Create worlds with the latest technology
Animation and Visual Effects blends creativity with emerging technologies. It allows you to bring ideas to life in exciting, contemporary ways.
This dynamic and expressive field ranges across animation, filmmaking, visual effects, storytelling, mixed media, interactive art, and virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.
You’ll work closely with our staff of award-winning senior creatives with more than 50 years of combined experience in the film, television, motion design, and game industries. They bring experience from internationally renowned studios such as Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Pictures Animation, Buck Design, ShadowMachine, and Wētā Digital.
Why Wellington
You’ll explore the cutting edge of screen-based art and entertainment here in Wellington—the award-winning film and VFX capital of New Zealand. With our strong links to the industry, you’ll have the opportunity to study with experts in their field and masters of their craft.
- Listen to guest speakers from local industries.
- Get experience in the local film industry.
- Submit your creations to exhibitions and competitions.
- Interact with professional designers and potential employers.
Cutting-edge facilities and equipment
During your study you’ll have the opportunity to use the latest technology and get support from specialist staff.
You’ll get the most out of your study with:
- full motion capture suits and facility
- VR headsets and environments
- computers labs with the latest software
- cutting-edge AI tools.
You will also have access to industrial design and media facilities to realise unique projects, including 3D printers, 3D body scanning, a laser cutter, photographic resources, and a design library.
Choose your study path
You can do Animation and Visual Effects as your major subject in a three-year Bachelor of Design Innovation (BDI). There are compulsory courses you need to take in your first year for a major in Animation and Visual Effects.
Although it’s less common to take Animation and Visual Effects as a minor, this is also an option.
If you’re studying for a double degree or conjoint degree, Animation or Visual Effects goes well with Arts or Commerce.
The number of places in the second year of the Animation and Visual Effects major is limited—entry is based on your academic performance.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Animation and Visual Effects at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
After completing your BDI majoring in Animation and Visual Effects, you could pursue work as as a:
- visual effects artist
- concept artist
- animator
- director
- content producer.
You might specialise in an area—for example, modelling, animation, lighting, or rigging.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Animation and Visual Effects.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
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Studio Pacific Architecture wish to support a student undertaking their first year of study at Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Design
There could be a scholarship for your qualification, subject area, background, or situation.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.