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Diploma in 3D Animation

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  • NZQA: Approved Level 6 (160 credits)
  • Duration: 40 weeks
  • Fees: $10,040 (NZD) | $23,000 (international students)
  • Next intake: 27 August 2012 (International applicants only) - view intake calendar

    • Diploma in 3D Animation

    Please browse the course calendar below and note which intake works for you.

    Course Start Course Duration Course Application Deadline
    27 August 2012 (International applicants only) 40 weeks

Course Description

Our Diploma of 3D Animation is New Zealand’s top 3D animation qualification. For over a decade our students have gone on to win prestigious awards and work in some of the top animation companies in the world.

During your 40-week programme you’ll learn all the essentials of 3D Computer Graphics – these include organic and inorganic modelling, texture mapping and shaders, animation and rigging, and lighting and rendering.

You’ll also learn how to master the tools-of-the-trade such as Maya and Photoshop, producing beautiful work that will form your end-of-year show reel. And you’ll be guided by your lecturers every step of the way – they don’t just teach, they mentor and will introduce you to all the latest industry techniques.

Included in our 3D animation programme is a helpful four-week introduction into the fundamentals of photography and lighting, tutorials and exercises using After Effects, and Life Drawing classes. This will create a great foundation for your career to come.

By the second part of the programme you’ll be ready to bring the skills you’ve learnt to life in a major 12-week 3D production project. The direction your end-of-year project takes – such as modelling and texturing or animation and rigging – is usually determined by what fits your creative style, skill set and interests best. It’s up to you what you want to focus on.

Student Work view student work Student Work view student work

Career Paths

Graduates of 3D Animation may finish with the skills and ability to start their career as a:

  • 3D Animator (Entry Level)
  • 3D Modeler (Entry Level)

Course Breakdown

Intro and Modelling Weeks 1-9

You’ll begin your progrmme by getting used to the tools of the trade, including both practical and theory components for Maya, Photoshop, After Effects and practical Photography. Then in week 5 you’ll move onto organic and inorganic modelling, a core skill for 3D animation.

Rigging and Animation Weeks 10-19

Starting with your first Pre-Production (relating to your final 12-week end of year project) in week 10, you’ll then move through the principles and practical techniques of both rigging and animation. Including: Rigging techniques (covering goals and ideas), principles of animation, blocking and smoothing, timing and facial animation.

Texture, Lighting and Rendering Weeks 20-27

Week 20 starts with your second Pre-Production session, then learn the skills behind texturing, lighting and rendering – including: storyboarding, lighting techniques and practices, shading models and materials, UV layout, texture painting, rendering techniques and troubleshooting

Final Production Weeks 28-40

Week 28 starts with your final Pre-Production week, before launching into the production for your 12-week, end-of-year 3D project itself that will hone and showcase the skills you’ve learnt. You’ve got until week 40 to meet the deadline!

Entry Requirements

Age: 17 (domestic), 18 (international)

To take our 3D Animation course you must have a creative mind, strong artistic skills and an intermediate level of computing knowledge in a graphical software such as Photoshop. Experience with 3D software is advantageous but not essential.

Portfolio Requirements: 

The portfolio must consist of sketches, paintings, illustrations or drawings, as well as digital imagery such as animations or other computer generated artwork. You can download our 3D-based project brief here to demonstrate competency if you have no existing portfolio work. Applicants must also be able to show they have a sufficient level of practical English in written, oral and comprehension form, as indicated by a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.