Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation) (Accelerated)

This is a two-year accelerated bachelor's degree in animation, taught at JMC Academy. It's the same AQF Level 7 qualification as a three-year degree, but the trimesters run back-to-back so you finish sooner. That suits people who already know they want to animate and would rather be in a studio than on a long summer break.

You'll study the core of 2D and 3D animation: drawing and design fundamentals, character and story development, 3D modelling and rigging, texturing, lighting, animation principles, compositing and visual effects. Assessment is mostly project-based, so you build a reel rather than sit exams. The final trimester usually includes a capstone project where you take a short animation from concept through to finished piece, often working in a small team the way a real production does. JMC is a private provider with campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and the animation course is delivered in a studio-style environment with industry-standard software. Confirm the exact unit list and campus availability on the official JMC page.

English requirements for international applicants are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for undergraduate courses, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Student visa has its own separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, a student visa allows 48 hours of work per fortnight during term. After graduating, you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, which lets you stay and work in Australia for a period that depends on your qualification and circumstances.

This degree suits school leavers with a portfolio, career changers who've been drawing or animating on their own, and international students who want an Australian qualification without a three-year commitment. You don't need to be a brilliant artist to start, but you do need to be willing to put in the hours at the desk. The accelerated pace means less downtime and more pressure per trimester, so it rewards people who can manage deadlines. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 075776J.

• 2D or 3D animator in film, television and streaming production
• Character designer or concept artist for animation and games studios
• Motion graphics artist for advertising, broadcast and online content
• Visual effects artist or compositor for post-production houses
• Storyboard artist for animation, advertising and pre-production
• Game artist or asset creator in the Australian game development sector
• Freelance animator or illustrator working with agencies and production companies