Advance your technical skills in animation, games and visual effects. Learn from leading industry experts in TAFE NSW production studios and take your career to the next level in industry roles such as a game designer or a special effects designer.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Establish and enhance professional and creative practices in the screen, digital media, animation or games industry
Realise a creative project
Create digital 3D models, animations and environments
Design a range of digital products including effects specifications, applications and interactions
Design digital games and simulations
Design game art, including characters and game levels
Test interactive media products
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited Diploma qualification
A pathway to further study in screen, digital media, 2D and 3D animation or games
Engage with advanced industry equipment, software and work environments
A sound understanding of professional, creative and workplace healthy and safety practices
Skills in creating and designing a range of 3D products and digital effects
The ability to follow a creative brief
Experience in working collaboratively with colleagues to effectively realise a creative project
Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Animation and Visual Effects Specialisation), as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or
Successful completion of the unit CUAANM313 - Create 3D digital models as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, and
Successful completion of the unit CUAANM302 - Create 3D digital animations as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate.
Additional entry requirements apply based on the units offered at your course location.
If you study CCPCLGR3001 - Licence to Perform Rigging Basic Level, you will need to have successfully completed CPCCLDG3001 - Licence to Perform Dogging.
If you study CPCCLRG3002 - Licence to Perform Rigging Intermediate Level, you will need to have successfully completed CCPCLGR3001 - Licence to Perform Rigging Basic Level.
If you study CPCCLRG4001 - Licence to Perform Rigging Advanced Level, you will need to have successfully completed CPCCLRG3002 - Licence to Perform Rigging Intermediate Level.
All required units must be evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate.
Can you provide a transcript or certificate of your Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Animation and Visual Effects Specialisation)?
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
You must successfully pass both the TAFE NSW and SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessments to be eligible for your SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. For more details, see the licensing section below.
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
A good understand of basic computer systems and software, including Microsoft Office Suite
Access to a computer and stable internet to engage with virtual and online content delivery. The computer should also meet system requirements for 3D Software and Game Engines, including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
A collaborative and positive approach to teamwork
An aptitude for both technical and creative work
Experience and are comfortable with self-direction
A valid form of ID to prove you are at least 18 years old as part of SafeWork NSW requirements to undertake the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment conducted via this course
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: content creator, interface designer, animation designer/3D animator, special effects designer, game designer and texture or concept artist.
This course leads to a licensed occupation in NSW which means you must hold a SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence to gain employment in this field. This course includes unit/s that allow you to apply to be assessed for the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence. SafeWork NSW conducts the licence assessment and requires you to be at least 18 years old by the time you are assessed, evidenced by a valid form of ID.
During your course, you will enrol in your specific licensing assessment by logging into the MyServiceNSW app. Visit MyServiceNSW to set up your account. Once logged in, follow these four steps:
1. Complete your digital proof of identity by providing two forms of listed identification.
2. Select and enrol in your chosen SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence assessment through your MyServiceNSW account. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your Assessment Enrolment Number (AEN).
3. Provide your AEN to the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence accessor before your assessment.
4. After successfully completing your assessment, your results will be sent directly to your email address.
Please note: You can get support with the SafeWork NSW High Risk Work Licence enrolment process by calling Service NSW on 13 77 88, Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm (AEST).
Visit SafeWork NSW for more information.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 4 core and 11 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community