The New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5) is an introductory, one-year qualification designed to give students a broad foundation in computer-generated animation and game-design techniques.

NMIT specifically highlights training in:

•  3D modelling
• CGI lighting
• Real-time visualisation
• Motion capture
• Rigging and animation
• Dynamic effects
• Technical development
• CGI production workflows
• Professional practice
• CGI project development

Why Study Animation at NMIT?

Industry-relevant CGI skills

Students are introduced to techniques currently used in animation and CGI, including modelling, lighting, real-time visualisation and motion capture.

Broad introduction to animation and game design

Rather than specialising immediately in one narrow area, Level 5 gives students exposure to several aspects of CGI and animation so they can identify their strengths and interests.

Hands-on project work

Students create a substantial CGI project and work collaboratively to develop deliverables, milestones and deadlines.

Professional practice

Students learn about professional CGI production environments, workflows, legal issues, business considerations and working collaboratively in production teams.

Strong pathway opportunities

The Level 5 diploma can lead to Level 6 study and potentially the Bachelor of Computer Generated Imagery.

Creative freedom

NMIT states that CGI projects are tailored to students' areas of interest, allowing students to develop work reflecting their creative direction.

Programme Structure / Subjects

NMIT currently lists seven compulsory courses:

1. Professional Practice 1 – CGI501
2. 3D Modelling 1 – CGI502
3. Rigging and Animation 1 – CGI503
4. Dynamic Effects 1 – CGI504
5. Lighting and Post-production 1 – CGI505
6. Technical Development 1 – CGI506
7. CGI Project 1 – CGI507

Professional Practice 1

This course introduces students to professional and commercial CGI environments.

Key areas include:

• CGI production workflows
• Production pipelines
• Roles within CGI studios
• Team-based production
• Business skills
• Freelancing
• Legal considerations
• Copyright
• Intellectual property
• Statutory requirements
• Tax obligations
• Professional portfolio development
• Safe working practices
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its implications for animation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

3D Modelling 1

3D modelling is a fundamental component of CGI.

Students work with the creation of 3D geometric assets that can represent:

• Characters
• Creatures
• Environments
• Buildings
• Vehicles
• Props
• Furniture
• Mechanical structures
• Abstract forms.

Rigging and Animation 1

Students learn how 3D models are prepared for animation.

Rigging

Rigging involves preparing a 3D asset with a digital skeleton or armature so that it can be manipulated.

Animation

Students then learn to manipulate these rigs to create movement.

Dynamic Effects 1

Dynamic effects involve systems that are difficult or inefficient to animate manually frame by frame.

NMIT gives examples such as:

• Fire
• Smoke
• Fluids
• Explosions
• Physics-based simulations
• Crowds
• Swarming creatures and characters. 

Lighting and Post-production 1

Students learn about:

• CGI lighting
• Shading
• Rendering
• Post-production
• Real-time shading
• Creating photorealistic scenes
• Combining CGI with live-action elements
• Game-engine environments. 

Technical Development 1

Technical Development introduces students to the problem-solving side of CGI.

Professional CGI tools often have coding interfaces, and technical development allows practitioners to create or customise tools where standard commercial solutions are not sufficient.

This is useful for students who are interested in the intersection between:

CGI Project 1

This is a major practical component.

Students work on a substantial CGI project and learn to:

• Work collaboratively
• Negotiate ideas
• Establish project milestones
• Meet deadlines
• Produce project deliverables
• Develop work around their individual interests. 

Disciplines / Areas of Specialisation

The Level 5 programme is broad rather than divided into formal specialisations.

Students are exposed to:

• 3D modelling
• Character/asset rigging
• Animation
• Dynamic effects
• CGI lighting
• Rendering
• Post-production
• Real-time visualisation
• Technical CGI development
• Animation/game production
• Professional CGI practice
• CGI project development.

Animation vs Game Design

The programme provides an introduction to both:

Animation and Game Design / real-time CGI

This is useful because modern CGI skills can be applied beyond traditional film animation.

Potential application areas include:

• Film
• Television
• Games
• Advertising
• Digital media
• Visual effects
• Interactive experiences
• Real-time visualisation.

Career Outcomes

NMIT's Computer Generated Imagery study area identifies career opportunities including:

• Animator
• CGI Artist
• Digital Interaction
• Game Designer
• Special Effects

Depending on the student's portfolio and additional skills, possible employment directions can include:

• 3D modeller
• Junior animator
• Character artist
• Environment artist
• CGI production assistant
• VFX/visual-effects junior roles
• Lighting/rendering artist
• Game-art roles
• Technical CGI assistant
• Freelance CGI artist.

Portfolio Development

Portfolio development is an important aspect of professional practice.

NMIT's Professional Practice curriculum includes the development of professional portfolios and understanding the production environment.

For animation and CGI students, a portfolio/showreel can be particularly important because employers often want to see what an applicant can actually create.

A student should ideally graduate with evidence of:

• 3D modelling
• Animation
• Lighting
• Rendering
• Effects
• Technical work
• Project collaboration.

Industry-Oriented Learning

The programme prepares students for professional and commercial CGI studio environments and independent contracting.

Students learn about:

• Production pipelines
• Studio roles
• Professional terminology
• Collaboration
• Business practice
• Legal issues
• Copyright/IP
• Safe working practices.

What Kind of Student Should Choose This Programme?

This programme is particularly suitable for a student who:

• Loves animation and visual storytelling.
• Wants to learn 3D CGI.
• Is interested in games, film or visual effects.
• Wants practical rather than purely theoretical study.
• Wants to experiment with different areas of CGI.
• Wants to build a portfolio.
• Is interested in 3D modelling.
• Wants to learn animation and rigging.
• Is interested in CGI lighting and rendering.
• Wants to explore technical CGI.
• May eventually progress to a bachelor's degree. 

Main Highlights

120-credit Level 5 qualification

Provides a substantial foundation in CGI and animation.

One-year full-time structure

Approximately 34 teaching weeks plus a six-week study break.

Two advertised 2027 intakes

February and July.

Nelson campus

The current programme is delivered in Nelson.

Practical CGI training

Includes modelling, animation, effects, lighting, technical development and projects.

Industry workflow

Students learn about professional CGI production pipelines and collaborative environments.

Project-based learning

Students create a substantial CGI project.

Portfolio development

Professional practice includes portfolio preparation.

Progression

Students can progress to Level 6 Animation or the Bachelor of CGI.

No mandatory BYOD

A personal laptop is not required for the Diploma.