Design

Diploma of 3D Design and Animation

CRICOS 103343J

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What is a Diploma of 3D Design and Animation?

A Diploma of 3D Design and Animation provides a base of knowledge around general 3D principles and practice, as well as an introduction to specialist areas in the field. You’ll study the basics of modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lighting and composition. Completing a Diploma of 3D Design and Animation provides accreditation to continue studying or take on an entry-level position in the field. Please note that some specialised subjects may be delivered online only.

During the course, you'll develop a portfolio to show off your creative potential and help you start your career in the design sector. Under the mentorship of our academic team and industry partners you'll learn how to tell stories, bring characters and digital worlds to life and respond to client briefs. You'll also develop a theoretical and technical base of knowledge of general 3D principles and practice, along with an introduction to specialist areas within the field.

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Learning outcomes

Build a strong foundation of cutting-edge 3D principles and practice.
Learn the foundations of procedural modelling and animation from a Houdini-certified school.
Develop 3D skills and pipelines to work with game development and real-time animation workflows.
Work with industry-standard creative processes, advanced challenges and briefs.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You'll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you're studying Design with us.

Houdini SideFX certified school

Gain free access to the award-winning industry-standard Houdini SideFX platform.

Rookies-awarded school

We consistently appear in the Rookies World School Rankings, the international ranking of creative media and entertainment schools.

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Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated

Start date

18 Sep 2023

19 Feb 2024

3 June 2024

16 Sep 2024

View all key dates

Fees

View fees

This is an AQF Level 5 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd T/A Billy Blue College of Design.

*For more details on international student study options.

Learn from practicing animators

Our lecturers bring their professional experience into the classroom, with most being industry practitioners or running their own studios.

Develop industry-ready skills

Get hands-on in professional studios, mastering the software and practices used to create 2D and 3D animations.

Guaranteed pathway entry into a bachelor's degree

Take your credits and pathway directly into the second year of our bachelor's program.

David Sujono talks us through his experience studying at Billy Blue and shares some of his recent work.

Career opportunities

The course is a stepping stone towards an exciting career in 3D design and animation as well as an entry point into one of our Bachelor degrees. You can find opportunities within a dedicated film or broadcast postproduction, animation, visual effects or game studio environment, or alternatively as an in-house specialist working for organisations in a range of industries.

Potential career paths

Concept Artist
Average salary: $102,500
3D Animator
Average salary: $55,000 - $95,000
3D Game Artist
Average salary: $76,250 - $100,450
3D Modeler
Average salary: $76,250 - $100,450

Learn more about careers in Design

Showcase

David Sujono

David has a passion for filmmaking and 3D animation, which truly stands out in his work. After he graduates, David aspires to freelance filmmaking and plans to open his own motion design studio.

Showcase

Matthew Hopkins

Through collaboration and mentoring by FutureDeluxe, Matthew's XLabs Motion Idents project was a finalist in the 2021 Rookie of the Year Motion Graphics, also taking out the judges' Draft Select Pick.

Showcase

ivica Gokchevski

Ivica is a talented 3D designer and animator who completed an internship with Billy Blue Creative during his course. He continued to seize opportunities, eventually collaborating with the fashion label HoMie.

Showcase

Lok Sang Ho

Lok's passion lies within VFX and 3D modelling. In 2021, he participated in the SideFX Mardini Challenge using Houdini and won the Iron Heart award.

3D Design and Animation | Huang Chin | Torrens University

Showcase

Hung-Chin Chen

An artist, illustrator and motion graphics designer, Hung-Chin's work is identifiable by her playful and colourful style. Hung-Chin bases her visual storytelling on elements of connection with others and cultural values.

Subjects and units

This course comprises of three core subjects and nine specialisation subjects.

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising three hours of facilitated study and seven hours self-directed study.

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Core
Specialisations

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Requirements

Complete three core subjects. Additionally, you're required to complete nine specialisation subjects from the specialisation tab.

Core subjects

Design Studio 1 | DSO102

This subject explores the relationship between materials and storytelling. It introduces students to the attributes of materiality and encourages them to re-imagine the possibilities of creating through making. Students will explore the art of paper folding, developing skills and taking creative risks. These results will be captured digitally and altered using the appropriate software. Individual tasks allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties, and the sustainable manufacturing processes related to them. Students will progress towards determining suitable materials in which to construct their final model with its form and function contextualised and supported by a documented process journal. Their final submission will be a model that reminds us that stories which fill our lives are not only spoken and written but sometimes are best told through craft.
Digital Design Foundations | DGDDD100

This subject introduces a core set of industry-standard specialist design software tools. The emphasis of this subject is on building a comprehensive familiarity with these tools and features so that their application becomes second nature and can be treated as part of the overall creative tool kit.

Students will work through a range of small exercises to cement their learning and to build their working knowledge by experimenting with the different tools and techniques. Students will then combine these tools and techniques to explore print and screen-based projects and in doing so, become aware of how to create flexible visual outcomes not wedded to single-use mediums
Design Studio 2 | DSO103

Design Studio 2 offers an introduction to the building blocks of creating and developing brands and is designed to give students a broad understanding of the stages and methodologies adopted in the brand development process. The subject draws on the theory and practice that sits behind brand creation. It covers the broad spectrum of brand development, values, trends and branding techniques, as well as fundamentals such as brand positioning and brand architecture. The subject also explores the relationship between branding and audiences, cross-cultural influences and shifts in consumer behaviour. Students must first understand and apply the fundamentals of branding and then go on to use that knowledge as the basis for developing and progressing a brand. This theoretical and practical subject will equip students with the knowledge and insight with which to build their own branding expertise.

Requirements

Complete nine specialisation subjects.

Specialisation subjects

2D Asset Creation | ACR101

2D Visual Asset Generation utilises traditional art foundation theories and contextualises these practices for the digital domain. Students will create artefacts in digital formats for a variety of uses including concept art, pixel art, in-game assets, colour keys, user interface flow diagrams and more. Practical applications of art specifically for games will also be covered such as the basics of 2D digital animation. Students will receive critique from lecturers and learn to evaluate their own artwork with a critical eye.
3D Asset Creation | ACR103

3D Asset Creation expands on the knowledge gained in the 2D Asset Creation (ACR101) and allows the students to utilise industry standard 3D modelling tools and techniques to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Students will critique artefacts which utilise the concepts or form, function, and silhouette learned through the underpinning knowledge gained in the previous components.
Game Design Principles | GDP102

Game Design Principles introduces students to game design foundations, techniques and paradigms through a series of lecture-led and student-led activities. Students will explore game design principles through the analysis of existing game artefacts, applying those findings to the development of their own games. Students are introduced to a variety of analysis, development and presentation techniques encouraging discussion, creation and dissemination of their design choices through prototyping and documentation.
Animation Principles | ANP100

This subject explores the fundamental principles and a variety of techniques to produce animations within 3D software. This subject introduces the fundamental concepts and ideas relating to keyframe based animations such as speed, ease and velocity. Students are also introduced to alternative methods of animation including expressions and custom scripting, procedural and dynamics based animations. These skills are designed to expand student awareness of applying animation to a wide range of potential outcomes such as game design, broadcast motion design, social media, branded identity or advertising.
Work Integrated Learning | WIL100

This subject is designed to provide students with professional experience in an area related to their field of study or the career they are working towards. Within the framework of an industry brief in conjunction with an industry client, students will learn how to unpack a defined challenge into achievable outcomes and use this framework to guide the creative process and final deliverable.

Students will develop presentation techniques and objectively respond to constructive criticism and feedback. This experience will enhance work-ready skills and allow students to see first-hand how their learning translates into practice.
Game Production Foundation | GPF104

Game Production Foundation combines art assets and basic scripting, enabling students to recognise how user experience is affected through art, design, and code. Utilising game development techniques and tools, students will create their own games, which requires a multifaceted approach including the following: project management, art and design theory, user interaction, menu systems, audio integration, scripting, game design and release. These trans-disciplinary artefacts scaffold the student’s knowledge for when they will interact with other disciplines in a professional development environment.
Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100

This subject introduces a wide array of emerging trends and interdisciplinary career opportunities that sit outside traditional creative industries. This subject explores the intersection of technology and design across a range of industries looking beyond the field of entertainment. Students broaden their understanding of potential career opportunities by challenging existing stereotypes where specialist technical skills are utilised. Students are encouraged to investigate case studies, identify emergent trends and examine strategies to develop, navigate and cultivate collaborations with professionals from other specialisations.
Digital Portfolio and Showreel | DPO100

This subject focuses on developing a digital portfolio or showreel to enhance employability outcomes for students specialising in fields such as UX and Web Design, 3D Design and Animation, and Film and Video. This subject identifies the requirements and approaches to both freelance and studio employment in conjunction with investigating trends and emerging technologies to inform entrepreneurial attributes. This subject culminates with students developing their personal brand, identifying an emerging gap in the market and packaging their work into a portfolio or showreel as the central piece used to engage with future work opportunities.
Procedural Geometry and Workflow | PGW200

This subject covers the theory and methodology of 3D procedural geometry and animation workflows which enable students to develop 3D models, assets and content in a programmatic way as opposed to a linear asset development path or individual asset sculpting and modelling workflows. The subject explores how retaining the ability to edit 3D assets and animation up to the final step is beneficial for both artist and client within a procedural workflow. This subject introduces how procedural scripting and programmatic node based 3D development of models and animations enables for powerful results for particles, simulations, and dynamics. This alternative procedural workflow expanded upon in this subject is designed to expand student’s capabilities for 3D outcomes to match industry leading approaches.

Technology

Learn with industry standard technologies

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Industry partners and work placements

The big difference at Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia is that you’ll start working in the design industry from day one – gaining valuable experience, learning from industry professionals and making industry connections.

Gain professional experience

Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice with guidance and mentoring from practicing professionals.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about Design and Creative Technology, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of Design and Creative Technology scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the Design and Creative Technology industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4), or above

OR

Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

OR

Work life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your course application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent and

Academic IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

View all FAQs

Diploma of 3D Design and Animation