Diploma of Advanced 3D Graphics

The Diploma in Advanced 3D Graphics is a new course being offered in 2011. It will give students the opportunity to specialise in the field of 3D graphics and create a showreel that will demonstate those skills to employers. In this competitive industry, it's skills rather than qualifications that get you work and a solid showreel is proof of your creative talent and technical skill.

New graduates sometimes find themselves in a catch-22. They can't get work without a showreel and they can't develop good pieces for a showreel without practical industry experience.

This studio based course works closely with industry to teach advanced skills on industry standard software and then offers the time, guidance and resources you'll need to create an impressive showreel.

Whether you're intent on a career as an animator, texture artist, visual effects artist, technical director or some other 3D graphics position, this 41-week course will fast-track you towards employment.

Note: This course will be offered at our Wellington campus.

 

Course Components

• Introductory project - warm up and get to know your classmates and the Natcoll environment by completing a small group project by using your existing skills.
• Advanced Techniques in 3D Graphics - get a taste of a number of advanced techniques and tools in areas such as modelling, animation, texturing, rigging, scripting and visual effects, and apply these to industry standard examples..
• Industry theory — enhance your understanding of design skills, life drawing, screen composition, lighting and colour; develop your understanding of visual language and the communication skills essential for working in 3D graphic industries through practice and presentations from industry experts.
• Team production project — work as part of a team in a simulated animation studio to create a 3D short film using all the skills learnt and gain a better understanding of the industry pipeline / workflow.
• Individual project / showreel and portfolio development — develop your understanding of industry standards and needs in your chosen 3D graphics specialist area and take your skills to another level. Research and present your findings on an advanced topic that interests you and produce an individual showreel and accompanying print portfolio that effectively showcases your talent to prospective employers.
  

* Course content is subject to change to ensure continued industry relevance.

Assessment

• Assessments are standards-based, all projects are to be produced to a commercial standard.
• There are no examinations.
• You are encouraged to develop your own design style and technical skills.
• You will assemble a showreel of your work to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Equipment & Software

Equipment

• High spec computers
• Digital video cameras
• Sound recording equipment
• Video production room with studio lighting and blue/green screen

Software

• Maya Unlimited
• Zbrush
• RenderMan
• Photoshop
• AfterEffects
• Encore

Course Fees & Related Costs

Course fees*

Domestic students: $6,800 
International students: $17,500

* Domestic course fees are GST inclusive. Course fees could be subject to change.

Course Costs

The following estimated costs apply to classes starting in 2010. For some items the cost will vary depending on the brand of item purchased or on the student’s individual needs. Students are encouraged to discuss the items, especially recommended textbooks, with their tutor before purchasing.

Essential items

• Visual diary – one provided
• 300 print credits – provided
• Monthly internet quota – provided
• Textbooks - approx. $400
• External Firewire/USB hard drive - up to $300
• 1 MiniDV video tape - approx. $15
• Headphones - approx. $60

Recommended items

• 1 SD card - approx. $8
• 10 CD labels - approx. $15
• 10 CD presentation cases - approx. $50
• Storage media (CD/DVDs) – up to $70
• Extra print credits – up to $80 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Extra internet quota – up to $100 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Sundry stationery - up to $100

 

Entry Requirements

Natcoll’s Diploma of Animation (Advanced) is designed as an excellent pathway into this course. However, if you have not done this course, you can still be accepted if you can demonstrate equivalent 3D skills in your showreel.

Industry Relevance

The course includes a major group project. Working as part of a team, you will create an animated short film using all the skills you have learnt through the course. The completed animation will be shown at a screening to an audience. This group project simulates working in an animation studio.

Career Opportunities

• 3D animators
• 3D modellers
• 3D texture painter
• Character TD/rigger
• VFX artist
• Matte painter
• Compositor
• Animation production coordinator

Further learning

Once you have successfully completed this course, you could diversify your skills in the Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced) or Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced).

Alternatively, you could explore degree level study. Natcoll currently has formal degree pathways in place with a number of institutions. These can be viewed on our degree pathways page.