Diploma of 3D Design and Animation
13 Sep 2021
01 Nov 2021
Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E.
What is a Diploma of 3D Design and Animation?
Please note that some specialised subjects may be delivered online only. Talk to our Course and Career Advisors to confirm which subjects will be online and which will be on campus.
Gain course credit
Take your relevant credits with you into a bachelor course.
Gain insights from creative experts
Our academics are leaders in the creative and design world. With their help, see where the industry is heading.
Top animation school
Awarded Top 10 Animation Schools in Australasia by Career Animation.
Course overview
Career opportunities
The course is a perfect 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 as permanent or freelance employees, either within a dedicated film or broadcast postproduction, animation, visual effects or game studio environment, or alternatively as an in-house specialist working for organisations.
Career paths
- 2D/3D concept artist
- 3D animator
- 3D concept artist
- 3D games artist
- 3D generalist
- 3D modeller
- Digital matte artist
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Career paths
- 2D/3D concept artist
- 3D animator
- 3D concept artist
- 3D games artist
- 3D generalist
- 3D modeller
- Digital matte artist
Subjects and units
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Design Studio 1 | DSO102The subject introduces the student to various aspects of the elements of design, e.g. materiality, form and shape, colour, positive and negative space etc. utilised in creative problem solving. Initially students are introduced to a design development process, from the tangible to the digital; through paper model making with its inherent skills development and risk taking, then on to further digital development using newly introduced software. Concurrent, weekly, individual homework tasks focus on understanding and appreciation of materials, their many varied uses, properties and the manufacturing processes related to them. Students will make incremental progress towards choosing a material in which their individual design can be realised. The submission will include a material and colour folio. The final submission will be a model executed in an appropriate material with its function/usage contextualised with all relevant information gleaned throughout the trimester.
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2D Asset Creation | ACR1012D 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.
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3D Asset Creation | ACR1033D 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.
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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
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Design Studio 2 | DSO103Design 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.
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Game Design Principles | GDP102Game 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.
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Animation Principles | ANP100This 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.
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Game Production Foundation | GPF104Game 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.
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Beyond the Creative Industries | BCI100This 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.
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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.
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Digital Portfolio and Showreel | DPS100This subject provides students the ability to develop a digital portfolio focusing on the key areas required to develop employability outcomes within the digital design field. This subject identifies the requirements and approaches to freelance work, in conjunction with investigating trends and emerging technologies to inform entrepreneurial attitudes and solo operator work opportunities. This subject will culminate in students devising their own personal story, identifying their niche style, and packaging their work into a portfolio and/or showreel that they can continue building upon in years to come. This portfolio will be the central piece that is used to engage with work opportunities either to digital studios or as their own freelance designer.
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Procedural Geometry and Workflow | PGW200This 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.
Industry partners
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 & briefs
Why study with us?
With dynamic, cutting-edge courses, Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia fosters the next generation of innovative, independent thinkers. Our passionate experts equip you with the tools to thrive and prepare you for the creative industry. Thanks to our partnerships, you will collaborate with some of the most influential brands in the world, building a portfolio that will help you secure your dream career.
Connected to industry
Industry professionals and entrepreneurs founded Billy Blue, and today it remains an active creative hub where friendly lecturers teach and mentor students. Our strong relationships with the design industry means you will work on live projects with real industry clients.
Student showcase
Students and graduates are strongly recognised and constantly sought out by the design and creative tech industries. Work-ready, incredibly talented and always prepared to push the boundaries, they are creative problem-solvers.
Choose your student type for entry requirements, fees and scholarships
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Domestic
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International
Admissions criteria and pathways: Domestic students
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.Fees: Domestic students
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Domestic fees
Check the Domestic Course Fee Schedule for the cost of your course.
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FEE-HELPEligible 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.
Scholarships: Domestic students
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Scholarship types
Admissions criteria and pathways: International students
Before you begin your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below
OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.
Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning. Learn more about study pathways.Fees: International students
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International 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.
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Fee payment
Course fees can be paid in 3 instalments, each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.
Scholarships: International students
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.
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Scholarship types
How to Apply: International students
Key intake dates
31 May 2021 | 13 September 2021 | 14 February 2022
Frequently asked questions
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What are Torrens University Australia’s courses’ ATAR requirements?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.
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Can I get course credit for previous experience?
Yes, course credit is available upon application and academic approval.
If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be able to receive credits towards your degree. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Our Program Directors will carefully review the learning gained from your previous qualification and/or experience to ensure we provide you with credit towards our degrees whenever appropriate. Review our course credits page or chat to one of Course and Careers Advisors.
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What are course credits?
Course credits are credits that can be applied to your course based on your prior experience or qualifications. To find out more, visit course credits
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What does admissions criteria mean?
Admissions criteria is a set of criteria that must be met to be eligible to apply for a chosen course.
To gain entry to an accredited undergraduate course at Torrens University Australia, applicants must both satisfy general admissions criteria and meet any additional course requirements where specified.
All admissions criteria and course-specific requirements apply consistently across campus locations and study modes. To find out more, visit admissions criteria.
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What if I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?
Torrens University Australia has recognised pathways to help you gain entry into our bachelor degrees based on different criteria.
To find out more, visit Study pathways or contact one of our knowledgeable Course and Careers Advisors.
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I don’t have a portfolio and I want to study a degree. What can I do?
If you have met the entry requirement for the course, you do not need to submit a design portfolio.
If you can’t meet the entry requirement and don’t have a portfolio, you will need to show evidence of prior industry/work experience OR have completed or partially completed study from an accredited institution to gain entry into the course.
If you would like to talk through the entry requirements, please contact one of our Course and Careers Advisors.
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I have a portfolio but haven’t completed a Higher School Certificate or equivalent. How can I gain entry into a degree?
We offer several pathway options for students who have not completed a Higher School Certificate or equivalent.
For some courses, entry can be achieved by undertaking a diploma course first (pathway criteria applies), and on successful completion of the diploma you can credit this study towards completion of a degree. Mature-aged students (21 and over) are also welcome to apply directly based on work experience and/or an existing portfolio. To find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or applying directly, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor.
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What makes a good portfolio?
A good portfolio should include 6-10 pieces of original creative work and provide evidence of both your creativity and skill.
To find out more, visit portfolio and interviews for guidance on what to include in your application portfolio or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor.
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How do Torrens University Australia fees charge?
Torrens University Australia is a full-fee paying institution. To find out more, visit Tuition Fees.
Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/.
Please note we do not currently offer any full fee waivers for international students. We do not offer stipends or living allowances.
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How much are Torrens University Australia courses?
For a full list of tuition fees, visit Tuition Fees.
Remember, if you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident, your fees can be covered by FEE-HELP. You can find out more information on FEE-HELP on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
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Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
To get a FEE-HELP loan, you must:
- be an Australian citizen and study at least part of your course in Australia, or
- be a New Zealand Special Category visa (SCV) holder or permanent humanitarian visa holder and meet the residency requirements.
- be enrolled in a fee-paying place at a provider that offers FEE-HELP loans
- be enrolled in an eligible course at your provider by the census date (your provider can tell you if your course is eligible)
- submit the Request for FEE-HELP form to your provider by the census date
- not have already borrowed up to your HELP loan limit.
Permanent residents can only get FEE-HELP for approved bridging studies.
If you are studying at a non-university, you will also need to meet the ‘pass rate’ requirements.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to a Course and Careers Advisor and we can guide you through the process.
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Can I apply for FEE-HELP?
To be eligible for FEE-HELP you need to be an Australian citizen , and have a tax file number. You must also be studying at an approved higher education provider, such as Torrens University Australia.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or contact us and we can guide you through the process.
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How do I apply for FEE-HELP?
If you receive an offer from Torrens University Australia, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP. You will need to complete a Commonwealth Assistance Form if you want to defer payment of some, or all, of your tuition fees. You will need to quote your tax file number or provide a Certificate of Application for a Tax File Number. The form must be completed before the due date.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or speak to our Course and Careers Advisors and we can guide you through the process.
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Is there a FEE-HELP limit?
For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. The Australian Government publishes the HELP Loan limit on their website.
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible fee-paying students to pay their tuition costs. Eligible students can borrow up to the FEE-HELP limit to pay their tuition fees. Note: Any loan fees that were applied to study prior to January 1, 2019 will not count towards your FEE-HELP limit.
Students repay the loan to the Australian Government through the tax system once a student reaches the minimum income threshold level for repayment, which for 2019-20 is $45,881.
You can find out more information on the StudyAssist website at https://www.studyassist.gov.au/fee-help or Contact Us and we can guide you through the process.
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What courses are available for FEE-HELP?To find out more, visit How to Apply.
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What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists eligible full-fee-paying students pay their tuition costs.
You must be studying at an approved FEE-HELP provider in order to access a FEE-HELP loan, such as Torrens University Australia.
A FEE-HELP loan does not cover costs like accommodation, laptops or textbooks, and must be repaid once you start earning above a certain income threshold.
To find out more, visit the Study Assist website: https://www.studyassist.gov.au/help-loans/fee-help.
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How do I apply?
Applying is easy and can be done online by filling out the apply form. If you have any difficulty, please contact a Course and Careers Advisor, who can talk you through the process.
ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. International applicants may also need to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislative requirements, for example, requirements for student visas (this does not apply for online study outside of Australia).
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How will I know if my application has been processed?Our Course and Careers Advisors will help you through every step of the application process and provide you with updates. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer letter via email.
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I am having trouble with my application. Who can help?Our friendly Course and Careers Advisors are available to answer all your questions and guide you through the application process. Fill out the contact us form and one of them will reach out to you.
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How can I contact Torrens University Australia?The best way to get in contact with Torrens University Australia is to fill out the Contact us form or call 1300 575 803.
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How do I apply for a scholarship?
To find out how to apply for scholarships in Australia, visit Scholarships.
All faculties of Torrens University Australia offer scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Depending on the scholarship type, we don’t just look at your academic record, we want to know what makes you unique in terms of things such as activities, leadership skills and hobbies. When you speak to one of our Course and Career 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.
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What type of scholarships do you offer?
We offer scholarships in different areas. These include Alumni, Industry, Indigenous, International, Business, Hospitality, Hotel Management, Nursing, Health, and Design, and Creative Technology.
To find out more, visit Scholarships or let one of our Course and Career Advisors know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application.
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