UniSA uses cookies to remember your preferences, analyse traffic, track usage patterns, and personalise content. In some instances, UniSA shares personal information collected by cookies with UniSA's third party service providers and Adelaide University (as UniSA's future successor). See our privacy notification for further details. To adjust your cookie settings, click 'More information'. By clicking 'Accept and continue', you consent to our use of cookies.
UniSA recommends the use of all cookies to provide you with the optimal experience while visiting our website. Choose below to accept the recommended settings or continue to adjust your individual preferences.
Adjust your settings
Essential cookies
Preserves the visitor’s session state across multiple page requests. These cookies are required for basic site functionality and are therefore always enabled.
Analytical cookies
Used to send data through services such as Google Analytics and our advertising platform about a user's device and behaviour. Tracks the user across devices and marketing channels.
Marketing cookies and Advertising based pixels
Track digital activity from ads, optimise ads and remarket to users to customise the website's user experience.
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
An international packaged offer is available for international students wishing to graduate with the Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation) and the TAFESA Diploma of Screen and Media.
Study the only degree of its kind in Australia - UniSA is the only university to offer a degree specifically in illustration and animation.
Gain the technical and theoretical skills required to be a visual storyteller.
Study drawing, software and studio practices throughout your studies.
Learn in our custom-built on-campus workshops.
Work on real-life projects, gaining valuable practical experience.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the design and animation industries – locally, nationally and internationally.
Study a unique, industry-led, stop motion model making course with leading animation company Anifex.
Learn from teachers who are practising professionals with strong links to industry.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in illustration and animation is ranked world class2.
Study at a university that developed the first Bachelor of Design degree in the world.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
1Results in Design Practice and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Snapshot
This unique degree will equip you with the skills needed to kick-start your rewarding career in the creative and innovative world of illustration and animation.
You will learn a broad range of techniques needed to produce industry-standard pictures for industries such as:
book and comic publishing
gaming
movies
advertising
2D, 3D and Stop Motion animation
animation
design
You will also become skilled in free-hand drawing, develop knowledge of digital software for moving and static pictures, and work in on-campus workshops that are fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.
During your final year you will be given the opportunity to practice your skills when you undertake an industry internship, mentorship, collaborative project or free elective.
What you'll learn
Explore everything from the history of hand-drawn narrative to digital technologies that are now pivotal to this creative industry.
You will cover topics such as:
drawing
painting
illustration design and production
digital compositing
animation design
visual effects
communication design
computer graphics and imaging
maquette and scene building
storyboarding
You will also develop an understanding of current trends, technologies and professional practices, ensuring you graduate industry-ready.
1. All students must complete one University Elective as part of their undergraduate program. The University Elective may be chosen from any within the University and from any Study Period.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
studio-based projects
written discussions
professional presentations
portfolios
showreels
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Why Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation)
If you have a passion for picture-making and the process of creating visual stories using static or moving images, this unique degree is a great choice.
You will complete much of your learning in our fully-equipped workshops and studios that are located on-campus. These world-class facilities boast digital fabrication equipment such as:
industry standard digital software for making and producing illustrations and animation
industry standard 3D modelling and visual effects software
industry-standard motion-capture and virtual reality systems
CNC routers
3D printers
large format digital printers
green screen studio
industry-standard software in dedicated computer labs
Through a series of design studio courses you will also develop advanced conceptual, technical and production skills, and become an expert in the use of industry-standard software.
Real-world connections
There is the opportunity for you to undertake a mentorship or project engagement with a range of industry partners such as world-renowned visual effects studios Rising Sun Pictures. Rising Sun Pictures’ Adelaide-based studio has created thousands of visual effects for over 100 motion pictures, including Thor: Love and Thunder, Elvis, Hawkeye and the Harry Potter series.
You may choose to complete an industry placement, mentorship or collaboration with another creative organisation, or to complete an industry project during your third year of study.
Hear from Kavindu and Yen as they share their experiences studying a Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation) at UniSA.
Career outcomes
Your career
Our students are passionate about the visual storytelling for children’s books, graphic novels, comics, editorial illustration, 2D, 3D and stop motion animation, concept design for film, game and digital production industries.
Careers to consider:
animator: use 2D and 3D software, drawing, painting and models to produce moving pictures
illustrator: develop and produce pictures for a broad range of creative industry sectors, for example, publishing, design, advertising, visual art, motion film, advertising, gaming and software development
technical illustrator: design and create visual representations for use in technical publications and manuals
graphic designer: create visual concepts and graphics; you may work in advertising, publishing, public relations or manufacturing
Additionally, this degree opens career pathways into other fields such as broadcasting and motion film, visual effects and animation, educational and science-based media, streaming web content provision, design agencies, product production (fashion, toys, giftware), evolving communication technologies such as mobile technology and virtual reality, and as independent artists developing original content, advertising and publishing.
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
As a design student you will have access to:
custom-built on-campus design studios
workshops with an extensive range of traditional machines and tools
computer studios
Your program director
Illustration and Animation Design are highly specialised professions that provide innovative visual communication solutions to diverse industries, for example, publishing, education, design, communication media and entertainment. They are creative fields underpinned by entrepreneurial practice, requiring high level technical skills, production processes and design thinking.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
