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National code: CUA51020

Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)

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Overview About this course

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.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

Course outcomes

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

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • That you have achieved the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Animation and Visual Effects Specialisation), as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate

  • Or have completed the following two units:

  • Create 3D digital models (CUAANM313)

  • Create 3D digital animations (CUAANM302)

Apply Question

  • Can you provide a transcript or certificate of your Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Animation and Visual Effects Specialisation)?

Entry recommendations

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

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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: content creator, interface designer, animation designer/3D animator, special effects designer, game designer and texture or concept artist.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 1 Course

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 2 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 3 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

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.

Units Units taught in this course

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.

  • Provide freelance services CUAIND412

  • Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge CUAIND512

  • Realise a creative project CUAPPR411

  • Establish and maintain safe creative practice CUAPPR515

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.