Diploma in Animation

Visual Narrative

First things first. Learn the principles of visual storytelling, to story writing and visual narrative processes, and the goals and motivations of narrative designers and writers. Learn to collaborate effectively to realise a narrative vision when developing narrative projects.

Drawing Fundamentals

You’ll also develop core drawing skills and understanding of three-dimensional form through studio practice. Build your understanding of the common elements and vocabulary of art and design, and the principles of their interaction, through practice, critique and reflection.

Creative Technologies

Learn principles, techniques and technologies of visual communication design, and their relationship to animation, including building a common vocabulary and practical understanding of art and design concepts, and introductory knowledge of design process

2D Foundations

Learn to convey ideas through 2D animation by integrating traditional animation principles with analogue and digital techniques. Explore industry technologies, conventions and workflows with a focus on professional standards, production timeframes, and the expectations of contemporary studio and independent animation practice.

Animation, Motion and Performance

Develop foundational capability in character animation, with a focus on motion, performance, and believability within contemporary animation workflows. Explore fundamental animation principles, current tools and technologies, and industry-informed production processes to analyse briefs, create and refine character animation outcomes. Build the skills and conceptual understanding needed to produce character animation work aligned with industry expecations and emerging professional practice standards.

3D Foundations

Develop professional knowledge and skills required to produce industry‐standard digital 3D artworks and animation assets. This broad technical framework provides the skills and understanding required to progress to more advanced 3D projects requiring deeper technical knowledge, as well as more comprehensive integration of artistic and creative skills.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive the New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5)*.

**Exciting changes are on the way! We're updating this programme, and the changes are currently with NZQA for approval. Programme details on this page are subject to change.

Software:

Adobe: Photoshop, After Effects, Animate, Premiere, Audition; Audacity, Autodesk Maya, Z-brush Substance, ToonBoom.

Domestic students

• Tuition Fees: $11,964.09

*Fees are subject to change.

• Student Services Levy:

  • On Campus: $410.00

  • Online Only: $205.00

• Course Related Costs*: $361

*Course Related Cost  - Covers software licensing for student use on campus for the period of 1 year. This amount can be covered by StudyLink's courses related cost loan. 

International students

• Tuition Fees: $27,300 (NZD)

• Resource Fee: $2,000 (NZD)

• Enrolment Fee: $500 (NZD)

For more information, click here to download the international course costs PDF.

Please note fees are subject to change.

The academic entry for the programme is:

NCEA Level 3 with credits in a relevant subject (art, design or technology)

OR

Must have completed any of the following qualifications:

• New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4)

• New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 3)

• New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

• New Zealand Certificate in Creativity (Level 4)

OR

an equivalent qualification

International applicants must be 18 years or older and have proof that they have gained within the last 2 years and English language skills equivalent to IELT’s level 5.5 with no band score lower than 5.0