Study Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation) (TAFESA Diploma program in Game Art) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

This degree is only available to Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DBIA

SATAC Code
494021 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Admissions
Student Profile

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

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.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

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.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

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
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

The only degree of its kind in Australia. UniSA is the only university to offer a degree specifically in illustration, animation and game art.
Gain the skills needed to begin your rewarding career in the creative and innovative world of illustration, animation and gaming.
Learn in our custom-built on-campus workshops.
Learn techniques needed to produce industry-standard visual effects, become skilled in free-hand drawing.
Benefit from our networks and relationships with the design and animation industries – locally, nationally and internationally.
Learn from teachers who are practicing professionals with strong links to industry.
Graduate with two qualifications and your very own portfolio of work.
Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in illustration and animation is ranked world class¹.
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 Universities², 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

This unique packaged degree will equip you with the skills needed to kick-start your rewarding career in the creative and innovative world of illustration, animation and the rapidly growing field of games development and virtual world simulation.

Throughout your studies, you will gain an understanding of picture making, visual storytelling and narratives across a range of contexts using the techniques of illustration, animation and game art. You will learn a broad range of techniques needed to produce industry-standard visuals for industries such as book and comic publishing, gaming, movies, advertising, animation and design, become skilled in free-hand drawing, develop knowledge of digital software for moving and static pictures, work in on-campus workshops that are fitted out with state-of-the-art equipment.

What you'll learn

Commencing at UniSA in their first year of study, you will undertake Semester 1 and 2 courses from Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation), where you will explore and gain the technical skills and theoretical knowledge required for pictorial development, visual storytelling and game art within international professional gaming, illustration and animation fields.

You will gain skills in:

drawing
painting
sculpture to make static and moving pictures
animation techniques
design processes for problem solving and solution generation
visual storytelling
conceptual thinking
critical analysis and visual literacy
2D and 3D digital software
visual effects

In your second year, you will undertake the Game Art Diploma courses at TAFE SA. You will then return to UniSA, where you will complete the remainder of your degree, culminating in a personal portfolio or show reel specific to the area(s) of professional practice you choose.

You will hone your skills through experiential studio workshops, professional production, industry networking and mentorship within the program. You will also develop research and project management skills enabling you to pursue further learning through postgraduate studies.

You will also develop an understanding of current trends, technologies and professional practices, ensuring you graduate industry-ready.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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
Cinematic Design	INFT 1019	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)
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
Major		4.5	Note(s): 1	Rule(s): 1,2
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Illustration Animation Studio 4	GRAP 3017	9
Life Drawing	VSAR 2049	4.5
Elective		4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Visual Narrative	GRAP 3019	9
Integrated Studio Practice	GRAP 3018	9

Rules & notes

Rules

1. This course is part of the Game Art Major undertaken through the Diploma Program in Game and VFX at TAFE SA.

2. Students will receive credit for this course on successful completion of the Diploma Program in Game and VFX at TAFE SA.

Notes

1. Domestic students take a leave of absence from UniSA for Semester 1 and 2 of second year to study at TAFE SA for the award of Diploma program in Game and VFX (incorporating the Diploma of Screen and Media).

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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Design (Illustration and Animation) (TAFESA Diploma program in Game Art)

If you have a passion for all forms of game art and animation, visual storytelling, picture making and digital technologies and are interested in exploring the process of creating visual stories using static or moving images, this unique degree is a great choice.

In conjunction with TAFE SA, you will study in our fully-equipped workshops and studios 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

You will complete your first year of study with UniSA, where you will learn the skills required for pictorial development and visual storytelling. In your second year, you will commence study at the TAFE SA Adelaide campus to begin the Diploma in Screen Studies specialising in Game Art. You will then return to UniSA for your third year, where you will complete the remainder of your studies.

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 Gravity, X-Men, Days of Future Past, The Great Gatsby, and the Harry Potter series.

You may choose to complete a Gaming or Animation industry placement or collaborate with other creative organisations in the completion of 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.

Career outcomes

Your career

Careers to consider:

games developer: develop, design, create and produce computer or video games
animator: use sequential images to produce moving pictures
graphic designer: create visual concepts and graphics; you may work in advertising, publishing, public relations or manufacturing
illustrator: development and production of 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

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

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

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

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Your study spaces

As a design student, you will have access to:

custom-built on-campus design studios
workshops
computer studios

Your program director

Mr David Blaiklock

Program Director

Enquire

Mr David Blaiklock

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.