The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 6) is an advanced vocational animation/CGI qualification designed for students who have already developed foundational animation skills, normally through the New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5).

NMIT describes it as an opportunity to build on the fundamental skills and techniques learned at Level 5, undertake more advanced project work and specialise in an area of animation during the second semester.

Students can complete the qualification as a standalone diploma or use it as a pathway into the final year of NMIT's Bachelor of Computer Generated Imagery (Bachelor of CGI).

Why Study Animation at NMIT?

Advanced CGI skills

The programme moves beyond introductory animation and develops more advanced CGI production skills.

Specialisation opportunities

Students can explore their own interests through project work and select between two animation focus areas during the second semester.

Project-based learning

The CGI project component allows students to produce substantial work rather than completing only small classroom exercises.

Professional workflow

Students learn about professional CGI production workflows and pipelines and how to work collaboratively in team-based production environments.

Industry preparation

The Professional Practice component covers commercial CGI studio work and independent/freelance practice, including business, legal and tax considerations.

Film-festival opportunities

NMIT notes that many students choose to submit their projects to film festivals around Aotearoa New Zealand, either individually or as teams.

Pathway to a bachelor's degree

The diploma can be completed independently or used as a pathway into the final year of the Bachelor of Computer Generated Imagery.

What Will Students Learn?

Professional Practice 2

This prepares students for professional and commercial CGI studios and independent contracting.

Topics include:

• Business practice;
• Freelancing;
• Legal considerations;
• Tax obligations;
• Statutory requirements;
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi considerations;
• CGI production workflows;
• Professional pipelines;
• Team collaboration.

3D Modelling 2

Students develop more advanced modelling skills for creating:

• Characters;
• Creatures;
• Environments;
• Props;
• Vehicles;
• Buildings;
• Other 3D assets.

The curriculum distinguishes between organic/soft-body modelling and hard-surface/rigid-body modelling.

Rigging and Animation 2

Students develop skills in:

• Rigging;
• Skeletons/armatures;
• Preparing models for animation;
• Character movement;
• 3D animation.

Dynamic Effects 2

This covers complex simulated animation effects such as:

• Fire;
• Smoke;
• Fluid;
• Explosions;
• Physics-based effects;
• Crowds;
• Creature/character simulations.

Lighting and Post-production 2

Students work with:

• CGI lighting;
• Shading;
• Rendering;
• Compositing;
• Post-production;
• Real-time shading;
• Integration of CGI with live-action content.

Technical Development 2

Students learn technical problem-solving approaches for CGI production and the development of customised tools and functionality.

CGI Project 2

Students complete a substantial CGI project based on their interests.

The project involves:

• Collaboration;
• Project planning;
• Negotiating responsibilities;
• Meeting milestones;
• Meeting deadlines;
• Producing professional deliverables.

Disciplines / Specialisation Areas

The programme provides advanced development across several CGI disciplines:

• 3D modelling
• Character/creature modelling
• Rigging
• 3D animation
• Dynamic effects / VFX
• CGI lighting
• Rendering
• Post-production
• Real-time shading
• Technical development
• CGI production
• Professional/freelance practice

Film, Television, Games and Creative Media

Animation skills can be applied across a broad range of visual-media industries.

The programme is particularly relevant to students interested in:

• Animated films;
• Film and television;
• Visual effects;
• CGI production;
• Games;
• Real-time visualisation;
• Character animation;
• 3D environments;
• Motion graphics;
• Creative technology;
• Independent/freelance CGI work.

Career Outcomes

The qualification is designed to prepare graduates for professional CGI and animation environments.

Potential career directions include:

• 3D modeller;
• 3D animator;
• Character animator;
• Rigging artist;
• CGI artist;
• VFX artist;
• Effects artist;
• Lighting artist;
• Rendering artist;
• Post-production artist;
• Technical CGI artist;
• CGI technical developer;
• Junior technical artist;
• Freelance CGI artist;
• Animation production roles;
• Game/real-time visualisation roles.

Portfolio Development

For an animation student, one of the most important outcomes is not just the qualification but the portfolio of completed CGI work.

The Level 6 CGI Project provides an opportunity to develop substantial work tailored to the student's interests.

For employment, students should aim to graduate with a portfolio/showreel demonstrating:

• Modelling;
• Animation;
• Rigging;
• Lighting;
• Effects;
• Rendering;
• Technical problem solving;
• Project development.

International Student Support

NMIT provides dedicated international student support covering areas such as:

• Application support;
• Visa-related assistance;
• International student orientation;
• Study support;
• Wellbeing;
• Accommodation information;
• Student services;
• Cultural and community activities.

Who Should Choose This Programme?

Highly suitable for

• Students who have completed Level 5 Animation;
• Students with prior CGI/3D animation training;
• Students interested in 3D animation;
• Students interested in film/TV CGI;
• Students interested in VFX;
• Students interested in games and real-time graphics;
• Students interested in technical CGI;
• Students wanting to develop a professional portfolio;
• Students planning to progress to the Bachelor of CGI.

Less suitable for

• Complete beginners with no animation/CGI background;
• Students looking for an online-only programme;
• Students who prefer purely theoretical study;
• Students seeking an automatic post-study work visa;
• Students who do not enjoy project-based or collaborative work.