Enrol in the New Zealand Diploma in Animation Level 5 and join a creative team dedicated to crafting rich animated storytelling experiences. You'll be part of a community that values collaboration and creativity-driven solutions. Develop practical skills in 2D and stop-motion art and animation production, focusing on audience-centred storytelling. You'll work on both solo and collaborative projects, gaining a diverse range of skills and experiences to prepare you for a rewarding and creative career in the animation and screen industries.
SIT now offers the Screen Arts programme in a HyFlex ('Hybrid-Flexible') format, combining face-to-face and online learning.
One year full-time
2027 Semester 1: 15 February to 19 November
This programme is eligible for the Zero Fees Scheme.
International Fees can be found here.
The New Zealand Diploma in Animation Level 5 is a one year programme that allows you to express your creativity using the latest techniques and technology.
You will engage and develop skills from day one in team work and collaboration, building critical creative problem-solving skills vital to working in the screen and animation industries. You will develop practical skills in both 2D and stop-motion art and animation production to develop rich storytelling experiences for a diverse range of target audiences. You will be able to work on both solo and collaborative projects so you are exposed to a wide variety of skills and experiences which will prepare you for rewarding and creative future.
You will learn:
BSA503 Cross-Disciplinary Workshops 1
Students will participate in cross-disciplinary workshops to gain an understanding of real-world creative industry practice and communication. Students will be introduced to industry-specific techniques, gaining knowledge and skills required to participate as part of a team. Students will develop research skills to identify and demonstrate historical and theoretical practice. Students will document and analyse the progression of their projects.
BSA542 Studio Digital 1
Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of design within the current creative industries. Students will complete projects that meet the requirements of a design brief, implementing various software solutions to develop an understanding of how to read and use imagery. Students will also explore and create digital artworks which apply the fundamentals of design principles. Students will investigate and a diversity of historic and contemporary digital design practices.
BSA524 Stop-Motion Animation
Students will acquire the skills and understanding required to produce a small stop-motion animation film, developing basic storytelling, design, and practical character and environment asset building skills within a collaborative team environment. Students will learn and apply the principles of animation to a stop-motion production pipeline. Students will also explore and utilise basic camera skills; shooting, lighting, and editing techniques in line with industry best practices.
BSA529 Storyboarding
Students will be introduced to the process of drafting and planning story driven short form screen arts projects. Students will learn basic screenwriting skills for short form narratives and how to design for a target audience. Students will gain an understanding of the creative process and apply visual language and film grammar to produce a completed storyboard and animatic project for the creative industries.
BSA526 Principles of Animation
Students will be introduced to the principles of animation and apply them to a contemporary pipeline. Students will create a visually appealing character with a unique biography and storytelling poses and expressions. Students will use industry standard software to bring their character to life through paperless 2D animation techniques. Students will discuss relevant existing practices, and reflectively document their project progress.
BSA527 2D Animation
Students will combine visual storytelling skills and the principles of animation to produce a short 2D animated project with a proposed purpose, narrative, and target audience. Students will apply a range of 2D animation techniques and implement a 2D animation production pipeline. Students will discuss relevant existing and practices, and reflectively document their project progress.
BSA515 Studio Drawing 1
Students will develop fundamental skills in drawing, both digitally and physically. Students will participate in a variety of different drawing methods such as life drawing, mural design, and prompt illustrations. Students will develop visual storytelling skills through producing a narrative-driven short, illustrated project. Students will discuss relevant existing and emerging practices, and reflectively document their project’s progress.
Graduates of this qualification will be equipped to work as:
2D Animators
2D Digital Artists
Stop-motion animation artists
Storyboarders
Animators
Entry requirements
All applicants must submit a portfolio and attend an interview as part of the application process.
Portfolio requirements
Your application must include a portfolio containing:
Please submit digital copies, photographs or links to your work. Do not submit original physical items.
You’ll also need to attend a short interview with the Programme Manager or an appropriate staff member.
School leavers
You’ll need University Entrance (NCEA Level 3), including:
Mature applicants
If you’re 20 or older when the programme begins, you may apply based on your skills and relevant work or other experience.
Preference may be given to mature applicants who have successfully completed a Level 3 or higher qualification.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide evidence of your English language ability.
Accepted options include previous study completed in English or an approved English language test.
Common test requirements include:
Other recognised evidence of English proficiency may also be accepted. English language test results must be achieved in a single test within the two years before enrolment.
To satisfactorily complete the New Zealand Diploma in Animation (Level 5), and be awarded this qualification the student must successfully achieve:
(Please Note: students failing to attend for 80% of timetabled programme hours may forfeit zero fees entitlement)
For those wishing to pursue further study, SIT offers: