7 best animation courses in New Zealand

Animation courses in New Zealand

New Zealand offers animation programs in the form of diplomas, certification courses, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. Students can choose what is best for them based on their interests. Students will also get exposure to a multicultural environment while studying animation in New Zealand. It will help them learn more about art and design in general, allowing them to create better perspectives.

Most universities and colleges in the country offer various levels of programs in this field of study. There are numerous internship opportunities for students to advance their careers. The country also provides scholarships for international university-based candidates. Due to the popularity of animation jobs and the relative scarcity of people working in this industry, students who take this course will be able to find interesting career opportunities..

Let us discuss animation courses in New Zealand in detail.

Benefits of pursuing animation courses in New Zealand

• The animation programs available in the country provide internationally recognized credentials. The country’s education system ensures that students learn about the most recent developments in the field, which will help them thrive in the workplace.
• The country provides candidates with a variety of 2D and 3D course options. They will also be able to learn about other design aspects that would not normally be included in an animation program.
• According to a survey, there are 621 animators and digital artists working in the country as of 2018. The competition in the field of animation is fierce in the country, but plenty of job opportunities are available.
• In New Zealand, animation programs are frequently a blend of art, design, and business, allowing candidates to learn not only about the subject of their interest but also about marketing the skills they acquired.

Duration of animation programs in New Zealand

The duration of animation programs depends on the level of the program and the university to which the candidate has applied. Universities provide various certifications, diplomas, and bachelor’s and master’s programs in the subject. 

Certification programs typically last 16 weeks to 6 months, whereas diploma programs typically last 1 to 1.5 years. Bachelor’s programs in the subject typically last three years, while master’s programs typically last 1.5 to two years. Candidates must check the course duration they choose on the respective institution’s website.

7 Best animation programs in New Zealand

The following are some of the best animation courses in New Zealand.

An overview of the courses is available here-

Bachelor of Design Innovation

BDI is a three-year undergraduate degree program that prepares students for careers in design-related industries. Communication design, design for social innovation, industrial & interaction design, media design, animation & visual effects are among the topics covered in the course.

Diploma in Digital Design- Animation and Film Production

This course is ideal for students who want to work in the film and animation industries. This course will teach about Design Foundations, Animation Principles, Audio & Visual Production, 3D Modeling, and Composites. This 40-week course’s primary goal is to strengthen the student’s foundation through practical knowledge and hands-on training from industry experts.

Diploma in Animation (Level 5)

This one-year program will teach students the fundamentals of pre-production, character animation, and performance animation. The best aspect is that students get a lot of practice during the studio sessions, where they can use their knowledge and skills.

Diploma in Specialized Animation (Level 6)

This course focuses on conceptualizing and developing specialized techniques learned in the Diploma in Animation, which is all about strengthening the students’ core foundation (Level 5). Students will learn how to apply their knowledge to the construction of more complex and intricate assets in this course.

Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation)

This course focuses on developing a specific area in which students can expand their knowledge and skills. Among other things, the course covers character animation, motion graphics, compositing, animation and interaction, and audio techniques.

Diploma in Digital Media

A diploma in Digital Media will assist students in becoming acquainted with all types of modeling, rendering, technical direction, and lighting that the industry requires.

This course introduces students to 3D animation, and in their second year, they are able to specialize in one area of visual effects.

Bachelor of Creative Media Production

This course assists students in developing their skills by combining traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology. The course focuses on storyboarding, 3D modeling, dynamics, texturing, rigging, and more.

General animation course requirements in New Zealand

The following are the basic requirements for admission to animation courses in New Zealand-

• Qualifications (as specified by the university) from an esteemed credible secondary school or institution, equivalent to New Zealand year 13.
• Qualifications at the bachelorette level play a role in postgraduate students earning a B average over the course of their undergraduate degree.

Documents required

• Academic Transcripts
• Post-graduation transcript if completed
• Evidence of citizenship (Passport)
• Name and contact details of two professional references.
• CV/ Resume (updated)
• Letter of Recommendation
• English Language Proficiency Test Score
• Statement of Purpose

Key takeaways

• New Zealand provides animation programs in diploma, certification course, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees format. Students have the freedom to choose what is best for them based on their interests. 
• Animation programs in New Zealand offer internationally recognized credentials and access to the most recent developments in the field. The country also offers candidates various 2D and 3D course options. 
• Bachelor of Design Innovation, Diploma in Animation (Level 5), Diploma in Screen Arts (3D Animation) and Bachelor of Creative Media Production are some of the top animation courses available in New Zealand

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on animation courses in New Zealand. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Which are the top universities offering animation courses in New Zealand?

Ans- Top universities offering animation courses in New Zealand are the University of Otago, Southern Institute of Technology, the University of Auckland, Nelson, Marlborough Institute of Technology, and the University of Waikato.

Q2. How much do 3D animators earn in New Zealand?

Ans- In New Zealand, the average salary for a 3D Animator is NZD 106,613 per year and NZD 51 per hour. A 3D Animator’s average salary ranges between NZD 74,736 and NZD 129,535.

Q3. How can I start a career in animation in New Zealand?

Ans- A graduate degree or diploma in animation is the best way to start a career in animation. You can also gain experience in a particular type of animation or a particular animation software to add to your resume.