3D Animation & VFX for Film
Visual effects artists, animators and compositors create the fantastic worlds, superhuman feats and spectacular imagery that you see on the big (and small) screen. AIE's 3D Animation and Visual Effects for Film program runs over two years, full-time and is designed to get you into these industries. It is a practical course designed to give the best technical training using the latest, state-of-the-art technology.
This course has been written in consultation with leading film and visual effects studios, enabling you to complete impressive film projects that showcase your skills and create a professional show-reel to impress potential employers.
INTAKES | Feb 2020 Jul 2020 |
Content
Course Content
Stage One
Students develop their skills in 3D modelling, texturing, UVW unwrapping, rigging, animation, lighting, using cameras, rendering and compositing. Students will concept, model and animate character, design game levels, create high-detail creatures, build realistic environments and craft a short animated movie.
Stage Two
In year two, you’ll be set up to work in team-led structures much like real-world Industry workplaces. In addition to learning advanced high polygon modelling, realistic lighting, texturing and advanced realistic character animation, the course incorporates skills in organisation, time and project management.
The course trains you to articulate and present your ideas to peers. It will give you experience and tools for production, management and scriptwriting, essential skills for a number of career development and progression.
Short Film Production
This subject is the culmination of your studies at AIE where you will be working on a group project utilising the skills and knowledge you have developed through the course. You'll work with other students on a multi-disciplinary project. The project may be a Short Animation or a Visual Effects sequence.
You will be demonstrating knowledge of team collaboration, scheduling, and project development while leveraging the skills you have learned throughout the course to complete and deliver the film or Visual Effects project with your team.
Subjects
Subjects you will study
Stage One
- 3D Art Pipeline
- Health and Safety in the Office
- Principles of Animation
- Modelling and Texturing
- Character Pipeline
- Character Animation
- Digital Lighting and Compositing
- Storyboards
- Production Planning
- Production
Software
Careers
Your Career Opportunities
- Character Animator
- Environment Modeler
- Technical Director
- Fur/Feathers FX Artist
- Water FX Artist
- Modeler
- 3D Tracker/Match Mover
- Digital/Matte Painter
- Surfacing/Texture Painter
Graduates can be found working in the film, advertising and TV sectors. Common positions secured by graduates include animator, technical director, surfacing artist and modeller.
Some graduates also move into other fields including medical visualisation and simulations.
Entry
Entry Requirements
Entry for this course is based on:
- Interview - In the interview we are assessing your suitability for the course including any specific requirements you may have.
- Portfolio - we are looking for evidence of creativity which is demonstrated through a collection of works in a medium of your choosing.
- Copy of your Year 12 Certificate OR by achieving an Exit Level 3 score within the Australian Core Skills Framework assessments in reading and numeracy.
An Exit Level 3 score within the Australian Core Skills Framework assessments in reading and numeracy will show that you have the capability to be successful in this course. AIE can assist you with this assessment process if required and results will be reported to you as soon as practicable. As per the Department of Education and Training guidelines, assessment results are also available to the Department Secretary on request.
For more information on the interview and portfolio visit www.aie.edu.au/StudentInformation/InterviewPortfolio
Units
Units of Competency
Stage One
CUAIND502 | Maintain and apply creative arts industry knowledge |
CUAPPR505 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice |
BSBCRT501 | Originate and develop concepts |
CUAANM302 | Create 3D Digital animations |
CUAANM501 | Create 3D Digital character animation |
CUAPPM502 | Realise productions |
CUAANM303 | Create 3D Digital models |
CUAANM401 | Create Advanced 3D digital models |
CUAPPM407 | Create Storyboards |
BSBCMM401 | Make a presentation |
BSBDES501 | Implement design solutions |
BSBPMG522 | Undertake project work |
BSBDES402 | Interpret and respond to a design brief |
CUAACD301 | Produce drawings to communicate ideas |
ICTGAM531 | Complete compositing to create elements for the 3-D and digital effects environment |
Stage Two
CUAPPR603 | Engage in the business of creative practice |
CUAPPR505 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice |
CUAPPR605 | Evolve ideas for professional creative work |
BSBCRT501 | Originate and develop concepts |
CUAPPR502 | Develop own sustainable professional practice |
ICTGAM531 | Complete compositing to create elements for the 3-D and digital effects environment |
BSBPMG522 | Undertake project work |
CUAPPM502 | Realise productions |
BSBDES501 | Implement design solutions |
CUAANM501 | Create 3D digital character animation |
CUAWRT502 | Develop storylines and treatments |
CUAWRT601 | Write scripts |
CUAANM402 | Create digital visual effects |
CUAANM503 | Design animation and digital visual effects |
CUADRT601 | Establish the creative vision for screen productions |
CUAPPR606 | Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level |
Fees
OUR FEES
The VET Student Loans program allows eligible students enrolled in AIE's approved Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma courses to defer part of the cost of their tuition fees. Courses are subject to maximum loan caps and students will be required to pay any fee over and above that cap.
Maximum tuition fees for the intake commencing February 2020
Stage 1 - CUA51015 Diploma of Screen & Media $20,300 (2020)
Stage 2 - CUA60615 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media $21,500 (2021)
For more information please visit our VET Student Loans page
For more information on our tuition fees please visit our FEES page
VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements and a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.
More information on VET Student Loans and eligibility requirements can be found at www.education.gov.au/vet-student-loans
Please note:
- For current 2017 stage 1 students continuing into stage 2 in 2018, the maximum tuition fee for CUA60615 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media is $18,000.
- On successful completion of stage 1 of 3D Animation and VFX program, students will be awarded recognition of prior learning or credit transfer towards Stage 2 of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development.
NATIONALLY-ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS
This two-year, full-time program has been developed with industry and is delivered through the following qualifications:
- Stage 1 - Diploma of Screen & Media CUA51015. CRICOS CODE 096612M.
- Stage 2 - Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media CUA60615. CRICOS CODE 095767M.
Meet the teachers

Student Work

Student Work

Industry Experts
Ryan Ware
Senior Visual Effects Teacher

The Hobbit
Penguins of Madagascar
Ali Wetherell
3D Art Teacher

Fall Out Tactics
Scooby Doo
Little Mermaid
Craig Bentick
Design Teacher

Destroy All Humans
The Dark Knight Rises
London 2012 Olympics
Masha Juergens
Animation Teacher

Chronicles Of Narnia
Walking With Dinosaurs
Legend Of The Guardians
Hear from our students
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