Diploma of Animation & Digital Video

Are you fascinated by the sight and sound of moving images or inspired by 3D imagery? Do you want a career in 3D animation or digital video production? Then the Diploma of Animation and Digital Video is the ideal launching pad for you.

This is where you'll develop your storytelling and design skills; learn the basics of digital audio and digital video production and the principles of animation.

You will find out how to put it all together and add the perfect finishing touches using the latest post production techniques.

New in 2008, this course has grown out of Natcoll's highly successful Diploma of Multimedia. This course provides a pathway to Natcoll's Level 6 Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced) or Diploma of Animation (Advanced), where you'll be able to further develop your skills in your chosen area of specialisation and put real polish on your portfolio or showreel.

Course Components

• Story-telling - develop storytelling skills essential to communication using animation and moving images
• Image manipulation - capture, edit, create and manipulate images
• Design - learn the principles of design and design processes
• Introduction to video production - develop a storyline and script for a video production; plan and produce, shoot, capture and edit digital video
• Introduction to 3D modelling - model a range of hard body and organic 3D forms; surface, light, composite and render simple 3D scenes
• Audio post production - record voiceovers, edit music and voice tracks; create soundtracks
• Introduction to video post production - learn post production processes, including editing and motion graphics; produce a complete video project
• Introduction to 3D animation - critically evaluate animation; produce a 3D animation
• Individual project - a video or animation project of your own design
• Workshops - develop essential skills and knowledge for animation and video production.

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

Assessment

• Assessment is standards-based, which means you need to meet all the standards set for a particular task.
• There are no marks or examinations.
• All projects must be produced to a commercial standard.
• You are encouraged to develop technical skills and your own design style.
• Reassessment opportunities are available.
• Minimum 80% attendance requirements apply.

Equipment & Software

Equipment

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

Software

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Illustrator
• Apple Final Cut Pro
• Apple Soundtrack Pro
• NewTek LightWave 3D 

Entry Requirements

You are required to show us your creativity by submitting some examples of your work in a medium of your choice. A working knowledge of digital imaging software such as Photoshop and illustration software such as FreeHand or Illustrator is an advantage.

Course Fees & Related Costs

Course fees*

Domestic students: $5,995
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 with their tutor before purchasing.

• Visual Diary - one provided
• Software manuals - provided
• 300 print credits - provided
• Monthly internet quota - provide
• External Firewire hard drive - up to $300
• 1 MiniDV video tape - approx. $15
• Headphones - approx. $60

• 1 SD card – approx. $8
• 10 CD labels – approx. $15
• 10 CD presentation cases – approx. $50
• Storage media (extra 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

Industry Relevance

• Natcoll liaises closely with the video, animation and interactive industries to ensure the latest commercial practices are taught.
• Natcoll encourages students to work on real industry projects.

These connections with industry mean you will have the skills needed to maximise your potential in the follow-on Video Post Production (Advanced) and Animation (Advanced) diplomas.

Career Opportunities

Successful graduates can seek entry level positions in the video or animation industries as, for example:

• Motion graphics designers
• Video editors
• 3D animators
• 3D modellers/texturers
• Visual effects artists
• Compositors

Our industry contacts suggest a minimum of two years study is more desirable.

Further learning

Develop your skills in your chosen area of expertise with Natcoll's Level 6 Diploma of Video Post Production (Advanced) or Diploma of Animation (Advanced), or broaden your skills through one of Natcoll's other diploma courses.

Graduates can get credit for 1 semester towards Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology's 3-year Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Interactive Media) - saving half a year.

Diploma of Animation and Digital Video