Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)

Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) - CUA51020

VOCATIONAL

Start your journey to become a highly skilled screen and media designer.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$25,250 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Are you ready to take advantage of the huge opportunities for content creators and digital professionals?

You can work in user experience design, art direction, animation and emerging fields of virtual and augmented reality.

The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)  provides you with the skills you need to become a creative and capable digital professional.

As an industry-driven course, the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) is ideal for students who want to establish a professional animation, gaming and visual effects career in the film, television, online entertainment or gaming industry. You will undertake fundamental units in design, interactivity, 2D and 3D imaging and animation, and media production (video and audio). With a focus on creativity, design thinking and conceptual development, this course will give you an understanding of the fundamental design, technical and management skills required to work in these growing fields.

Why study screen and media at RMIT?

Industry-driven content

Learn the latest animation, gaming and visual effects trends and practices from active practitioners and guest speakers.

Specialist facilities

Undertake projects in state-of-the-art labs simulating a professional studio production environment.

Global skill set

Graduate with a diverse and specialised skill set that will open up opportunities in Australia and overseas.

The ongoing assessments and weekly interactive skill learning and development were great for staying engaged with the course material. I learnt a lot more in this than I have in previous study because of the continuous practical engagement and less grading pressure. I wanted intense skills training and I learned so much in one year.
Portrait of Stephanie Staub, Alumni - Stephanie Staub, Alumni

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) will introduce you to concept development, interactive preproduction, production and post-production for a broad variety of screen and media outcomes.

You will work on individual and collaborative projects. Group projects are undertaken in state-of-the-art labs with a range of cutting-edge software, reflecting a professional studio production environment. You will be involved in the hands-on technical preparation, and the critical and creative development of projects, seeing them through from idea to outcome. 

Throughout the year you will hear from industry speakers and graduates who will share their thoughts and experiences and provide students with valuable insights.

Your learning experience will involve:

  • teacher guided instruction
  • peer teaching and class presentations
  • group discussion
  • independent project-based work
  • critiquing student projects
  • screenings
  • guest lectures
  • online activities
  • project work
  • independent investigation and study.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout your study through various methods, including

  • folio submission
  • skills demonstration
  • group and independent projects
  • presentations 
  • reports and assignments, and more. 

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming, and Visual Effects)'s design is industry-driven with content and assessment informed by our Industry Advisory Committee.

The teachers in this diploma are active practitioners with current knowledge of trends and work practices, who prepare you for employment opportunities in the interactive/screen content production industries, and further education.

Upon successful completion of this course you will be prepared to adapt to varied interactive and digital media environments and opportunities available in Australia and overseas.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Areas of study in the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) include:

  • digital imaging and graphic design
  • 2D and 3D animation design
  • motion design, compositing and visual effects
  • interactive and games design in theory and practice
  • video editing language in theory and practice
  • concept development and previsualisation
  • sound design
  • virtual reality
  • augmented reality.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)
Program code: C5413
National curriculum code: CUA51020
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)
City Campus
1 Year - Full Time
C5413
107883D
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 Year - Full Time
Plan code
C5413
CRICOS
107883D
View plan
Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects)
City Campus
1 Year - Full Time
C5413
107883D
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 Year - Full Time
Plan code
C5413
CRICOS
107883D
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

This diploma exposes you to a broad range of screen and media technologies. Upon graduation you’ll occupy a variety of professional roles, across media production and design industries, utilising your creative and technical skills and interests.

You will graduate as a work-ready, digital media practitioner and may explore opportunities as a:

  • graphic designer
  • UX/UI designer
  • app developer
  • concept/storyboard artist
  • 2D and 3D artist/animator
  • game designer
  • motion design artist
  • production designer
  • VFX/post-production artist.

Graduates of this diploma are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design), in which they will further develop their skills as a creative professional

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements.

All applicants must submit the selection task

Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.

All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2025

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until this date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Selection task dates for VTAC applicants
VTAC applicants Register and submit the selection task by
November round (Non-year 12 applicants only) 1 November 2024
December round (Current year 12 applicants only) 13 December 2024
January rounds (All applicants) 1 January 2025
February rounds (All applicants if places are available) 28 January 2025
Selection task dates for direct applicants

If you are applying direct to RMIT, you must complete and submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application. Please see the Apply page for information on eligibility to apply direct.

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
Direct applicants 7 February 2025

Selection task requirements

Applicant statement

Applicants are required to answer the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):  

  • Question 1: What interests you about Animation, Games Design, Visual Effects and/or Interactive media and what do you hope to gain from studying in this program?
  • Question 2: Provide details of any experience you have with the creation of animation, game design, interactive media or other areas of screen and media production. Detail any work experience or formal/informal learning and list specific software where relevant. You may also include URLs of work you have created or been involved in. 
  • Question 3: Outline any personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program. This may include examples from productions, sports, work, committees, hobbies, volunteer groups, achievements or other relevant activities. 
Storyboard exercise or 2D game level design

Create a three-frame story board reflecting the theme word “trust” or a single page level design for a 2D platform game. 

The storyboard should progressively tell a story with a beginning, middle and end, and be driven by the theme word. It should also be easily understood by an audience. Imagine each frame as a scene in a film and think along the lines of story progression. 

There is to be no dialogue or captioning included in this exercise - it is purely visual narrative. This is not a test of your drawing skills, stick figures are fine. 

Submissions instructions
  • Upload document(s) (maximum size 5MB)

OR

  • Provide a URL (please provide a password if applicable).

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (331kb PDF) along with your application

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Successful completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) guarantees entry into the the C6173 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation & Design).

Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation & Design), you may be eligible for entry and credit into one of the following programs:

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You can gain entry to this program from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects).

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$15,500* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$21,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information