Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Major (Bachelor of Design Bachelor of Design)

Study animation, visual effects and game design, and prepare for a career in the digital creative industries. Get access to world-class facilities, industry connections and workplace experience. 

This major is where creativity merges with technology. You'll develop practical skills using our green screen, motion capture and virtual reality studios, and our high-end computer labs with a suite of industry standard software. We also have strong and long-established links with leading industry organisations, and you'll have opportunities to gain professional experience while studying.

• Art and Design Student Showcase
• View a showcase of student work (Vimeo website)
• Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Facebook
• Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design Instagram

The Animation, Visual Effects and Game Design major offers a lot of flexibility across the fields of animation, visual effects and game design. As well as gaining expertise in a range of digital production tools, you learn to create, communicate and analyse stories, moving image narratives and user experiences in compelling and engaging ways.

Year 1

• The first semester introduces you to the foundations of animation, visual effects and game design through a range of creative practice-based work. You'll work individually and in groups in a studio-based environment, using industry-standard software in our computer labs and digital video production spaces. You're also introduced to design-thinking principles and practices, as well as history and theory frameworks.

Semester 1 courses

• DESN511 Introduction to Design Practice (30 points)
• DIGD507 Mahitahi | Collaborative Practice (15 points)
• DESN512 Making and Media (15 points)

Semester 2 courses

• DIGD511 Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design Practice I (30 points)
• Plus two courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Year 2

• You'll study animation, visual effects or game design, working on a series of practice-based projects. You'll also further your critical analysis and trouble-shooting skills, content creation, communication and narrative strategies. Industry networking opportunities include external guest speakers and workshops.

Semester 1 courses

• DIGD611 Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design Practice II (30 points)
• Plus two courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Semester 2 courses

• DIGD612 Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design Practice III (30 points)
• Plus two courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Year 3

• You’ll complete a major self-directed design project. Projects can be individual, in partnership with another student or undertaken as a group project. Expert industry speakers and workshops offer opportunities for networking and feedback.

The year ends in a public exhibition where you can show your work to the public.

Semester 1 courses

• DIGD711 Animation, Visual Effects & Game Design Practice IV (30 points)
• Plus two courses from your second major, your minor(s) or elective courses

Semester 2 course

• DESN711 Integrated Design Practice (60 points)

Workplace experience
You complete 60 hours of workplace experience in an industry organisation. This is a great opportunity to network, gain work experience and develop your showreel and digital portfolio.

Recent placements included:

• Weta Digital
• Staples VR
• Flux Animation Studio Ltd
• InGame Ltd
• Power Rangers TV series
• Geo AR Games

Ready to enrol in your courses?

• Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for more info on a specific course use our course search.

Key features

• Access to state-of-the-art facilities
• Strong ties to key industry organisations, including Weta Digital
• Growing demand for digital design skills, in the entertainment industry and beyond
• 60 Hours of work experience in the digital design industry
• Option to include subjects from across AUT in your degree

See yourself as

• A story-teller
• Technologically savvy
• Visually creative
• A problem-solver
• Innovative