The Master of Animation and Visual Effects is a two-year (full-time equivalent) postgraduate program designed for graduates and professionals who aim to thrive in the rapidly growing and evolving field of animation and visual effects production and beyond. 

The program combines technical, conceptual, creative and professional skills to enable you to work independently and collaboratively to realise your artistic vision. With access to world-class facilities and a diverse community of artists and designers, you’ll be guided by academics with a wealth of industry experience. Creative experimentation and skills development are at the core of the program, giving you the freedom and support to explore your interests and refine your techniques for the creative production pipelines of today and tomorrow.

Working from concept art and pre-visualisation to production and output, you’ll develop animation and visual effects projects that will build your experience and profile in the field. As your technical skills grow, you’ll also develop key attributes in digital aesthetics, communication, collaboration, and agility, preparing you to thrive within and shape the future of a quickly evolving and dynamic field of practice. 

Key features

Holistic artistic development 

Informed by the latest industry developments, you'll learn a variety of technical processes and approaches as well as creative and conceptual skills that prepare you to work in a variety of roles across and beyond the creative pipeline. From pre-visualisation to output, you'll combine hands on skills with a deep understanding of screen aesthetics and attention to broader social, cultural and technological contexts. This dynamic combination of practical and contextual learning is designed to build your ability to think laterally, adapt across disciplines, and solve creative, conceptual and technical problems as an artist. 

Agility and leadership for an evolving future   

You’ll also gain in-demand capabilities across teamwork, resilience and communication, helping you become a sought-after professional in the animation and visual effects sector and beyond. This complementary skillset will set you up to be agile, adaptable, future-oriented and ready to drive and lead change in a rapidly evolving animation and VFX industry into the future, as well as in new and emerging sectors using digital visualisation technologies. 

Inclusive and flexible learning environment 

Immersed in a supportive and inclusive community at UNSW Art & Design, you’ll develop your practice alongside fellow artists and designers of the future. As part of this dynamic and diverse community, you’ll grow creatively, share experiences, and expand your peer network. Our flexible study options and pathways mean that you can learn at your own pace and develop a portfolio that aligns with your creative vision and career ambitions. 

Why study this degree at UNSW?

• Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024).
• Develop as an artist at UNSW Art & Design, a campus dedicated to creativity at the centre of Sydney’s creative sector.
• Gain a prestigious Go8 education at a university dedicated to shaping a generation of socially conscious change-makers and leaders across art and design.
• Access flexible study options. Our timetables are designed to allow you to work while studying, with the added opportunity to gain industry feedback and experience through internship options. Depending on your experience, you can also fast-track your degree and graduate in one year.