Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
Undergraduate
CUR-AGD-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Create a new world with game design or animation
Be drawn in by a field which combines project management, technical expertise and creative storytelling. Work in an exciting fast-evolving industry, perhaps as an animator, 3D artist, motion graphics designer, visual effects artist or educator.
Entry pathways available with no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 18 May 2025,
- 17 Aug 2025,
- 16 Nov 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
About this degree
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- apply narrative communication skills through visual and interactive mediums; understand the fundamentals of communication; contribute to cultural production through creation of animation and game projects
- think critically and reflectively to explore animation and communication design solutions
- investigate and evaluate a range of solutions to creative problems, using appropriate technologies and investigative techniques
- clearly communicate concept, narrative, theme and issues through animated and interactive mediums, and effectively create outcomes appropriate for a wide audience
- use appropriate technical skills in the production of interactive or visual narrative communication mediums; use and discern tools and technologies appropriate for the production execution
- demonstrate a range of abilities in knowledge acquisition for the production of projects; recognise the importance of self-directed learning for technical and creative projects, and the development of lifelong learning skills
- recognise cultural differences for narrative construction for game and animation, and communication of global issues; apply international conventions and standards in individual projects
- recognise the significance cultural diversity plays in the construction of narratives; respect individuals from all cultures; apply cultural understanding to narrative-based projects
- work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating leadership skills in group projects; demonstrate professional processes and practices for project developments and collaborative environments.
The Game and Animation Design major allows students to specialise in the engaging area of visual narrative communication through the means of animation design and development, as well as game design and development. This programme will provide the opportunity to learn theory and fundamentals relevant to visual narrative construction, through the mediums of 2D animation, 3D animation, VFX production, Game design and development and virtual and immersive world design.
Recommended study pattern
To complete level one subjects full time - we recommend you enrol in:
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (core subject)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (core subject)
- VAR101 Art and Design Fundamentals (core subject)
- VIS18 Introduction to History of Art and Design (core subject)
Level two and three: study eight major subjects in sequential order along side eight electives
Award requirements
To obtain the award for the BA (Animation and Game Design), students must complete a total of 24 subjects (600 credits) as follows:
Level One (200 credits)
- APC100 Academic and Professional Communications (25 credits)
- COM155 Culture to Cultures (25 credits)
- VAR101 Art and Design Fundamentals (25 credits)
- VIS18 Historical Issues in Art and Design (25 credits)
- DIG10 Game Design Introduction (25 credits)
- DIG12 Digital Design Process (25 credits)
- Two elective subjects (25 credit each = 50 credits)
Levels Two and Three (400 credits)
- Complete four level two major subjects (100 credits) AND
- Four level three major subjects (100 credits) AND
- Eight elective subjects (200 credits)
Note: The OUA electives must be completed at an undergraduate level. It is recommended that only 4 of these electives are chosen from 1st year level subjects.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
We recommend that all students, as soon as they are eligible, should apply for and take a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP). However, if you choose not to be a CSP student, please contact Curtin through the Ask Connect webform and select the Admissions and Credit for Recognised Learning - Entry pathways and eligibility menu option.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$7,999
Indicative total fee $23,996
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 14
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 15
Entry requirements
Start small with no entry requirements
Yes, you can get into this degree!
Start with an undergraduate certificate regardless of your ATAR or study history. Here’s how:
Undergraduate certificate
Start with a certificate
Complete an undergraduate certificate in as little as six months. You'll gain a recognised qualification and credit to bring to the Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design).
View certificate detailsContinue to the Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
Enter the degree with full credit from your certificate. You'll study for the same amount of time as students who go straight into the degree.
- Successful completion of one full time semester (four standard subjects) towards an Undergraduate or higher level of study at an Australian University (separate evidence of English proficiency is not required)
- Successful completion of four OUA degree level subjects at pass level (this satisfies the English language proficiency requirement) OR
Successful completion of two OUA degree level subjects with separate evidence of English proficiency is required
- Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) 70 or equivalent. Students must have English ATAR, Literature ATAR or English as an Additional Language/Dialect ATAR. To determine your eligibility for entry please refer to Interstate Year 12 and IB Students, TISC Tertiary Institutions Service Centre Prerequisites
Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma. You may also be eligible for credit toward your university study
Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate IV and evidence of English proficiency.
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
- Finished secondary education more than two years ago
- Bridging and enabling degree entry
- Curtin Enabling Program: UniReady
- Enabling degrees completed through other Australian Universities which meet minimum entry requirements for that institution will be accepted as minimum entry requirements for this degree.
Additional Information
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Centre for Aboriginal Studies
- Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications
- English language proficiency
Applicants need to meet Curtin's English Language requirements. You normally need ONE of the following:
- Must have a 50% minimum in English ATAR (or equivalent).
- Completion of at least one full time semester (or equivalent) of Undergraduate level studies at an Australian University
- Completion of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Associate Diploma
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects via Open Universities Australia (OUA) and English proficiency
- Successful completion of two degree level subjects at an Australian university and English proficiency
- Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). (Please note this test is valid for two years.)
Please refer to the 'Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements' document at English Language Requirements.
*** Please Note: If any academic or legal document is not in English, you must provide a colour scan of the non-English documents, including a colour scan of the official English translations of these documents. This is for comparison purposes. ***
Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) is assessed on individual merit and is awarded for different types of learning, for example, studies you have previously completed or for relevant work experience.
Students must be admitted in an award degree of study before lodging their completed CRL application, along with all required supporting documentation for a formal assessment.
To apply for CRL, please visit the Curtin University website: Credit for Recognised Learning (Advanced Standing)
It is important to note accepted documentation includes scans of the original Transcripts and/or Award Certificate; front and back; in colour; and original size. For further information see the scanned documents and certification requirements and guidelines.
More information about the policies and procedures related to CRL assessment and appealing a CRL assessment outcome can be found in the Credit for Recognised Learning Policy (PDF).
Career opportunities
You may pursue a rewarding career in the Animation and Game Design industry which may include working as a 2D/3D Animator, Game Designer, 3D Artist, Visual Effects Artist, Motion Graphics Designer, Art Director, Educator.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Game and Multimedia Developers | N/A^ | N/A^ |
Graphic and Web Designers, and Illustrators | $75K to $93K | Down 9% |
Multimedia Specialists and Web Developers | $93K to $120K | Up 22.5% |
^ There is no data available
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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