Bachelor of Animation

This degree is the ideal launching pad for you to play a significant role in the animation and visual effects industries in australia and abroad. We're ranked 2nd in australia and nz, and in the global top 10 for animation. (animation career review 2024).

• Using top-of-the-line hardware and premium industry-recognised software, you'll produce original animated projects from concept to final rendering. Understand and gain experience in professional animation production through hands-on projects and studio-based learning experiences.  

The Bachelor of Animation will equip you with the skills and practical experiences to thrive in this dynamic, competitive, constantly evolving field. You'll gain essential knowledge and studio experience in areas like: 

• Art direction: Learn advanced techniques in conceptualisation, visual storytelling, and art direction principles, for impactful characters and story-worlds across animation, games and screen media. 
• Character Animation: Learn advanced animation techniques, including character rigging, keyframe animation, and motion capture integration for compelling character performances across various media and platforms. 
• Post-production: Acquire proficiency in post-production through creative application of advanced compositing techniques and green screen concepts, as well as mastering compositing workflows, color correction, and node-based compositing tools. 
• Virtual Production and VFX: Discover how to create content with virtual production and its innovative methods, including motion capture, LED wall technology, photogrammetry, camera tracking, and virtual lighting through real-time game engines. 
• 3D Art and Environments: Learn to interpret visual concepts and artistic styles to create appealing 3D characters, props, vehicles, and environments for games, film and animation. 
• Writing and development: Write and develop ideas for any screen medium - from linear screenplays to narrative design. You'll also gain insights into global screen industry landscapes and audiences.

Industry focus
As an animation student, you can take advantage of our diverse workshop, seminar, and master class programs delivered by local and international experts including:  

• Multi-Oscar award-winning producer, Lord David Puttnam CBE;  
• The esteemed Gobelins School in Paris;  
• Motion capture Director Mr Benjamin Brenneur of WETA NZ 
• Performer, character creator, trainer, coordinator and director, Marco Sinigaglia;  
• Myrna Gawryn, character performance specialist 
• Lucasfilm 
• Disney. 

Griffith Film School is an active member of - and has a strong reputation within - the World Film School Association (CILECT), a group of 160 International Film Schools. We were a leader in the establishment, management and growth of ASPERA and maintain ongoing engagement with ATOM. 

Griffith Film School has ongoing international partnerships with:  

• APSA 
• NEP Group 
• World Congress of Science and Factual Producers 
• Gobelins L'école De L'image 
• BFA

These industry links and international connections mean you'll have the opportunity to practise animation and related fields under the guidance of the best in the world. You'll be prepared to create industry-standard work and make critical contacts that you'll draw upon at university and beyond. 

Opportunities and experiences

• As part of Australia's largest film school, you'll have access to an exciting calendar of on-campus exhibitions, guest lectures, master classes and artist talks. Screen your work and submit to film festivals and awards, while building your portfolio and developing vital contacts and networks through our key industry links. Work on animation projects for real clients through our commercial multimedia production arm, LiveLab. 
• Apply your skills in real-world scenarios, mirroring industry practices and enhance your employability through international study tours, work placements, or internships within our embedded animation studio model. You'll also have fantastic opportunities for collaboration with Griffith Film School filmmakers and games designers, Queensland College of Art and Design illustrators, designers and artists, and musicians from Griffith University's Queensland Conservatorium. 

Professional recognition

• Griffith University is an officially recognised Toon Boom Centre of Excellence which verifies this degree meets a high standard of depth, breadth and quality. This qualification provides graduating students the advantage of being in high demand for world recognised studio careers that value a deep knowledge of Toon Boom 2D animation software. 

Attendance information

• The Bachelor of Animation program is primarily on campus, with some mixed-mode online delivery and off-campus work placements or internships.
• If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The recommended study load for international student in each compulsory trimester is 40CP.

Work-integrated learning

• Complete work placements or in-class simulated work activities under direction. Your studies will be extended via tuition with industry professionals and the opportunity for client work and internships. You may also have internship possibilities with Ludo (Bluey), Pixel Zoo, AltVFX, and Liquid Animation Studios.

Pathways to further study

• As a graduate, you'll have the option to develop your specialist skills at a higher level by enrolling in Griffith's Bachelor of Animation (Honours) or Master of Screen Production.

Scholarships for international students

• We offer a range of scholarships and awards to support international students studying our undergraduate, postgraduate, research and pathway programs.

My career opportunities

• As a Bachelor of Animation graduate, you'll be well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the expanding field of animation practice. You'll be prepared to excel in animation studios, as independent animators, or in the many industries that now offer opportunities for animation. You may find success creating immersive storytelling experiences, animations for educational purposes, promotional materials, or experimenting with animated forms. 

With the animation industry experiencing rapid growth and innovation, you'll be well-positioned to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in: 

• Animation (2D and 3D/CGI) 
• Motion graphics design 
• Visual effects designer (film, TV, games and interactive experiences) 
• Scriptwriting 
• Storyboarding and pre-visualisation 
• Compositing and matte painting 
• Art direction,  
• 3D asset development 
• Illustration and graphic art 
• Post-production