Bachelor of Design (Animation and Interactive Media)

The selection task has three components: an Applicant Statement (up to 400 words describing your reasons for wanting to study and your influences), a Creative Work submission (a single PDF of 12 A4 pages showcasing your own work such as 3D, 2D, photographs, graphics, or drawings), and a Visual Storytelling Board (a storyboard of up to 12 images, without words or text, based on one of four themes: Bat, Fair, STOP!, or Wired). AI tools such as ChatGPT or Midjourney must not be used for any part of the task.

In Year 1, you will receive a comprehensive introduction to animation and interactive media through imaging, design, media studies and production studios, covering narrative development, performance, visual and aural literacy. In Year 2, Semester 1 covers 2D and 3D animation, interactive media, and digital effects; Semester 2 engages the studio model with electives from 2D and 3D animation, sound design, interactive media, video, experimental video, and alternative animation. In Year 3, there is an emphasis on collaborative and conceptual development, another elective, and in the final semester you produce a major work culminating in an industry-ready folio.

There is a strong focus on practical learning, even in theory subjects. Study takes place in studios and workshops, and includes a guest lecture series from industry staff. A major component is studio practice, which engages you in animation and interactive media through immersion into the discipline via set projects and briefs. Assessment is through presentations, digital submission and peer-reviewed work. Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale lectures; instead, content is made available online in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials to support interactive on-campus learning.

This course replicates work found in real-world industry studios, with assigned tasks simulating industry-based work practices. Previous students have found work placements with animation and media agencies such as LucasArts, Viskatoons, and Iloura as a result of program industry connections. The degree also has strong connections with organisations such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Australian Teachers of Media (ATOM) and VicScreen. Graduates work as animators, motion graphics designers, character designers, pre production artists, 3D visualisers and modellers, visual effects artists, web designers, art directors, digital artists, teachers, and self-employed business owners and artists.

RMIT is ranked #1 in Australia and #19 in the world for Art & Design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). This is described as the top animation degree in Victoria, attracting a strong international student cohort. Students are encouraged to submit work to international festivals such as Siggraph, MIAF, LIAF, MILIA and Annecy. RMIT also offers a range of opportunities for students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.