Why Study / Key Benefits

• Provides practical, hands-on training in 2D, 3D and stop-motion animation.
• Applications include film and television, visual effects and games.
• Students gain access to specialised animation facilities, including high-end workstations, a purpose-built animation studio, interactive pen displays, high-end cameras and render farms.
• The curriculum develops production techniques, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving and self-management.
• Students complete industry-oriented major projects in which they work in teams to pitch, develop and produce animation projects.
• Major projects can be developed for exhibition through public film or animation festivals, public galleries or public broadcasting.
• The course is recognised through Swinburne's status as a Toon Boom Center of Excellence.
• Students can combine the Bachelor of Animation with another Swinburne qualification through available double-degree options, including Bachelor of Animation / Bachelor of Applied Innovation.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Bachelor of Animation requires 300 credit points through core, major and elective study. The published sequence below is the indicative Semester 1, 2026 structure; Swinburne notes that unit availability and sequencing can change.

Year 1 — 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Introduction to Animation — ANI10001
• 2D Production Techniques for Animation — ANI10002
• History of Animation — ANI10003
• Sound Design and Acquisition — FTV10005

Semester 2:

• Introduction to Character and Environment Design — ANI10004
• 3D Production Techniques for Animation — ANI10005
• Action Analysis and Locomotion — ANI10006
• Genre and the Moving Image — FTV10006.

Year 2 — 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Advanced Character Design for Animation — ANI20001
• Writing and Directing for Animation — ANI20002
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Acting for Animation — ANI20003
• Producing and Production Management for Animation — ANI20004
• Elective
• Elective.

Year 3 — 100 credit points

Semester 1:

• Major Project: Preproduction — ANI30003
• Elective
• Elective

Semester 2:

• Major Project: Production and Post Production — ANI30002
• Elective
• Elective.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Bachelor of Animation itself is focused on animation production rather than a separately named major.

Key disciplines covered include:

• 2D animation
• 3D animation
• Stop-motion animation
• Character design
• Environment design
• Animation acting
• Animation directing
• Animation production management
• Storytelling and narrative
• Sound design
• Moving-image studies
• Pre-production
• Production
• Post-production
• Film and television
• Visual effects
• Games.

Available double-degree options shown by Swinburne include:

• Bachelor of Animation / Bachelor of Applied Innovation
• Bachelor of Games and Interactivity / Bachelor of Animation.

Programme Highlights

• 3-year bachelor's degree.
• 300 credit points.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• 2D, 3D and stop-motion animation.
• Film and television applications.
• Visual-effects applications.
• Games-related animation.
• Purpose-built animation studio.
• High-end animation workstations.
• Interactive pen displays.
• High-end cameras.
• Render farms for 3D computer animation.
• Industry-oriented Major Project.
• Work Integrated Learning.
• Optional six-month or 12-month professional placement.
• Toon Boom Center of Excellence recognition.
• Opportunities to combine Animation with Applied Innovation or Games and Interactivity.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists potential career opportunities including:

• 2D animator
• 3D animator
• Stop-motion animator
• Cinematographer
• Editor
• Director
• Producer
• Screenwriter.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current course page lists CRICOS code 092511D, confirming the qualification's relevance for international students requiring an Australian Student visa.

Swinburne currently highlights the Bachelor of Animation's 2025 student showreel, demonstrating recent student animation work.

Professional recognition:

• Toon Boom Center of Excellence.

Informed Choices:

Swinburne identifies capabilities that students may need to demonstrate during the course, including:

• Visual interpretation
• Auditory awareness
• Dexterity and fine motor skills
• Digital literacy
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Numeracy
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Conflict resolution
• Adaptability

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa is generally the Student visa, subclass 500.

The Bachelor of Animation has CRICOS code 092511D. International students in Australia who hold a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.

Key requirements include:

• Valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for a CRICOS-registered course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Genuine Student requirement.
• English-language evidence where required, or an applicable exemption.
• Financial capacity where the Department's document checklist requires evidence.
• Health requirements.
• Character requirements.
• Compliance with Student visa conditions.