
Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation)
Overview
Animation is an important way to tell visual stories. Expand your existing skills and knowledge across a variety of screen and media platforms with our Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media Animation. Get real-world experience through collaborative project work and hands-on training used advanced screen technologies.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
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Nationally recognised training
My preference is success
Want to maximise your VTAC offers? Discover how to get more for your ATAR with Change of Preference tips and tools.
Skills you’ll learn
- Concept development
- Script writing
- 2D animation
- Character modelling and animation
Your career opportunities
- Independent media artist
- Animator
- Motion designer
- Production designer
- Storyboard artist
- Compositor
Key codes
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional accreditations

Student work
Swinburne's Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media -Animation students have worked on some amazing projects recently! Check out their latest pieces in this showreel.
Admissions
Successful completion of relevant diploma level qualification. Applicants with 18 months full-time relevant industry experience can provide a CV and submit a portfolio of work demonstrating evidence of the following skills/knowledge:
- Preproduction for screen and media, including storyboarding, concept development and script writing stages of production in the screen and media industry 2D and 3D animation software sound production and sound recording video recording and editing.
- Applicants need to have completed CUAPPR515 - Maintain Safe Creative Practice (or equivalent unit).
- Applicants that do not hold CUAPPR515 - Maintain Safe Creative Practice (or equivalent unit) must undertake this unit from the Diploma of Screen & Media - Animation in order to successfully complete the Advanced Diploma qualifications.
- Applicants need to have successfully completed CUAANM302 Creative 3D Digital Animations (or equivalent) which is a pre-requisite unit to enter the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media - Animation. Applicants who do not hold CUAANM302 Creative 3D Digital Animations (or equivalent) will be unable to enter the Advanced Diploma of Screen & Media - Animation.
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Other requirements
Technical Requirements
To engage fully in your studies, you are required to purchase or access the following equipment and technologies.
- Computer
- Headphone with microphone
- Camera through a computer connected to the internet to use “Collaborate Ultra” within the CANVAS Learning Management System
- Internet access
- External Hard Drive (1TB minimum)
When purchasing or accessing a computer we highly recommend the below specifications are considered either Apple Macintosh or Windows PC.
Computer recommendations:
Component |
Minimum Performance |
Top Performance |
---|---|---|
GPU |
1080p: 4GB VRAM or 4K: 8GB VRAM |
6K-8K: 20GB VRAM |
CPU |
4 Cores |
18 Cores |
RAM |
HD: 16GB 4K: 32GB |
6K-8K: 64GB |
Internal Storage |
1TB SSD |
4TD: SSD |
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
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Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media - Film and Television
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Diploma of Screen and Media - Animation
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Certificate IV in Screen and Media
Course structure
Students must complete the four core and twelve elective units listed.
Your units
Units of study | Unit code |
---|---|
Core units | |
Work professionally in the creative arts industry
Core unit, 70.0 credit points |
CUAIND611 |
Establish and maintain safe creative practice
Core unit, 40.0 credit points |
CUAPPR515 |
Engage in the business of creative practice
Core unit, 80.0 credit points |
CUAPPR613 |
Evolve ideas for professional creative work
Core unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUAPPR615 |
Elective units | |
Lead innovative thinking and practice
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points |
BSBSTR801 |
Create 3D digital character animations
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUAANM511 |
Design specifications for animation and digital visual effects
Elective unit, 90.0 credit points |
CUAANM513 |
Realise production designs
Elective unit, 100.0 credit points |
CUADES522 |
Direct performers for screen productions
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUADRT512 |
Establish creative vision for screen productions
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUADRT611 |
Edit complex media productions
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUAPOS511 |
Plan and manage pre-production activities
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points |
CUAPPM613 |
Collaborate in professional creative projects
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUAPPR612 |
Extend expertise in a specialised art form to professional level
Elective unit |
CUAPPR616 |
Develop sound designs
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUASOU513 |
Write scripts
Elective unit, 50.0 credit points |
CUAWRT601 |
2024 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$18,788
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$12,200
2024 fees
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2023 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Skills first government-subsidised place
To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)
If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.
The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.
Concessions rates for vocational students
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available if you self-identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and qualify for a government-subsidised training place under the Indigenous Completions Initiative.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
From 1 January 2024, all Diploma level and above courses will contribute to the Student Services and Amenities fee. Below is the capped amount for 2023 as a guide ahead of fees for 2024 being announced.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$326
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2023 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.