Major overview
Animation, visual effects and virtual production are transforming the way we tell stories, create entertainment and communicate ideas across industries. From film and television to social media, advertising, digital games, virtual reality and beyond, these creative technologies are shaping our digital future.
In this major, you’ll delve deep into animation, visual effects (VFX) and virtual production practice. You’ll gain specialised expertise and hands-on training in industry-standard tools and techniques, while developing a strong understanding of the theories and principles that underpin creative digital production.
This major is offered as part of the Bachelor of Digital Creative Industries. You can broaden your expertise with interdisciplinary electives and specialisations or combine this major with Game Design and Art or Immersive User Experience Design.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Career outcomes
Graduates have the high-level creative and technical expertise for careers in current and emerging digital realms. In Australia, the average annual salary for a game developer is $100,000.¹
Careers
- Animator (2D/3D/real-time)
- Compositor
- 3D level designer
- 3D motion graphics artist
- Real-time animation / cinematic artist
- Virtual production artist
- Visual effects artist
Industries
- Film, television and entertainment
- Gaming and interactive media
- Advertising and marketing
- Communication and media
- Digital design and creative arts
- Education and training
- UX/UI design
¹ Source: Seek (October 2025).
Why study at Curtin?
Future-focused skills
Develop creative and technical expertise you can apply to emerging digital careers.
Industry connections
Gain real-world experience through placements with leading studios and production companies.
Hands-on learning
Work with industry-standard tools and technologies in state-of-the-art labs and studios.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, your studies will cover areas such as cinematic storytelling, motion design, compositing, visual effects and immersive virtual production. You’ll also learn to integrate real-time technologies into your creative practice, preparing you to work across the rapidly evolving fields of digital media.
Throughout the course you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities including digital labs, high-end media production studios with real-time rendering capabilities, advanced VR/AR equipment and high-performing computing systems with cutting-edge graphics.
In your final year, you’ll gain professional experience – such as a real-world research or industry collaboration, or internships with local and international studios and production companies.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Explore more
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