Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Major - Bachelor of Design Te Tohu Paetahi mō te Hoahoa

Creative Media

A course by

AUT

Develop practical and creative skills in animation, visual effects, and game design as part of the Bachelor of Design at AUT. Learn in world-class facilities, build industry connections, and prepare for a career in the digital creative industries.

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Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

City Campus, Auckland

It will take a total of 3 years

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Develop practical skills in animation, visual effects and game design

Gain expertise using digital production tools, industry-standard software and creative studios.

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Create and communicate compelling digital stories

Learn to develop, analyse and present engaging moving image narratives and interactive experiences.

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Engage in collaborative creative practice

Work individually and in groups within a studio environment, building teamwork and project management skills.

What You're Signing Up For

The Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design major within AUT's Bachelor of Design prepares students for careers in digital creative industries. The programme provides a thorough grounding in animation, visual effects and game design practices using industry-standard software and facilities such as green screens, motion capture, and virtual reality labs. Students learn storytelling, moving image narratives, and user experience design, with flexibility to pursue personal interests through electives and minors. The programme includes industry networking, workplace experience, and culminates in a public student exhibition.

Course Content

  • Foundations of animation, visual effects, and game design
  • Creative practice-based studio work
  • Industry-standard software (2D/3D animation, VFX, game design tools)
  • Motion capture and virtual reality
  • Design thinking, history and theory
  • Narrative and content creation for moving image
  • Critical analysis and troubleshooting
  • Industry networking and guest speakers
  • Workplace experience (60 hours in industry)
  • Self-directed major project and public exhibition

What you need to know first

University Entrance or equivalent

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Digital Creative Industries

  • Game Development

  • Film and Television

  • Animation

  • Visual Effects

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • 2D/3D animator

  • Visual effects artist

  • Games designer

  • Virtual reality artist

  • Interactive designer

  • Motion capture artist

  • Motion designer

  • Film industry roles