Diploma of 3D Animation
With the ever-increasing demand for visually stunning digital content in entertainment, gaming, advertising, visual effects, and beyond, the need for skilled 3D animators is at an all-time high.
If you have a passion for bringing characters and worlds to life through cutting-edge technology, then pursuing a Diploma of 3D Animation at AIT could be the perfect way to turn your artistic vision into a rewarding and exciting career in professional creative and media industries.
- 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
- Home
- Courses
- 3D Animation
- Diploma of 3D Animation
- What To Expect
- Course Content
- Course Superpowers
- Industry Partners
- How To Apply
What To Expect
We have designed the Diploma of 3D Animation course to run just like the top professional animation studios. We assist students by guiding and supporting you as you step into the future of animation you’ve imagined for yourself, as you undertake our animation principles to gain industry knowledge.
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 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
AIT Campus
Two thirds of your animation course will be taught on campus in our industry-grade 3D animation studios, side by side with like-minded creatives.
We invest heavily in providing the latest professional-grade animation and game design software and hardware for animation courses to support student progression.
In our facilities you’ll gain access to animation studios with high end computers, state-of-the-art Post-Production studio for visual effects, green screen rooms, audio studios and consoles to multi-play your own games as you grow into becoming a professional 3d animator.
We want you to fully experience, experiment and create masterpieces using our facilities so your projects are rendered to the highest industry standards
Our Cloud Campus
All of your 3D Animation course material is accessible through our cloud campus, a space that is specifically designed for high-quality online education. As a student, you’ll be able to access all course material, including videos and interactive activities, via the cloud campus.
In addition, you’ll have access to discussion boards, video meeting facilities, email facilities, library resources, assessment and study support, technical assistance, and welfare services. We understand that selecting the right place to study in Australia is a significant decision, and we invite you to visit AIT on the ground and in the cloud before beginning the application process.
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
3D Character Lab
You will learn the entire 3D workflow (pipeline) required to create your own uniquely designed 3D character animation. The areas covered include props and background development, using industry standard 3D software, 3D interface navigation, fundamental 3D theory, character animation design, modelling, texturing, lighting, skinning, camera animation and rendering. These essential skills will provide a firm foundation for creating 3D objects and characters.
Key professional skills development:
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Project management basics
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Presentation skills
- Naming conventions and file management
Screen Evolution
Visual Storytelling
Trimester 2 - Refine
ELECTIVE PATH 1: Game Scripting
If you choose Game Scripting as your elective, you will be introduced to the core concepts and fundamentals in a game studio environment. Game design principles involve acquiring fundamental knowledge of game-specific programming languages, understanding data types and how to manipulate them with functions and variables using those languages, and an understanding of scripting game logic. You will build game functionality to create games within the game engine; an essential skill for game designers to master.
Key professional skills development:
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Problem-solving skills
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Debugging
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Professional communication
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Peer evaluation
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Iteration
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Application of feedback
ELECTIVE PATH 2: Concept Design
3D Animation Mechanics
3D Rigging
Trimester 3 - Produce
Lab Option 1: Game Development Lab
Immersive Animation Experience
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:
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Collaboration
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Planning
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Project management
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Agile methodology
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Presentation and professional communication skills
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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
Animation requires an understanding of acting techniques for the effective application of gesture, posture, facial expressions and voice intonation. This subject 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.
Study advanced 2D character design and immerse yourself into a visual playground while becoming a character artist to develop a character through the production cycle to completion.
For successful completion, work on real time animation workflows and advanced animation tools which include storyboard and animatic 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:
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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 and self-reflection
Student work: ‘Jeff and Henry’ by Nathan Myihtoi and Matthew Deligeorges
CourseSuperpowersCourseSuperpowers
At the completion of this course:
You could work in the following roles:
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3D Modeller
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3D Artist (Generalist)
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Confidently use software, including:
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Autodesk Maya
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Adobe suite (including Substance)
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Master technical skills including:
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3D Modelling
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UV Unwrapping
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Standard Surfacing
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Lighting and Rendering
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Graduate with a Professional Portfolio that includes:
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Showreel
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Online Folio
Student work: ‘Soul Seeker’ by Andrew Chiu, Lachlan Canning, Zijian He, Kai Johns, Daniel Miller & Giovanni Pedalino
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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.