Diploma of 2D Animation
Unlock your creativity and bring animations to life with a Diploma of 2D Animation course at AIT. Learn the technical skills required to accelerate your animation career, guided by industry professionals, using high quality industry standard equipment.
- 3 February 2025
- 26 May 2025
- 15 September 2025
Duration & Location
- 1 Year Full time
- 2 years Part time
- ⅔ face-to-face on campus | ⅓ online
- Home
- Courses
- 2D Animation
- Diploma of 2D Animation
- What To Expect
- Course Content
- Course Outcomes
- Industry Partners
- How to Apply
What To Expect
Our comprehensive animation program covers the fundamental principles and technical skills of animation, character design, and industry-standard software. Collaborate with like-minded students, work on real-world projects, and receive feedback from experienced industry professionals. By the end of the program, graduates will have a strong portfolio and the skills necessary to pursue careers in the dynamic and exciting field of 2D animation.
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
Adobe Photoshop
Toon Boom Harmony
Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro
Celtx
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
AIT Campus
Two thirds of your course will be taught on campus in our industry-grade 2D Animation studios, side by side with like-minded creatives.
In today’s world of 2D animation, the technology and software you use can make all the difference – and that’s why we at AIT invest heavily in providing our students with the latest and greatest professional-grade tools for all of our animation courses.
In our facilities with access to our animation studios, equipped with high-end computers, animation light boxes, and clay modelling equipment, as well as our state-of-the-art post-production studio, green screen rooms, and audio studios, you’ll have everything you need to bring your vision to life and make your magic.
Our Cloud Campus
Experience the convenience and flexibility of online learning with our cloud campus – a space designed for high-quality virtual education. Access all your 2D animation course material, including interactive activities, videos, and discussion boards, as well as email, library, and technical support services, all in one place.
Our cloud campus also offers assessment and study support, as well as access to welfare services to ensure you receive the support you need to succeed. We understand choosing where to study 2D animation is a big decision, so why not try out your new cloud campus before enrolling?
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.
- Mentorship from Professional Animators
- Simulated Studio Environments on Campus
- Using Industry-grade Tools
- Professional Guest Speakers
- Trimester 1 - Learn
- Trimester 2 - Refine
- Trimester 3 - Produce
Trimester 1 - Learn
Creative Drawing Lab
The Creative Drawing Lab introduces the primary skills required to create drawings for animation. It explores a variety of theories, styles, elements and practices of drawing and how to apply them to different genres, themes and mediums. You will learn the principles of animation as well as the sequencing of art for telling a story.
Key professional skills development:
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Responding to feedback
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Iterative design
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Reflection
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Concept communication
Screen Evolution
Visual Storytelling
Trimester 2 - Refine
Concept Design
You will learn the skills involved in the creation of characters and environments for animation worlds. The backgrounds and objects that provide the setting for animated action require careful artistic treatment and have a significant influence on the look and feel of animated films.
Character design also requires specific skills in creating expression, implying the history and culture of characters and suggesting traits and attributes. You will design and refine environments and characters, costumes and props, exploring the finer details of animated worlds.
Key professional skills development:
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Creative thinking
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Professional communication
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Research
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Plot analysis
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The ability to communicate stories through concepts
2D Animation Mechanics
Screenwriting
Trimester 3 - Produce
Performance Animation Lab
Immersive Animation experience
In order to effectively apply gesture, posture, facial expressions, and voice intonation in animation, a solid understanding of acting techniques is required. The Immersive Animation Experience explores performance concepts and provides guidance on how to apply acting techniques to animated characters.
Students will have the opportunity to research and analyse animated characters in terms of their movement, unique characteristics, and vocal and visual styles. Additionally, you will study advanced 2D character design and develop a character through the entire production cycle, including advanced storyboard and animatic production.
Throughout the process, you will receive briefs that require you to respond with variations of style and genre, as well as modify your work based on peer and professional feedback. Mood, environment, and context will also be taken into consideration when developing the character design.
Key professional skills development:
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Aspects of planning
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Professional communication
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Problem-solving
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Conflict resolution
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Self-reflection
Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges
CourseOutcomesCourseOutcomes
At the completion of this course:
You could work in the following roles:
- Junior Animator
- Junior Storyboard Artist/Revisionist
- Junior Concept Artist
- Junior Scriptwriter
Confidently use software, including:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Toon Boom Storyboard Pro
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Celtx
Master technical skills including:
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Character Posing
- Perspective
- Colour Harmony
- Character and Location Artwork Creation
- Digital Hand-drawn Animation
Graduate with a Professional Portfolio that includes:
- Animation Character design
- Animation Character turnaround
- An Animatic
- Location Concept art
- Script sample
- Animation Storyboards
- Short Performance Animation
Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges
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: ‘Hairy Situation’ by Shaleise-Rose Leishman
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.