of digital creativity with our curriculum's focus on AI workflows in visual effects, animation and creative expression. Our program offers an in-depth exploration of how generative AI is redefining the landscape of digital storytelling, blending advanced technology with artistic innovation.

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Production Workflows

Explore the complexities of production workflows, where advanced techniques in photogrammetry, motion capture, and virtual production coalesce to offer a comprehensive academic insight into the digital arts landscape.

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Industry Partnerships and Endorsements

Our programme is characterised by strong links with a wide range of industry stakeholders, from local innovators to international leaders. We are proud of our strong relationships with key industry players, in particular Epic Games and SideFX. Epic Games, renowned for its revolutionary game engine, has recognised our excellence in education and integration of their technology by endorsing us as an Unreal Academic Partner. Similarly, our expertise in harnessing the procedural capabilities of the SideFX platform has earned us the prestigious title of Side Effects Certified School. These partnerships not only reflect our commitment to providing cutting-edge training, but also give our students unparalleled access to industry-standard tools and resources. In addition, our collaboration with Take 2 Studios, a virtual production studio based in Salzburg, and Sierra Division, a leading art outsourcing studio specialising in digital 3D content creation, provides our students with practical platforms to apply their skills to real-world projects, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice. This blend of local and global industry connections ensures that our students are well prepared to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of real-time art and visual effects.

Online Portfolio

Take a look at our online portfolio and get inspired by great projects of our students!

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22Mar
2025

OPEN HOUSE 2025

09:00 - 16:00