Master of Animation and Visual Effects
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 2 years
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Paddington
- Codes
- Program code 9319
- CRICOS code 113670M
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Commonwealth Supported Places are available for this program2026 Indicative CSP first year fee
- $10,000*
-
2026 Indicative CSP fee to complete degree
- $19,500*
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $101,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Art & Design campus
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Hands-on learning
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Flexible study options
Admissions update for international students
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Immerse yourself in the rapidly evolving field of animation and visual effects (VFX) with the UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects. This two-year program (full-time equivalent) is designed for graduates and professionals who want to shape the future of digital production from concept art and pre-visualisation to production and output.
Through a mix of core studio courses, contextual courses and prescribed electives, you’ll develop the technical, conceptual and professional skills needed to bring your ideas to life. You’ll learn in world-class facilities alongside a diverse community of artists and designers, guided by academics with extensive industry experience.
Creative experimentation is at the heart of the program, giving you the freedom to explore new ideas while refining techniques used in modern creative production pipelines. As your technical skills grow, you’ll also strengthen your abilities in digital aesthetics, communication, collaboration and adaptability – preparing you for a successful career in animation and VFX.
Key features
Holistic artistic development
From concept art and pre-visualisation through to production and final output, you’ll develop a portfolio of in-demand creative and technical skills informed by the latest industry practices. This holistic approach helps you think laterally, work across disciplines and solve creative, conceptual and technical challenges as an artist.
Agility and leadership for an evolving future
Develop in-demand capabilities in teamwork, resilience and communication, helping you collaborate effectively while staying true to your artistic vision. You’ll strengthen your decision-making as a creative practitioner, adapt to emerging technologies and lead change in a rapidly evolving industry.
Develop as an artist at UNSW Art & Design
Join a vibrant, inclusive and creative community at UNSW Art & Design, a campus dedicated to artistic practice and located in the heart of Sydney’s creative sector. You’ll have access to world-class facilities, including museum-standard galleries, industry workshops, open studios and other collaborative spaces designed to support creative exploration.
Why study at UNSW?
Study at a world-leading Group of Eight university
Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026) dedicated to shaping a generation of socially- conscious change-makers and leaders across art and design.
Flexible study options
The UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects offers flexible study options that help you balance work, life and study. Depending on your previous experience, you may be able to fast-track your studies and graduate in as little as one year.
Tap into a diverse array of creative expertise
UNSW Art & Design has an extensive alumni network of digital media trailblazers and innovators, including Duncan Ramson (CEO at The Endless Co.), Lynette Wallworth (Emmy award-winning filmmaker and artist), Jack Condon (Evangelist and Epic Games) and Patrick Younis (3D interaction and visual effects artist). We also have strong industry connections across world-class companies, including Weta Digital, Animal Logic, DreamWorks Animation, Rising Sun Pictures and Cutting Edge.
Entry requirements
Admission pathways into the Master of Animation and Visual Effects degree can include:
2-year program (96 UOC)
A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in any field with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 or equivalent. This provides admission into the full two-year program, requiring completion of 96 UOC (2 years full-time equivalent).
1.7-year program (72 UOC)
A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in a related field with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 or equivalent. This allows students to receive credit for 24 UOC (4 courses) upon commencement, meaning students can complete the program in 72 UOC (1.7 years full-time equivalent).
OR
1-year program (48 UOC)
An honours degree (AQF level 8) in a related field. This allows students to receive credit for the first year of the program (48 UOC or 8 courses) upon commencement, meaning students can complete the program in 48 UOC (1 year full-time equivalent).
Related fields: the Creative Arts (FOE 10, such as Visual Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic and Design Studies, Communication and Media Studies).
Admission pathways
Graduate Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects
Students in the Graduate Certificate program can request to transfer into the Graduate Diploma program provided the student has achieved a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall. The 24 UOC completed in the Graduate Certificate should be carried forward as credit in the Graduate Diploma.
Graduate Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects
Students in the Graduate Diploma program can request to transfer into the Master’s program provided the student has achieved a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall. The 48 UOC completed in the Graduate Diploma should be carried forward as credit in the Masters.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Admission pathways into the Master of Animation and Visual Effects degree can include:
2-year program (96 UOC)
A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in any field with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 or equivalent. This provides admission into the full two-year program, requiring completion of 96 UOC (2 years full-time equivalent).
1.7-year program (72 UOC)
A bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) in a related field with a weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 65 or equivalent. This allows students to receive credit for 24 UOC (4 courses) upon commencement, meaning students can complete the program in 72 UOC (1.7 years full-time equivalent).
OR
1-year program (48 UOC)
An honours degree (AQF level 8) in a related field. This allows students to receive credit for the first year of the program (48 UOC or 8 courses) upon commencement, meaning students can complete the program in 48 UOC (1 year full-time equivalent).
Related fields: the Creative Arts (FOE 10, such as Visual Arts and Crafts, Performing Arts, Graphic and Design Studies, Communication and Media Studies).
Admission pathways
Graduate Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects
Students in the graduate certificate program can request to transfer into the graduate diploma program provided the student has achieved a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall. The 24 UOC completed in the graduate certificate should be carried forward as credit in the graduate diploma.
Graduate Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects
Students in the graduate diploma program can request to transfer into the master’s program provided the student has achieved a Pass in all courses and a credit average overall. The 48 UOC completed in the graduate diploma should be carried forward as credit in the master's.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects combines technical, conceptual and creative skills delivered through industry-informed coursework and studio-based projects. Throughout the program, you’ll develop a professional portfolio while strengthening the skills needed for animation and VFX production.
Full program structure
Throughout the program, you’ll study core studio courses, contextual courses and prescribed electives. You can choose a Work Integrated Learning course as one of your electives to apply your learning in a real-world setting and build industry-ready experience.
Core studio courses
In the core studio courses, you’ll learn to integrate fundamental aspects of animation, 3D-modelling and visual effects compositing into increasingly complex projects. Courses later in the program provide opportunities to respond to industry-oriented project briefs while also developing and refining your own creative ideas.
Examples of topics explored through the core studio courses include:
- Animating movement, storyboarding and pre-visualisation
- 3D visualisation and modelling
- VFX compositing, matte painting and camera tracking
- Responding to industry briefs and working in teams
- Production planning, documentation and realisation
- Full production workflow from conceptualisation to outcome
Contextual courses
Through a series of contextual courses, you’ll build a complementary set of capabilities in teamwork, communication, research and leadership. You’ll also deepen your understanding of screen aesthetics and the key ideas and debates that are shaping this field.
Examples of contextual courses include:
- Digital Aesthetics
- Research Methodologies
- Communication Skills
- Leadership in the Cultural and Creative Industries
Prescribed electives
You’ll choose from the following studio-based elective courses to focus on specific areas of animation and visual effects practice:
- Motion Capture
- Rigging
- Creature and Character Design
- Creative Experimentation
- Procedural FX
- Real-time and Virtual Production
- Digital Cinematography
- Internship
- Research Paper
Program length
Depending on your experience, the UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects can be completed in either a 2-year, 1.7-year or 1-year program.
2-year program (96 UOC)
- 10 core courses
- 5 prescribed electives
1.7-year program (72 UOC)
- 7 core courses
- 4 prescribed electives
1-year program (48 UOC)
- 4 core courses
- 3 prescribed elective courses
Example plan (2-year program)
Below is an example of what you could study in a two-year standard full-time study plan.
First year
- 3 core studio courses
- 3 contextual courses
- 2 prescribed elective courses
Second year
- 3 core studio courses
- 1 contextual course
- 3 prescribed elective courses
For more information on the different core studio courses, contextual courses and prescribed elective courses, please visit the Handbook.
Future careers
Graduates of the UNSW Master of Animation and Visual Effects are well-positioned for careers across the animation and visual effects industry. Demand for animators and visual designers is projected to grow by 21.7% in Australia over the next five years (Seek, 2026), reflecting the rapid expansion of digital media, screen production and interactive entertainment.
What careers can a Master of Animation and Visual Effects lead to?
Professionals with advanced animation and VFX skills work across a range of industries, including:
- Film & television
- Video game development
- Advertising and digital media
- Architecture and urban visualisation
- Events and immersive experiences
- Medical and scientific visualisation
Potential roles
- 3D artist
- 3D generalist
- Animator
- Art director
- CG effects artist
- Concept artist
- Creature effects artist
- Game developer
- Layout artist
- Matte painter
- Media arts practitioner
- Motion designer
- Post-production artist
- Storyboard artist
- Texture artist
- Virtual production artist
- Visual effects artist
- Visual effects compositor
- VFX supervisor
Visualise the future
Hear from alum, Pat Younis and Scientia Associate Professor, John McGhee on the dynamic and growing animation and VFX industry.
Potential careers
- Animator
- 3D artist
- 3D generalist
- CG effects artist
- Creature effects artist
- Concept artist
- Storyboard artist
- Texture artist
- Visual effects artist
- Visual effects compositor
- VFX supervisor
- Matte painter
- Media arts practitioner
- Motion designer
- Art director
- Post-production artist
- Virtual production artist
- Game developer
- Layout artist
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For details, visit the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this degree/program. Your eligibility to receive a CSP will be automatically assessed when you apply, please ensure you preference the CSP code in UAC to be considered. Start your postgraduate application today with our guide on how to apply.
Please note that eligibility for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) is competitive, with places awarded based on academic merit. To find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Austudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some master’s degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the degree/program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
UNSW is ranked #20 university in the world
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
