The Graduate Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects is designed for graduates and professionals both within and outside of the animation and visual effects industry who aim to enter or upskill in this growing and evolving field.

This shortened and customisable program combines technical, conceptual, creative and professional skills to enable you explore your interests and develop as a technical professional. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and develop your artistic vision in the company of a diverse community of artists and designers.  

Diversify your existing knowledge and skills or develop the capabilities to move into this new and exciting sector with access to world-class facilities and guidance from academics with a wealth of industry experience.  

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 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 or showreel that aligns with your creative vision and career ambitions.