Advanced 3D Productions

Overview

Graduate Diploma of Advanced 3D Productions
Duration: 80 weeks

Our two-year Graduate Diploma of Advanced 3D Productions is New Zealand’s première specialist 3D design course. The recently developed programme is producing graduates with more sophisticated levels of 3D production school training and capability over a wider range of specific skills, significant team production experience, and demonstrable 3D design specialisation (compositing, modeling, texturing etc).

The 3D design industry is growing in New Zealand and to continue this, the industry needs a sustainable pool of talent with the necessary 3D production skills readily available; our Graduate Diploma in Advanced 3D Productions is well placed to provide this.

First Year

Alongside students studying the 40 week Diploma of 3D Computer Animation, you will study 3D production techniques and applications using AutoDesk Maya, these include modeling, texturing, animation and rendering. You’ll learn and apply this knowledge in a production environment completing short individual exercises and projects, including a Stop Motion production.

You’ll then move into 3D design areas such as texture mapping, rigging, lighting and character animation and gain an understanding of inverse kinematics, morph targets, facial animation controllers and particles. Your first year culminates with a 14-week individual 3D production school project.

Second Year

Your focus will shift upwards from Year One as you learn about organic modelling, anatomical studies, 3D visual effects, physics simulations, multipass rendering and compositing, and 3D integration with live footage.

There is a considerable emphasis on team projects for external clients (or partners) that exhibit the sort of production pipelines indicative of the pressures and deadlines you’d expect in the industry, and that involve a large degree of research and development, creativity and innovation.

This migration from individual (Year One) to team production (Year Two) will put you in a position to play a key specialist technical role in realising complex pieces of work. This experience, coupled with knowledge of more 3D software programmes such as Z-Brush and Maya Unlimited will also open up wider and higher level industry opportunities.

On Graduation you will be well prepared and experienced for 3D positions in the New Zealand entertainment, advertising, scientific, architectural and medical professions.

School Admission Requirements

Age

Minimum 18 years

Advanced 3D Productions Prerequisites

A tertiary degree, (preferably in the creative or digital content fields), or you need to demonstrate that you have the equivalent in relevant industry experience and/or skills including a strong working knowledge of Autodesk Maya. 

If you’re applying without a tertiary degree you must have a written endorsement from your tertiary providers and/or employer endorsing your application for study on a graduate programme that requires critical thinking, analytical rigour and intellectual independence.

All applicants must meet all prerequisites including submitting their portfolio/showreel of creative/technical work, providing evidence and grades of a prior tertiary qualification and/or resume of work experience.

Graduates who have attained level 6 or above specialist diplomas in 3D animation may be considered for entry into the second year of the qualification. The MDS Diploma of 3D Computer Animation is suitable for any applicant who does not meet the above requirements. Having completed the Diploma of 3D Animation, students may apply to then transfer to this programme and have their components of the diploma level qualification cross-credited.

Portfolio Requirements

Relevant visual work such as 2D and 3D animation, computer generated imagery and digital media.