Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation) at the University of Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) is a three-year, full-time studio-based degree at the Southbank campus focused on originating and developing animated work for a wide range of screen contexts. Students progress from foundational animation techniques and storyboarding in Year 1, through character and world-building in Year 2, to a capstone body of work in Year 3, producing a self-written, directed and animated short film each year. A fourth-year Honours pathway is available on completion.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Melbourne

234 St. Kilda Road, Southbank, VIC 3006

Open in Maps ↗

Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - government-subsidised place

Duration

3 years full-time

Intakes

February

Entry Requirements

Selection based on a range of criteria (audition/folio). Access Melbourne entry scheme available. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Selection is based on a range of criteria (audition/folio-based), not ATAR alone
Access Melbourne entry scheme is available (domestic)
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for domestic students
International students must meet the English language requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 (or equivalent); Foundation Year pathways accepted

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates work as animation artists across film, television, community arts, site-specific screening installations, information and advertising, games, and motion graphics
Common roles include storyboard artist and screenwriter for animation
Graduate pathways include direct employment or further study

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units4 units

Year 1

Foundation exercises in animation research, techniques, experimentation, writing, storyboarding, sound and project planning; students write, direct, edit and animate a short film

Year 2

Creative and technical skills applied to character creation, world building, sound production and expanded screen contexts; another short film produced

Year 3 (capstone)

Projects in collaborative and community practice, projection arts and animation production enterprise, culminating in a capstone body of work

Breadth subjects

Elective subjects each year from VCA fine arts/music disciplines or the wider University

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What animation techniques will I learn in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)?

The course covers a comprehensive range of animation methods including paint on glass, charcoal, sand, ink, 2D and 3D digital, stop-motion, pixilation, rotoscoping, visual effects and motion graphics, experimental film techniques, projection art and interdisciplinary collaborations.

What facilities will I have access to as an Animation student at VCA?

Students have access to professional facilities and resources including animation and stop-motion studios; rushes viewing rooms; editing, sound recording and mixing suites; 90 and 220-seat cinemas; professional production equipment; and HD digital vision and audio post-production facilities.

Will I get to make my own films during the course?

Yes — in every year level, you will produce an animated short film that is completely your own, written, directed, animated, sound-designed and edited by you.

Is Honours available after completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)?

Yes, Honours is available for this course.

Can I study subjects outside of animation during my degree?

Yes, breadth subjects at each year level enable you to explore cross disciplinary studies from the wider University community, accessing multi-disciplinary knowledge and skills that will build on existing knowledge or present opportunities for you to investigate and develop new interests.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $50,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

2D Animator3D AnimatorCharacter DesignerVFX Artist (Visual Effects Artist)Motion Graphics Designer

Key Skills

2D and 3D character animation and rigging3D modelling, texturing, and renderingMotion graphics and visual effects (VFX)Game engine proficiency (Unity, Unreal Engine)Digital illustration and concept art

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students