Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects) gives graduates a well-rounded arts education while allowing them to specialise in animated visual arts.

CSU is launching new age Communication and Creative Industries programs from 2014. CSU has always been at the forefront of innovative and cutting edge delivery of communication and creative practices in Australia. The new programs recognise the changing industries and prepare students for the 21st Century and beyond. Current students will have the flexibility to graduate with their existing degrees or transfer to the new programs. More information about the new programs will be available online soon, or you can register an expression of interest.

Charles Sturt University is proud to announce Australia's only Bachelor degree dedicated to the art of animation and visual effects. This exciting course is devoted to students passionate about creating memorable visuals and fulfilling their desire to bring their imagination to life.

Founded upon traditional arts principles, this new degree provides a unique collaborative framework for students to explore their creative visual talents through diverse media and evolving industries with particular emphasis towards the digital realm.

Students gain a well-rounded arts education while being encouraged to specialise to increase employment prospects in increasingly competitive fields. Featuring cross-discipline opportunities, current industry standard software, knowledgeable lecturers, the latest learning tools, exhibitions/festivals, and a welcoming team environment founded upon creative arts practice, the course will motivate students to achieve their very best with a professional portfolio, demo reel and resume.

Supplementary consultations

One of the unique things about CSU's Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects) is that we have small class sizes, which allow intensive learning and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students, as well as the opportunity to work with the latest software and learning tools, not just watch the work being done. This makes our course very competitive. To give you the best opportunity to gain entry into the Bachelor of Arts (Animation and Visual Effects), CSU offers you the opportunity to undertake a supplementary consultation as part of your application process. This gives you the chance to meet with the course lecturers and demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and talent for this career area, as well as finding out more about the course, our excellent facilities and exceptional work placements.

Features of the course

• animation and visual effects archive
• latest industry standard software and training
• cross-discipline environment
• strong art foundation
• resources for specialisation
• professional staff with industry experience
• supportive team environment
• flexible framework for versatility in career choices

Course components

Major studies integrate 3D, animation, digital video/audio, conceptual development, digital compositing, special effects, multimedia authoring/design, and production projects. Minor studies can incorporate acting, design for theatre and television, graphic design, jewellery, photography or television production.

Professionals teaching you

The course is taught by dedicated professionals with a wide range of industry experience.

The latest facilities

To make sure you are experienced using the equipment and techniques found in the workplace, our facilities include:

• dedicated Animation and Visual Effects Studio with workstations equipped with the latest industry software from vendors such as Adobe, Autodesk, Apple and Eyeon
• general computing laboratories used for all manner of multimedia work
• well equipped photography, multimedia, television and visual arts studios
• AV Store provides students with free hire of professional equipment

Where it will take you

Career options include:

• 3D graphics animation
• motion design
• digital compositing
• visual effects
• computer games
• multimedia authoring and design
• professional art practice
• film/television production
• scientific visualisation
• advertising, and
• interactive media

Special admission requirements

All Year 12 applicants need to apply through UAC and are selected on the basis of their ATAR.

Other applicants, and those wishing to supplement their ATAR, should request a supplementary consultation and/or provide a portfolio. Consultations are held in person in Wagga Wagga or by telephone in November/December, or earlier by prior arrangement.

Download an Interview/Audition Request Form.

For a supplementary consultation:

• a supplementary consultation is HIGHLY recommended
• come to Wagga Wagga for a consultation and take a tour of the University
• elect a phone interview if you cannot make it in person
• do some basic research as you are committing to at least three years of dedicated study

For a demo reel or portfolio:

• put your best work at the very beginning - avoid the impulse to beef it up with all you've ever done but not necessarily proud of
• keep it short - a couple of minutes or less is fine
• clearly label all your work - to help keep your discs, pages or cases together
• keep packaging simple - it's what inside that counts

For more information about admission criteria please contact info.csu on 1800 334 733.

Principal's Report Entry Program applicants

Students applying for this course through PREP should submit the additional application form direct to CSU with their PREP application.

Admission requirements

To be admitted into the course, prospective students need to indicate their likelihood of success through:

1. previous studies, and
2. other attainments and experience.

Previous studies

Previous studies include:

• the NSW Higher School Certificate or interstate /overseas equivalent;
• the International Baccalaureate Diploma;
• a completed or part completed course of a university, college of advanced education or other accredited tertiary institution;
• a completed or part completed course of a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution (including TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate);
• an approved Foundation Studies program certificate;
• completion of undergraduate subjects as an Associate Student with the University or through another University, or Open Universities Australia.

NSW and interstate school leavers are normally selected on the basis of their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) or interstate equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to your course preferences.

Currently no secondary school subjects are prerequisites for admission to particular CSU courses however some courses assume a certain level of knowledge. This will be specified in the course information if applicable.

English language proficiency

Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:

• have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
• were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
• have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
  or
• have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.

All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:

• an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
• a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
• a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
• a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
• a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
• a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
• completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
• a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
• completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
• completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
• successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
• a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
• a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
• IRI Diploma of English.

An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Attainment and experience

You may also be admitted to a course based on other attainments and experience. These may include:

• voluntary or paid work experience;
• performance in tests and examinations conducted by professional recognised bodies;
• participation in continuing education programs and/or staff development programs conducted by adult education agencies, consultancies, professional bodies or employers;
• completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

Apply now

This course is available to commence study in

Session 1