The Animation School Diploma In Digital Animation
diploma in digital animation
Gain a strong foundation in the history of animation, principles of animation, colour theory, art direction, storytelling and pre-production, production and post-production.
The aim of the Diploma in Digital Animation is to prepare students for a successful career in the animation industry by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, technological training and professionalism required to make a smooth transition into the work place or the opportunity to further their studies.
Students will gain a strong theoretical foundation in the history of animation, the principles of animation, colour theory, art direction, storytelling and pre-production, production and post-production. They will also develop detailed knowledge of the field of animation and how that knowledge relates to film and media studies, history, art and design. Students will be assessed on their ability to critically analyse these principles and theories and apply them when solving complex problems within 2D and 3D animation.
Graduates of the programme are complemented by employers for their ability to deliver excellent work from the first day of employment because of the industry-relevant experience gained in their third year. This includes the production of a short film as a member of a team, completion of a 2-week placement within an animation studio and preparation of a personal demo-reel, all of which are underpinned by the knowledge and skills gained in the first and second years of the programme.
First-year
• Y1.C1 – Introduction to Animation
• Y1.C2 – 2D Digital Animation
• Y1.C3 – Introduction to 3D Production
Second-year
• Y2.C1 – Visual Narrative
• Y2.C2 – 3D Character Animation
• Y2.C3 – 3D Character Development
• Y2.C4 – 3D Production
Third-year
• Y3.C1 – Pre-Production
• Y3.C2 – Production Electives
• Y3.C3 – Animated Short Film
• Y3.C4 – Professional Development
Students will gain a strong theoretical foundation in the history of animation, the principles of animation, colour theory, art direction, storytelling and pre-production, production and post-production. They will also develop detailed knowledge of the field of animation and how that knowledge relates to film and media studies, history, art and design. Students will be assessed on their ability to critically analyse these principles and theories and apply them when solving complex problems within 2D and 3D animation.
Graduates of the programme are complemented by employers for their ability to deliver excellent work from the first day of employment because of the industry-relevant experience gained in their third year. This includes the production of a short film as a member of a team, completion of a 2-week placement within an animation studio and preparation of a personal demo-reel, all of which are underpinned by the knowledge and skills gained in the first and second years of the programme.
First-year
• Y1.C1 – Introduction to Animation
• Y1.C2 – 2D Digital Animation
• Y1.C3 – Introduction to 3D Production
Second-year
• Y2.C1 – Visual Narrative
• Y2.C2 – 3D Character Animation
• Y2.C3 – 3D Character Development
• Y2.C4 – 3D Production
Third-year
• Y3.C1 – Pre-Production
• Y3.C2 – Production Electives
• Y3.C3 – Animated Short Film
• Y3.C4 – Professional Development
Programme Details
SAQA ID: 71756
NQF Level: 6
Total Credits: 360
Campus: Cape Town and Johannesburg
Start Date: 7 February 2023
Duration: 3 Years, Full-Time
Registration: Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training until 31 December 2024 as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate no. 2009/HE07/013
Applicants from around the world who are passionate about developing strong drawing skills, are inquisitive about the people and world around them, have a passion for visual storytelling and are willing to put in long hours to bring characters and stories to life are invited to apply for the Diploma in Digital Animation.
Experience in art and drama will support the more creative aspects of animation while mathematical and logical thinking skills will benefit those looking to focus on the technical side of animation.
Applicants must meet the minimum admission criteria specified in the prospectus (on the right).
NQF Level: 6
Total Credits: 360
Campus: Cape Town and Johannesburg
Start Date: 7 February 2023
Duration: 3 Years, Full-Time
Registration: Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training until 31 December 2024 as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997. Registration certificate no. 2009/HE07/013
Applicants from around the world who are passionate about developing strong drawing skills, are inquisitive about the people and world around them, have a passion for visual storytelling and are willing to put in long hours to bring characters and stories to life are invited to apply for the Diploma in Digital Animation.
Experience in art and drama will support the more creative aspects of animation while mathematical and logical thinking skills will benefit those looking to focus on the technical side of animation.
Applicants must meet the minimum admission criteria specified in the prospectus (on the right).
What Careers are Available to Graduates?
Graduates will be qualified to pursue a career in animation, film, TV, gaming, advertising or VFX as a generalist, concept artist, story boarder, character designer, animator, technical artist (rigging and/or rendering), lighting artist, compositor, surfacing/texturing artist, among numerous others.
Alternatively, graduates may explore a career in animation for other sectors such as health and medical (simulated medical procedures), architecture (virtual tours of buildings), engineering (simulated engineering processes or 3D models), forensics (recreating crime scenes) or virtual reality (VR).
80 – 90% of our graduates secure employment in animation in the local animation industry and several have gone on to work in the US, Canada and Europe.
Alternatively, graduates may explore a career in animation for other sectors such as health and medical (simulated medical procedures), architecture (virtual tours of buildings), engineering (simulated engineering processes or 3D models), forensics (recreating crime scenes) or virtual reality (VR).
80 – 90% of our graduates secure employment in animation in the local animation industry and several have gone on to work in the US, Canada and Europe.