The programme is ideal for students who want to begin a professional animation career or continue into advanced animation study pathways. Students learn by creating real animation projects rather than focusing on traditional exams.

Key Benefits

• Learn both 2D and 3D animation fundamentals
• Build a professional animation portfolio/showreel
• Gain practical experience using industry-standard software
• Learn animation studio workflows
• Study in small mentor-supported classes
• Explore storytelling, modelling, lighting, and rendering
• Pathway into higher-level animation qualifications
• Flexible online and on-campus study options

Programme Structure / Subjects Offered

Foundations

Students begin by learning:

• Principles of animation
• Drawing from observation
• Animation workflows
• Real-life sketching
• Animation concepts
• Visual storytelling

Digital Production

Topics include:

• 3D modelling
• Character development
• Asset creation
• Texturing
• Object modelling
• Digital sculpting

Key Animation

Students develop:

• Character animation
• Animation performance planning
• Motion and effects animation
• Animation timing
• Animation software workflows
• Performance execution

Final Image & Rendering

Students learn:

• Lighting techniques
• Rendering concepts
• Composition
• Mood and atmosphere
• Final image production
• Industry-standard animation presentation

Software & Equipment Used

Industry Software

Students may use:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Animate
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Adobe Audition
• Audacity
• Sculptris

Disciplines / Specialisations Covered

The diploma introduces students to multiple animation disciplines including:

•  2D Animation
• 3D Animation
• Character Design
• Storyboarding
• Visual Storytelling
• Digital Sculpting
• Texturing
• Rendering
• Motion Graphics
• Pre-production
• Asset Creation

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers such as:

• Junior Animator
• 2D Animator
• 3D Animator
• Storyboard Artist
• Character Designer
• Motion Graphics Artist
• Texture Artist
• Lighting Artist
• Digital Artist
• Animation Production Assistant
• Freelance Animator

The diploma also provides pathways into:

• Bachelor of Animation
• Advanced animation and VFX study

Programme Highlights

Industry Recognition

Yoobee is:

• A Rookies Certified School
• One of only three Houdini Certified Schools in New Zealand
• A Toon Boom Centre of Excellence

These recognitions help students gain exposure to globally recognised animation tools and workflows.

Additional Highlights

• Real project-based learning
• No traditional exam-heavy structure
• Professional showreel development
• Industry simulation projects
• Strong creative mentorship
• Flexible online study options

Special Requirements

Portfolio Requirement

Students must submit:

• Portfolio of creative work

Technology Requirements

Students are generally expected to have:

• Personal laptop/computer
• Reliable internet connection
• Ability to run animation software

Recommended Skills

Helpful but not mandatory:

• Drawing skills
• Creativity
• Visual storytelling interest
• Passion for animation and media

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand Student Visa
• Offer Letter from Yoobee
• Proof of tuition fee payment
• Evidence of sufficient living funds
• Valid passport
• English language proficiency proof
• Medical and character documents if required