Course Overview

About This Course

Immerse yourself in the rapidly evolving field of animation and visual effects (VFX) with the UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects. This two-year program (full-time equivalent) is designed for graduates and professionals who want to shape the future of digital production from concept art and pre-visualisation to production and output. Through a mix of core studio courses, contextual courses and prescribed electives, you'll develop the technical, conceptual and professional skills needed to bring your ideas to life. You'll learn in world-class facilities alongside a diverse community of artists and designers, guided by academics with extensive industry experience. Creative experimentation is at the heart of the program, giving you the freedom to explore new ideas while refining techniques used in modern creative production pipelines.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

2-year program (96 UOC): A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in any field with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 or equivalent
1.7-year program (72 UOC): A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in a related field with a WAM of at least 65 or equivalent; students receive credit for 24 UOC (4 courses) upon commencement
1-year program (48 UOC): An honours degree (AQF level 8) in a related field; students receive credit for the first year of the program (48 UOC or 8 courses)
Related fields are defined as Creative Arts (FOE 10), including Visual Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic and Design Studies, and Communication and Media Studies
Admission pathways from lower awards:
- Graduate Certificate students may transfer to the Graduate Diploma with a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall; 24 UOC carried forward as credit
- Graduate Diploma students may transfer to the Master's with a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall; 48 UOC carried forward as credit
English language requirements: Evidence of English proficiency may be required depending on educational background and citizenship; acceptable evidence includes English language tests, university English courses, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects are well-positioned for careers across the animation and visual effects industry. Demand for animators and visual designers is projected to grow by 21.7% in Australia over the next five years (Seek, 2026). Professionals work across film & television, video game development, advertising and digital media, architecture and urban visualisation, events and immersive experiences, and medical and scientific visualisation. Potential roles include: 3D artist, 3D generalist, animator, art director, CG effects artist, concept artist, creature effects artist, game developer, layout artist, matte painter, media arts practitioner, motion designer, post-production artist, storyboard artist, texture artist, virtual production artist, visual effects artist, visual effects compositor, and VFX supervisor.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units13 units

Digital Aesthetics

Contextual course exploring screen aesthetics and key ideas shaping the field

Research Methodologies

Contextual course building research capabilities

Communication Skills

Contextual course developing communication capabilities for creative practitioners

Leadership in the Cultural and Creative Industries

Contextual course building leadership and teamwork skills

Motion Capture

Prescribed elective focusing on motion capture techniques

Rigging

Prescribed elective focusing on rigging for animation

Creature and Character Design

Prescribed elective focusing on creature and character design

Creative Experimentation

Prescribed elective exploring creative experimentation in animation and VFX

Procedural FX

Prescribed elective in procedural effects

Real-time and Virtual Production

Prescribed elective in real-time and virtual production techniques

Digital Cinematography

Prescribed elective in digital cinematography

Internship

Work Integrated Learning elective applying learning in a real-world setting

Research Paper

Prescribed elective involving independent research

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete the Master of Animation and Visual Effects in less than two years?

Yes. Depending on your prior experience and qualifications, you may be able to complete the program in as little as one year. Graduates with an honours degree (AQF level 8) in a related field can receive credit for the first year of the program (48 UOC), completing the degree in approximately one year. Those with a bachelor's degree in a related field may complete it in 1.7 years (72 UOC) by receiving credit for 24 UOC upon commencement.

What industries and companies does the program have connections with?

The program has strong industry connections with world-class companies including Weta Digital, Animal Logic, DreamWorks Animation, Rising Sun Pictures, and Cutting Edge. UNSW Art & Design also has an extensive alumni network of digital media trailblazers, including Duncan Ramson (CEO at The Endless Co.), Lynette Wallworth (Emmy award-winning filmmaker), Jack Condon (Evangelist at Epic Games), and Patrick Younis (3D interaction and visual effects artist).

What are the fees for the Master of Animation and Visual Effects?

For domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available, with a 2026 indicative first year CSP fee of $10,000 and an indicative full degree fee of $19,500. For domestic full-fee-paying students, the 2026 indicative first year fee is $39,000 and the full degree fee is approximately $80,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $48,500 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $101,500. All fees are subject to annual review.

What types of courses will I study in the program?

The program combines three types of courses: core studio courses (covering animating movement, storyboarding, pre-visualisation, 3D visualisation and modelling, VFX compositing, matte painting, camera tracking, industry briefs, and full production workflows), contextual courses (such as Digital Aesthetics, Research Methodologies, Communication Skills, and Leadership in the Cultural and Creative Industries), and prescribed electives (including Motion Capture, Rigging, Creature and Character Design, Procedural FX, Real-time and Virtual Production, Digital Cinematography, Internship, and Research Paper).

When can I commence the Master of Animation and Visual Effects?

The program offers three intake points per year — Term 1, Term 2, and Term 3 — providing flexible options for when you can begin your studies. Note that some programs may be at capacity for 2026 intakes for new international students (NOSC), and applications to all 2027 intakes are open for international applicants.

Application

How to Apply

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Step 01

Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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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.

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