Start date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBIA

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
095761F

Degree overview

  • 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 #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

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

What you 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Illustration Animation Studio 1 GRAP 1029 9
Introductory Drawing for Design GRAP 1019 4.5
Creative Thinking Methods GRAP 2019 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Illustration Animation Studio 2 GRAP 2009 9
Computer Graphics and Imaging for Design GRAP 1018 4.5
Introduction to CGI COMM 1067 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Life Drawing VSAR 2049 4.5
Cinematic Design INFT 1019 4.5
Character, Prop and Scene Development GRAP 2038 4.5
Animation Design GRAP 2028 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Dynamic Effects COMM 3068 4.5
Illustration Animation Studio 3 GRAP 2010 9
Character Performance COMM 2083 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Illustration Animation Studio 4 GRAP 3017 9
Advanced Life Drawing GRAP 3016 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Visual Narrative GRAP 3019 9
Integrated Studio Practice GRAP 3018 9

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

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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation)

Why this Degree

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.

UniSA offers an extensive range of career-related events and workshops online, on campus and around Adelaide to develop your skills and increase your knowledge.

Study at UniSA

Hear from Kavindu and Yen as they share their experiences studying a Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation) at UniSA.

UniSA Video

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:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Scholarships

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

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

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:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Student services

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.

Location 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 study spaces

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.

Mr David Blaiklock

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mr David Blaiklock
Portrait image for Mr David Blaiklock

Mr David Blaiklock

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    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.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    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.

More FAQs