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.

Intake Dates
  • 27 May 2024
  • 16 September 2024
  • 3 February 2025

Duration & Location

  • 1 Year Full time
  • 2 years Part time
  • ⅔ face-to-face on campus | ⅓ online
  • What To Expect
  • Course Content
  • Course Superpowers
  • 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_BLACK

    Technical Instruction - Experienced knowledgeable educators

  • Creative Teamwork_BLACK

    Creative Teamwork - Teams of like-minded collaborators

  • Current Knowledge_BLACK

    Current Knowledge - Current software, technology and insights

  • Professional Skills_BLACK

    Professional Skills - Embedded employability training

  • Skills Practice_BLACK

    Skills practice - Practical hands-on learning

  • Project Work_BLACK

    Project work - relevant project-based assessments

Software we'll provide
  • Adobe_Photoshop_CC_icon

    Adobe Photoshop

  • Toon Boom

    Toon Boom Harmony

  • Toon Boom

    Toon Boom Storyboard Pro

  • Adobe_Premiere_Pro_CC_icon

    Adobe Premiere Pro

  • CeltX logo

    Celtx

  • Technical Instruction_BLACK

    Technical Instruction - Experienced knowledgeable educators

  • Creative Teamwork_BLACK

    Creative Teamwork - Teams of like-minded collaborators

  • Current Knowledge_BLACK

    Current Knowledge - Current software, technology and insights

  • Professional Skills_BLACK

    Professional Skills - Embedded employability training

  • Skills Practice_BLACK

    Skills practice - Practical hands-on learning

  • Project Work_BLACK

    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.

Copy of AIT Mel rooms 2023 by Homepix Photography 0171

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

01_AIT_Bachelor_and_Diploma_Page_Your_Learning_Platform_Image_(Canvas)_Website_604x340_Apr2023

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 IT Experts_AMBER
    Mentorship from Professional Animators
  • Simulated Studio Environments on Campus_AMBER
    Simulated Studio Environments on Campus
  • Using industry-grade tools_AMBER
    Using Industry-grade Tools
  • Professional Guest Speakers_AMBER
    Professional Guest Speakers
Select...
  • 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: 

  • Responding to feedback

  • Iterative design

  • Reflection

  • 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: 

  • Creative thinking

  • Professional communication

  • Research

  • Plot analysis

  • The ability to communicate stories through concepts

2D Animation Mechanics

Screenwriting

Trimester 3 - Produce

01_AIT_Performance_Animation_Lab-Immersive_Animation_Experience_1_328x365_Mar2023.jpg

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:  

  • Aspects of planning

  • Professional communication

  • Problem-solving

  • Conflict resolution

  • Self-reflection

Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges

CourseSuperpowers
CourseSuperpowers

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…

  • bim_melb_creativa
  • 2d_melb_cultural_infusion
  • 2d_syd_cheeky_little_media
  • 2d_syd_kapow
  • bim_syd_flying bark studios

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

2D illustration of characters in a kitchen

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.