Why Bachelor of Illustration and Animation?
Ready to transform your creativity into stunning illustrations and animations?
Create compelling pictures for a broad range of industries using 2D, 3D and stop-motion animation. Develop expertise in character design, digital effects, visual storytelling, and pictures for virtual and augmented reality.
The world of illustration and animation is constantly evolving as technology advances. From traditional painting and drawing to immersive augmented reality experiences and visually rich virtual worlds, you’ll blend imagination with technology.
Whether you're illustrating for children’s books, developing comics, animating characters for blockbuster films or designing vibrant artwork for games and apps, this career path lets you shape the future of education, entertainment and information through pictures.
Overview
The Bachelor of Illustration and Animation immerses you in the world of traditional and digital animation, character development and dynamic visual storytelling.
Gain essential skills in drawing, traditional and digital illustration media, 2D and 3D animation, stop-motion, motion capture and visual effects. You’ll learn to create compelling content for publishing, entertainment, gaming, film and advertising.
With real-world projects and state-of-the-art technology, you'll graduate with an impressive portfolio that stands out. You’ll be prepared for a creative career where your work has the potential to inspire, educate and entertain global audiences.
Whether you’re publishing children’s books and comics, developing characters, designing virtual worlds, developing an animated series or creating immersive experiences, you’ll be ready to make a positive impact on industries driving the future of entertainment and media. Your imaginative ideas will create the stories and visuals that connect communities, challenge perspectives and bring innovative experiences to life.
Graduate with the knowledge and skills to design innovative, impactful work that sparks new ideas, shapes experiences and leaves a lasting impression.
Key features
Gain expertise in representational drawing, painting, character design, comic design, 2D, 3D and stop-motion animation. - Use cutting-edge technologies like visual effects software, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for dynamic visual storytelling.
- Learn in industry-standard studios, developing professional skills for gaming, publishing and the entertainment industry.
- Get hands-on experience with editorial illustration, children’s books, comic publishing, cinematic design and animation production.
- Collaborate across disciplines like graphic design, product design, visual effects (VFX) and fine arts, enhancing your creative versatility.
- Graduate ready to work in growing sectors such as publishing, entertainment, gaming, media and advertising.
What you'll learn
Throughout this degree, you’ll gain practical skills, knowledge and expertise in illustration and animation. Over three years you’ll build your industry knowledge to a professional level, preparing you for a variety of exciting roles.
In your first year, you’ll explore foundational concepts in illustration and animation, focusing on techniques in drawing, illustration and animation for 2D, 3D and stop-motion. Learn the principles of animation and get an introduction to drawing. Develop a strong base in communication, design and storytelling through the use of pictures.
During your second year, you’ll explore areas like character development, marquette production, comic book design, pictorial narrative creation, digital effects and advanced 2D animation. You'll also work on more complex projects incorporating:
- 3D animation techniques
- Editorial illustration and portraiture
- Advanced traditional and digital illustration techniques.
In the final year, you'll take on advanced industry-focused projects, integrating everything you've learned in your first two years.
Get experience in professional settings through practical courses with advanced life drawing, illustration and animation.
This program not only sharpens your technical abilities, it fuels your creative potential and makes you ready for business. You’ll develop a professional portfolio to showcase your skills and be ready to step confidently into the workforce.
With a diverse skillset, hands-on experience and a comprehensive portfolio, you’ll graduate ready to pursue a career in industries like entertainment, gaming, advertising, design or publishing.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 144 units for Core courses
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 126 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Materials and Processes for Fabrication
|
Course code
COMP1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Drawing for Art and Design
|
Course code
GRAP1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Design Principles and Methods
|
Course code
GRAP1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Illustration and Animation
|
Course code
GRAP1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 1
|
Course code
GRAP1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animation Studio 1
|
Course code
GRAP1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Thinking By Design
|
Course code
GRAP1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Life Drawing
|
Course code
GRAP2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Characters, Scenes and Props
|
Course code
GRAP2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 2
|
Course code
GRAP2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animation Studio 2
|
Course code
GRAP2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 3
|
Course code
CREA3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animation Studio 3
|
Course code
CREA3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Visual Narrative
|
Course code
CREA3015
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Integrated Studio B
|
Course code
CREA3016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Life Drawing
|
Course code
CREA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Integrated Studio A
|
Course code
GRAP3000
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Introduction to 3D
|
Course code
COGR1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Digital Design Principles and Methods
|
Course code
GRAP1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Illustration and Animation
|
Course code
GRAP1007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Drawing for Art and Design
|
Course code
GRAP1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Animation Studio 1
|
Course code
GRAP1009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 1
|
Course code
GRAP1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Materials and Processes for Fabrication
|
Course code
COMP1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cinematic Design
|
Course code
MDIA1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Life Drawing
|
Course code
GRAP2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Thinking By Design
|
Course code
GRAP1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Animation Studio 2
|
Course code
GRAP2008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Characters, Scenes and Props
|
Course code
GRAP2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 2
|
Course code
GRAP2007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Character Performance
|
Course code
GRAP1010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Life Drawing
|
Course code
CREA3017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Illustration Studio 3
|
Course code
CREA3013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Studio A
|
Course code
GRAP3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Animation Studio 3
|
Course code
CREA3014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Studio B
|
Course code
CREA3016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Visual Narrative
|
Course code
CREA3015
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
With a degree in illustration and animation, you could become an animator, crafting vibrant, lifelike characters and immersive worlds. Maybe you’ll get a dream job working with Disney or Pixar. Or you could become an illustrator, creating artwork for books, comics, magazines or digital media. Perhaps you’ll become a game designer, building immersive worlds packed with rich details, epic challenges and engaging stories that keep players coming back for more.
As a graduate, you’ll have the skills to work in a range of settings, from film studios and gaming companies to advertising agencies and publishing companies. A world of creative possibilities awaits, where your talents can transform ideas into stunning illustrations or animations that inspire and captivate.
Industry trends
Graduates with an illustration and animation degree are entering a thriving industry with promising job growth.
By 2034, the animation industry is set to increase to an impressive $895.71 billion. This growth represents an annual increase of 7.5% from 2024 (Globe Newswire, 2024).
As industries increasingly rely on visual content for marketing and storytelling, the need for talented illustrators and animators will continue to rise. As an Adelaide University graduate with a combination of artistic skills and technical ability, you’re prepared for a successful career in this exciting field.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Ask Adelaide University
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
