Animation & visual design courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Animation & visual design
Through the use of 3D animation and visual effects, society can tell powerful stories, communicate with astounding clarity, and visualise what's not yet possible in the physical world. Not only is there opportunity in entertainment and advertising—dynamic visualisation is crucial to industries such as medicine, architecture, and product design.
Opportunities for graduates are boundless, so get started today by exploring our animation courses, visual effects courses, and similar courses in digital media.
Explore animation & visual design courses
Discover animation & visual design courses
Online animation & visual design subjects and short courses
Professional trainingAXI-UX-T
- Duration:
- From 12 weeks
- Price:
- From $8,999
- Start dates:
- Any time
Professional trainingAXI-GD-T
- Duration:
- From 12 weeks
- Price:
- From $8,999
- Start dates:
- Any time
Animation and Motion Graphics Design
UndergraduateCUR-DIG28
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 25 Nov 2024, 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Next enrolment closes 17 Nov
UndergraduateTAS-ZAT122
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 24 Feb 2025
UndergraduateCUR-DIG12
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 03 Mar 2025, 01 Sep 2025
UndergraduateUSA-GRAP2035
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 30 Jun 2025
Online animation & visual design degrees
UndergraduateCSU-ART-DEG
Prepare for life and work with the ultimate skill set
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Game Design)
UndergraduateCUR-AGD-DEG
Create a new world with game design or animation
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateTUA-DGD-DIP
Learn graphic design to craft compelling visuals
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Design
UndergraduateUSC-BSD-DEG
Business skills to enhance your creative career
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
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Animation & visual design study FAQs
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Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
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There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
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We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you. - You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
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Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
What you'll learn
Courses will typically begin with the basics, teaching you to generate a concept and craft an engaging narrative. You'll also delve into the principles of general design, character design and motion. Once the basics are in place, you'll move into key areas of the course, and learn the associated tools and technologies. These key areas include:
- Animation
- Visual effects (VFX)
- 3D modelling and rendering
- Specialist areas, e.g. texture and lighting
- Production planning
- To ensure you exit the course with work to show, you may undertake subjects that help you plan and develop your personal portfolio.
Visualise the end goal
If you're pining for a career in the film, television or advertising industry, there are a range of pathways for graduates of animation and visual effects:
- Animator - Bring characters and objects to life by simulating movement and emotion.
- Visual effects artist - Manipulate video to create effects that were not captured during filming.
- 3D modelling and rigging - Create 3D puppet-like assets, ready for use in animation. Concept artist - Create a look and feel for the production.
- Storyboard artist - Plan how a production plays out, shot by shot.
- Specialist artistic roles - Refine the finer details, such as texture and lighting.
- Compositor - Use a well-rounded skill set to finalise each scene.
- Production roles - Manage the logistics of production.
Graduates may also find themselves in visualisation and simulation roles, working in areas such as medicine, or design fields like architecture, product design, industrial design, or theatrical set design.
Student stories and study advice
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How to make a graphic design portfolio
We break down the essential components of a graphic design portfolio, then give you guidance on selecting your best work and presenting each piece.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
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