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.
STUDY FREE
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
NZQA Level 7 Certification (120 Credits)
Advanced
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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
STUDY FREE
$ENQUIRE
Interested in this course? Enquire now for Domestic & International pricing
Free study? Yep, it’s possible. Find out if you qualify.
NZQA Level 7 Certification (120 Credits)
Advanced
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Core skills this course teaches
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
Find these employment opportunities
3D Animator3D ModellerVisual Effects ArtistTechnical ArtistCompositorArt DirectorSurface ArtistGame Design roles
