Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation)
Creative Media
A course by
SIT
Gain practical 3D animation skills and experience audience-centred storytelling with the Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation). This intensive program prepares you for a rewarding, creative career in the animation and screen industries.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Te Rau o Te Huia, Centre for Creative Industries Campus, Invercargill, Invercargill
It will take a total of 1 year
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Develop advanced skills in 3D animation and visual effects
Gain hands-on expertise in using industry-standard software, techniques, and workflows to create 3D animation projects for film or games.
Produce narrative-driven digital media
Design and create story and character-focused animation, applying principles of storytelling and visual communication.
Collaborate and manage creative projects
Develop teamwork and project management skills by working on collaborative and individual projects, including planning, workflow management, and meeting deadlines.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation) is a one-year, level 7 programme designed for those with a degree in a related field or significant industry experience. Students develop advanced, practical skills in the 3D animation production pipeline, working both independently and collaboratively to create immersive digital storytelling projects. The course covers creative and technical skills such as character development, animation principles, VFX, drawing, and industry software, and includes professional development through internships.
Course Content
- 3D Animation Production (short films, game cut scenes)
- Story and character development
- Workflow management in animation pipelines
- Hard and soft surface modelling
- Rigged and dynamic animation techniques
- Traditional and realtime rendering
- Creative thinking and problem-solving
- Studio drawing (physical and digital)
- Narrative-driven illustration (graphic novel, manga, motion comic)
- Study of contemporary and emerging creative practices
- Professional internship in the creative industries
- Project management and development (communications, leadership, legal, brand, release)
- Audience-centred design and storytelling
- Use of industry software: Maya, Zbrush, Houdini, Substance, Adobe Creative Cloud
What you need to know first
Bachelor degree in a related field (e.g. fine arts, graphic design, film, animation, gaming) OR significant industry experience
Portfolio of free-hand and digital drawing/showreel
Statement of interest and CV
Two references from employers/lecturers
High competence in spoken and written English (NCEA Level 2 literacy or equivalent)
Interview may be required
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Animation
Film and Digital Media
Game Design
Visual Effects (VFX)
Creative Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
3D Animator
3D Modeller
Visual Effects Artist
Technical Artist
Compositor
Art Director
Surface Artist
Game Design roles
Coming Soon: Nexties Explorer
Our AI-powered Explorer is almost ready. Soon, you’ll be able to build a dynamic profile of your skills, goals, and strengths, and get a curated selection of courses just for you.
More details