Animation
Bachelor of Animation
Learning Mode
On Campus
Duration
2 Years (accelerated full-time) / 3 Years (standard full-time)
Start date
January, May, September
Qualification
Bachelor of Animation
Fees
UG – 29,072 AUD per year
Location
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
About the Course
The Bachelor of Animation at SAE is an immersive and highly practical degree designed for aspiring animators and visual effects artists. This comprehensive program delves into all facets of animation, from traditional 2D principles to advanced 3D modelling, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), and motion graphics. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Toon Boom Harmony, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine, developing a strong portfolio of creative and technical work. Taught by active animation professionals, this degree fosters artistic vision, technical proficiency, and collaborative skills, preparing you to contribute to the exciting global animation and visual effects industries.
Career prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Animation program are prepared for a diverse range of roles within the animation, visual effects, and gaming industries. The strong emphasis on both artistic and technical skills makes you a versatile professional. Potential job roles include: 2D/3D Animator, Character Animator, 3D Modeler, Rigger, Texture Artist, Lighting Artist, FX Artist, Compositor, Motion Graphics Designer, Storyboard Artist, Concept Artist, Pre-visualization (Pre-vis) Artist, and roles in game animation. Opportunities exist in animation studios, film and television production houses, advertising agencies, game development companies, and post-production studios, both domestically and internationally.
Why choose SAE for a Bachelor of Animation?
Industry Connected
Study with active professionals using industry tools, creating studio-quality animation and building strong networks.
Global Opportunities
Gain globally relevant animation skills and join a network of alumni working in studios worldwide.
Professional Accreditation
TEQSA-accredited, SAE’s animation program ensures industry-aligned, high-quality education and portfolio-driven career readiness.
Course Overview
The Bachelor of Animation at SAE offers a comprehensive and deeply practical learning experience, designed to cultivate skilled and creative animators. The program provides a strong foundation in both the artistic principles and technical workflows essential for animation production. Students will explore traditional drawing for animation, character design, visual storytelling, and key animation principles (e.g., timing, spacing, weight). Simultaneously, they will master industry-standard 2D and 3D software for modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lighting, rendering, and compositing. The curriculum is heavily project-based, culminating in a significant final portfolio of animated work, including short films or game sequences, showcasing their talent and technical proficiency.
Course Duration
Length of the course
- 2 years (accelerated full-time, by studying three trimesters per year).
- 3 years (standard full-time).
Mode of Study for international students:
- Full-time (on-campus at various locations; online study may have limitations for international student visa holders, consult SAE directly).
Course Curriculum
The Bachelor of Animation curriculum is structured around a progression from foundational skills to advanced specialization and professional project work, culminating in a strong portfolio.
Key Study Areas & Structure:
- Year 1: Foundations of Animation & Digital Art
- 2D Fundamentals & Traditional Animation Principles.
- Introduction to 3D Modelling & Digital Sculpting.
- Foundational Computer Graphics.
- Storytelling for Screens & Visual Communication.
- Character Design & Concept Art (introduction).
- Project Design and the Entrepreneur.
- Year 2: Core Animation & Production Pipeline
- Applied Animation Techniques (2D & 3D Character Animation).
- Rigging & Technical Animation.
- Digital Sculpting & PBR Texturing (Physically Based Rendering).
- Cinematic Animation & Pre-Visualisation (Pre-vis).
- Game Animation Principles & Implementation.
- Animation Production & Workflows.
- Year 3: Advanced specializations & Professional Portfolio (for 3-year standard pathway)
- Advanced Topics in Animation (e.g., FX, Compositing, Real-time Animation).
- Collaborative Creative Studio Projects (working with Film/Games/Audio students).
- Professional Practice for Animators.
- Creative Business Development & Marketing.
- Major Animation Project: Development and Production (a significant animated piece for the portfolio).
Admission Requirements
- Academic qualifications:
- Successful completion of Australian Year 12 (SACE, VCE, HSC, QCE, WACE, etc.) or an international equivalent.
- No specific ATAR is typically required; entry is often based on demonstrated creative aptitude and motivation.
- For non-school leavers, relevant work experience, prior qualifications, or a portfolio of creative work (e.g., drawings, digital art, short animations) may be considered.
- Portfolio/Interview:
- Applicants are often encouraged or may be required to submit a portfolio of creative work (e.g., sketches, digital drawings, character designs, short animation tests) or attend an interview to demonstrate their passion, artistic potential, and understanding of animation.
- Age Requirement:
- Applicants must typically be 17 years of age or older at the time of course commencement.
Language Proficiency
- English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL):
- For international students, demonstrated English language proficiency is required. Acceptable tests include IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.0, with no individual band score less than 5.5, or equivalent scores such as PTE Academic (overall 50, with no section less than 42) or TOEFL iBT (overall 60, with minimums: R8, L8, S16, W18).
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees:
- UG – 29,072 AUD per year (indicative for 2025) for full-time study. The total indicative course fee for 3 years (standard) is approximately 87,216 AUD. Fees are typically paid per trimester based on enrolled units.
Scholarships and Bursaries:
- SAE may offer various scholarships and bursaries for both domestic and international students, often based on merit, creative potential, or specific program pathways. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the SAE website or contact admissions for detailed information on available scholarships and their application processes, as opportunities may vary and are highly competitive.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Bachelor of Animation program are prepared for a diverse array of creative and technical roles within the global animation, visual effects (VFX), and interactive media industries. Potential job roles include:
- 2D Animator / 3D Animator: Bringing characters and objects to life for film, TV, games, and web.
- Character Modeler / 3D Modeler: Creating digital models of characters, props, and environments.
- Rigger / Technical Animator: Building control systems for character animation.
- Texture Artist / Surfacing Artist: Creating realistic or stylized surface details.
- Lighting Artist: Setting up digital lighting for scenes.
- FX Artist (Visual Effects): Creating simulations for elements like fire, water, smoke, and explosions.
- Compositor: Combining different visual elements into final shots.
- Motion Graphics Designer: Creating animated graphics for titles, commercials, and digital content.
- Storyboard Artist / Concept Artist: Visualizing scenes and creating preliminary designs.
- Pre-visualization (Pre-vis) Artist: Creating rough animated versions of scenes before full production.
- Junior Assembly & Layout Artist: Arranging elements within a scene. Industries that actively recruit SAE animation graduates include animation studios (feature film, TV series), VFX houses, game development companies, advertising agencies, digital content creation firms, and post-production facilities, both domestically and internationally.
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