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Private Training Establishment

Media Design School
Media Design School logo

Bachelor of Art and Design - 3D Animation & VFX

This course is available

On-Campus, Online

Level of Study

Bachelor's Degree

Duration

3 years

Next start date

Expected Jul 2023

Campus

Media Design School

Summary

Actors aren’t the only movie stars, you know. These days, it’s 3D animation and visual effects that really steal the show. Our award-winning faculty will help you develop your skills on a wholly immersive level and get to grips with modelling, rendering, lighting, and technical direction. To prepare you for life as a professional, your studies will culminate with your involvement in an amazing, industry-level film.

Careers & Industry

To succeed in the film post-production industry, you'll need to be proficient and confident in using industry standard visual effects software. You'll also need experience applying creative thinking and problem solving in a collaborative and demanding environment. Employers value our graduates because this course focuses on the technical skills and soft skills you'll need in the industry.

Your first year will begin with an eight week introduction to the world of computer graphics. You'll finish the year by working on an intensive yet rewarding short 3D production that will ensure you have the academic foundation and the skills you need to progress throughout your degree.

During your second year, you'll be asked to pick a specialisation in visual effects, technical studies or 3D animation, which will enable you to fine-tune your particular skill set.

Your final year will see you working on a number of industry level productions that will culminate with you being a part of an amazing, state-of-the-art short film. You'll also finish your final year with a research project that will provide you with the skills to take your knowledge of 3D animation and Computer Graphics (CG) to new levels.

  • Graduates have gone on to work on blockbuster films including Avatar and The Hobbit
  • Student short films receive international accolades
  • Graduates are in demand for their experience working on major projects within a studio-like environment

Career paths include 3D Modeler, Compositor, VFX artist, Animator, Technical Director, Effects Designer.

Course Outline

Year 1

During the first year, you will learn foundation art skills and achieve proficiency in both industry-standard technical tools and visual effects software. This exciting immersion includes an introduction to modelling, animation, rigging and visual effects.

Year 2

Your second year involves immersive studies in core subjects such as preproduction, scripting and dynamics. In the second term, you have the chance to pursue a chosen specialisation in visual effects and motion graphics, technical 3D studies or 3D animation studies. Whichever you opt for will remain your specialist focus for the rest of your studies; however, all core subjects including tutorials, theory classes and art classes are taught collectively.

Year 3

In year three, you will be immersed in production as you work on group and individual projects. The final year also incorporates industry procedures and practice to prepare you for industry placement. Everything you learn mirrors the real world – we make sure you're job-ready before you go.

Entry criteria

  • NCEA Level 3, CIE or IB University Entrance or Level 4 or higher Qualification from related discipline (not required for students 20+)

If you are an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 (minimum) with no band less than 5.5, or equivalent qualification if English is not your first language.

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