Bachelor of 3D Animation
Shape your future in the creative arts and beyond by studying a Bachelor of 3D Animation course at AIT. As a 3D animator, you have the power to blur the lines between reality and make-believe, giving you an opportunity to use the practical skills and technical skills gained in this craft in various industries.
- 3 February 2025
- 26 May 2025
- 15 September 2025
Duration & Location
- 3 years full time
- Up to 6 years part time
- ⅔ face-to-face on campus | ⅓ online
- Home
- Courses
- 3D Animation
- Bachelor of 3D Animation
- What To Expect
- Course Content
- Course Outcomes
- Industry Partners
- How To Apply
What To Expect
With our professional knowledge of the 3D animation industry, we have crafted a course that mirrors the operations of the leading professional animation studios. You will be guided and supported every step of the way as you embark on the path toward your envisioned animation future.
Technical Instruction - Experienced knowledgeable educators
Creative Teamwork - Teams of like-minded collaborators
Current Knowledge - Current software, technology and insights
Professional Skills - Embedded employability training
Skills practice - Practical hands-on learning
Project work - relevant project-based assessments
Expert feedback - broad engagement with industry
Industry input - Work opportunities in professional contexts
Adobe Creative Suite
AutoDesk 3Ds Max
AutoDesk Maya
Autodesk Motionbuilder
Avid Pro Tools
Celtx
Nuke
Toon Boom
Unreal Engine 4
Visual Studio Code
Zbrush Pixologic
Technical Instruction - Experienced knowledgeable educators
Creative Teamwork - Teams of like-minded collaborators
Current Knowledge - Current software, technology and insights
Professional Skills - Embedded employability training
Skills practice - Practical hands-on learning
Project work - relevant project-based assessments
Expert feedback - broad engagement with industry
Industry input - Work opportunities in professional contexts
AIT Campus
Two thirds of your program will be taught on campus in our industry-grade animation labs, side by side with like-minded creatives.
Lets face it, much of today’s 3D Animation production is about the technology and software you are using – that’s why we invest heavily in providing you the latest professional-grade animation software and hardware.
We want you to fully experience it, experiment with it and create masterpieces using it, so your projects are rendered to the highest industry standards.
In our facilities you will have access to animation studios with high end computers, animation light boxes and clay modelling equipment, our state-of-the-art Post Production studio, green screen rooms and audio studios – so you can fully make your magic.
Our Cloud Campus
All of our course material is hosted on our cloud campus, specifically designed to deliver quality online learning.
Through the cloud campus, you will have access to all content material, videos and interactive activities, discussion boards, video meeting facilities, email facilities, library access, assessment support, study support, technical support services, and welfare services. We know that choosing where to study is a big decision, so we welcome you to come and check it out before you enrol.
Student work: ‘Rose, Revolutionary Leader Sculpt’ by Tarik Takasu
Professional Experiences
While studying at AIT, you’ll be exposed to a number of professional experiences where you will learn the skills you need for your creative career, while also being introduced to the industry.
On campus, your Production Lab Subjects will be heavily practical, project-based, and follow industry-relevant production processes in a studio-like environment. Out of these subjects, you will produce a portfolio that’s ready to present to prospective employers.
In your third year, our dedicated partnerships team will connect you to internship and mentorship opportunities, whilst working with you to raise your profile within the creative technology industries.
- Mentorship from Professional Animators
- Simulated Studio Environments on Campus
- Visiting Animation Studios
- Using Industry-grade Tools
- Professional Guest Speakers
- Year 1 - Learn
- Year 2 - Explore
- Year 3 - Launch
Year 1 - Learn
3D Character Lab
Learn the entire 3D workflow (pipeline) required to create your own uniquely designed 3D animation characters during the bachelor degree. The creative media areas covered include props and background development, using industry standard 3D software, 3D interface navigation, fundamental 3D theory, character design, modelling, texturing, lighting, skinning, camera animation and rendering. These skills will provide a firm foundation for creating 3D objects and characters.
Key professional skills development:
- Project management basics
- Presentation skills
- Naming conventions and file management
Screen Evolution
Visual Storytelling
Elective path 1: Game Scripting
Elective path 2: Concept Design
3D Animation Mechanics
3D Rigging
Lab Option 1: Game Development Lab
Immersive Animation Experience 1
In the Game Development Lab you will design a range of 3D assets and integrate them into a game engine. The project will be planned and implemented in response to a brief and will involve identifying game development team roles and 3D sculpting of models using industry standard 3D modelling software.
Models will be textured, then undergo optimisation and retopology to ensure their effective operation in a game engine environment, where introductory level game engine programming will be applied.
You will utilise a production cycle, modifying assets through multiple iterations in response to testing and peer review. Ethical considerations will be taken into account and applied to the design of game assets.
Key professional skills development:
- Collaboration
- Planning
- Project management
- Agile methodology
- Presentation and professional communication skills
- Responding to feedback
Student work: ‘Soul Seeker’ by Andrew Chiu, Lachlan Canning, Zijian He, Kai Johns, Daniel Miller & Giovanni Pedalino
Lab Option 2: Performance Animation Lab
Immersive Animation Experience 1
Animation requires an understanding of acting techniques for the effective application of gesture, posture, facial expressions and voice intonation.
This subject in your bachelor degree introduces performance concepts and provides guidance in applying acting techniques to animated characters. You will research and analyse animated characters in terms of movement, unique characteristics, vocal and visual style.
You will study advanced 3D character design and develop a character through the production cycle to completion. This will include advanced storyboard and animation production.
The character will be developed according to a series of briefs, requiring you to respond with variations of style and genre, and modifications in response to peer and professional feedback. Mood, environment and context will also be considered when developing the character design.
Key professional skills development:
- Aspects of planning
- Professional communication
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Self-reflection
Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges
Year 2 - Explore
Sound Design
Learn creative and technical aspects of sound in digital media, recording sound, processing sounds, and implementing a variety of sounds in a range of contexts. You will learn to apply sound design principles which enhance and compliment communication, meaning and emotion in your works.
The skills developed in sound design can be applied to film, animation or games and will enable you to create dynamic and engaging soundtracks in a variety of genres. Content includes sound editing tools, techniques, selection of appropriate musical scores and location recording procedures.
You’ll also learn sound processing and noise reduction, compression and reverberation, and sound production workflow. You will be required to reflect on your work and make improvements in response to feedback.
Key professional skills development:
- Teamwork and time management
- Copyright and legal considerations
- Critical listening skills
3D Asset Development
ELECTIVE 1: Level Design
ELECTIVE 2: Screenwriting
Concept Design
VFX For Film
Technical Art
Culture and Creativity
Lab Option 1: Cinematic Animation Lab
Immersive Animation Experience 2
You will be guided through the advanced implementation of game art in a game engine, including pre-built assets, facial animation, facial rigging, motion capture, voice recording and animation for cut scenes. You will develop pre-production elements such as staging, beats and layout.
A cinematics sequencer track will be implemented, and you will learn to post-produce your animation by refining sound, lighting, colour correction and general editing and clean-up of cinematic elements. This process will involve iterative development, consultation and responding to feedback.
Key professional skills development:
- Teamwork
- Collaboration
- Problem solving
- Critical analysis
- Project management skills
Student work: ‘King of the Earth’ by Andrew Chiu
Lab Option 2: Creature Animation Lab
Immersive Animation Experience 2
This subject involves the design and animation of creatures. It will explore the unique requirements of animation techniques for various animal motions.
Content will include analysis and practical application of animal animation techniques (e.g. animating four-legged animals, birds, sea animals, and snakes).
You will collaborate and adapt as you research, review and design creatures together. You will create an animation considering shot framing, composition, timing, and final assembly.
Key professional skills development:
- Creative thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Conflict resolution
- Reflecting on their own work
- Responding to feedback
Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges
Year 3 - Launch
Professional Freelancing
Professional freelancing has become one of the major forms of employment in the areas of media and games. This subject will provide valuable information on how to manage a career as an independent entrepreneur in the creative industries world.
There will be an emphasis on legal requirements, finance and monetisation, types of business models, documentation and admin, budgeting, pitching and promotional skills.
Examples of successful freelance artists will be examined, and you will research industry and analyse your findings to identify likely areas of opportunity within your chosen field.
Key professional skills development:
- Networking
- Professional communication
- Planning and presentation skills
Emerging Insights
Virtual Production Lab
Immerse Animation Experience 3
The emerging field of virtual production enables realistic combinations of objects, characters and environments to produce composite images. In this subject, virtual production technologies and techniques will be studied in detail as you blend virtual environments with live action images.
The subject will cover virtual environments, virtual props and assets, background projections using green screen or live projection, integration of live action images with virtual elements through camera tracking, matching sound, lighting and colour.
Facial motion capture and the use of digital doubles using 3D modelling and animation will be introduced, and the animation and surfacing of 3D creatures and other assets will be enhanced by incorporating particle effects such as explosions, fire, smoke and rain. Advanced game engine functions will be used to composite image elements and animate components to produce realistic virtual multilevel images.
Key professional skills development:
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving skills
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Self-reflection and response to feedback
Student work: ‘Shmup’ by Koda Landers
Your final four subjects are all about taking your place as an industry contributor. You’ve got this!
- Forge 1
Forge 1 is part one of a subject that runs across two terms, where you learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. In Forge 1, the focus is on researching client needs and preparing a range of pre-production material required for the development of an industry project.
Planning and project management skills will be sharpened, and pre-visualisation of narrative content will be developed to deliver comprehensive planning materials for a substantial production that will be completed in Forge 2 in the final trimester of study.
- Professional Internship Program
- Industry Launchpad
- Forge 2
Forge 1 is part one of a subject that runs across two terms, where you learn to operate in a professional team, under workplace-like pressure, applying your knowledge, skills and aptitudes to complete a project to contemporary industry standards. In Forge 1, the focus is on researching client needs and preparing a range of pre-production material required for the development of an industry project.
Planning and project management skills will be sharpened, and pre-visualisation of narrative content will be developed to deliver comprehensive planning materials for a substantial production that will be completed in Forge 2 in the final trimester of study.
CourseOutcomesCourseOutcomes
At the completion of this course:
You could work in the following roles:
- 3D Animator
- 3D Modeller
- 3D Rigger
- 3D Artist (Generalist)
Confidently use software, including:
- Autodesk Maya
- Maxon ZBrush
- Adobe suite (including Substance)
- Unreal Engine
Master technical skills including:
- 3D Modelling
- 3D Sculpting
- UV Unwrapping
- Physically Based Surfacing
- Lighting and Rendering
- 3D Rigging
- 3D Animation
- Create Real Time 3D Assets
Graduate with a Professional Portfolio that includes:
- Showreel
- Online Folio
- Real Time Project ( Cinematic Animation, Game)
Student work: ‘Bunny Bug’ by Rosa Pallone and Shristy Shrestha
Imagine being connected to industry while you study. We've worked with...
How to apply
Here at AIT, we care about your creativity, not your ATAR. If you’re a domestic student, then you can apply directly to AIT or via UAC and VTAC. If you’re an international student, then our registered agent partners can help you to organise everything you’ll need for your AIT application and your application to study in Australia.
Find out exactly what studying at AIT will cost, with our transparent list of student fees plus learn more about the generous scholarships for both international and domestic students.
Student work: ‘Bunny Bug’ by Rosa Pallone and Shristy Shrestha
What'snext?What'snext?
Not sure what to explore next? Visit our connect page and choose your own adventure. Talk to someone about your study options, book a campus tour and have a look around, chat with a current AIT student or get started on your application.