Game Art & Animation

LCAD is proud to offer its Game Art and Animation course, available as a one- or two-year online study pathway. Students undertake dual qualifications in Visual Arts and Screen and Media, combining structured learning with creative, project-based learning that reflects real industry practice.

The course begins by developing the fundamental artistic and technical skills required for game art and animation. As students progress, they explore a broad range of creative disciplines before having the opportunity to focus on the specialist skills they wish to master. The flexible project structure encourages students to develop their own artistic style, pursue their individual creative goals, and build a professional portfolio aligned with their career ambitions.

In the first year, students complete the nationally recognised CUA51125 Diploma of Visual Arts and the CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media. Students who choose to continue into the second year further refine their technical expertise and creative practice by completing the CUA60725 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts and the CUA60620 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media, graduating with four nationally recognised qualifications that prepare them for careers across the game art, animation and broader creative industries.

Course

First year
CUA51125 Diploma of Visual Arts
CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media

Second year
CUA60725 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts
CUA60620 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Course Overview

Code

CUA51125 Diploma of Visual Arts, CUA51020 Diploma of Screen and Media, CUA60725 Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, CUA60620 Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

Duration

1 year Diploma, 2 years Advanced Diploma

Intake

Entry optional start dates: February or April or August or November

Timetable

Full time year study is three days per week, over three 12 week terms.

Enrolment Deadline

A month before start date, unless course places are still available.

Prerequistes

No prerequisites.

Location

Online study

Who Can Apply?

The course is open to year 12, non-year 12, mature aged applicants.

Course Brochure

Download

Distance From CBD

N/A

Course outline

These nationally recognised diplomas provide the student with a mix of structured and open projects, allowing you to learn fundamental skills as well as develop key skill sets and styles in pursuit of your individual career ambitions in game art and animation.

Key Topics

FIRST YEAR - dual Diploma

Concept Art
3D Modelling
Animation
Game Environment
Creative Development

Use Maya to create sophisticated models and engaging animation. Learn why it is the industry standard for cinematic animation and computer graphics. Discover how Unreal Engine 5 has innovated real-time graphics, breathing a new level of detail and quality into next-generation game environments and characters. Enhance your 3D models with texturing through Substance Painter and supercharge your productivity with Quixel Bridge and Megascans. Learn the workflows of digital painting and concept art with the industry leader in 2D art, Photoshop. Complete your digital artistry knowledge with the Adobe Suite for editing, graphics, compositing and more.

SECOND YEAR - dual Advanced Diploma

Advanced Sculpting & Retopology
Procedural Environment Systems
Niagara Particle Effects
Advanced Materials & Shaders
AI-Assisted Asset Creation
Technical Art Foundations
Major Creative Projects
Professional Portfolio Development

Create complex creatures, characters, and
high-resolution sculpts ready for game-ready pipelines. Learn advanced retopology, baking, and texturing
techniques used by professionals.

Discover how Unreal Engine 5 powers the next generation of games with procedural tools, Niagara particle systems, Lumen lighting and advanced materials that elevate your environments and effects to industry standard.

Supercharge your workflow with next-gen resources and integrate AI-assisted tools to accelerate concept exploration, asset generation and production planning.

Bring it all together with Adobe Suite to polish presentations, create documentation, and produce professional-quality portfolio pieces that showcase your advanced skill set.

Career Pathways

Gear up & equip yourself for game and animation roles like Environment Artist, 3D Animator, Character Modeller, Hard-Surface Modeller, Concept Artist, Texture Artist, UI Designer, World Designer and more!

After completing the second year, your options may include:
Character Artist, Creature Sculptor, Environment Artist, VFX / Particle Artist, Technical Artist,
Shader & Material Artist, 3D Generalist, Unreal Engine Artist, and more

Study Pathways

Units completed in the Game Art and Animation course can be given credit towards the Bachelor of Creative Industries or the Bachelor of Design at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Please enquire at admin@lcad.edu.au for more information.

Who Can Apply

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. New or inexperienced students are welcome to apply. All prospective students are invited to speak with course advisors to discuss their enrolment. General computer knowledge is required. An ATAR is not required, and VET Student Loans are available for eligible students. Students recieve automatic entry on completion of first year or equivalent study elsewhere.

How to Enrol

To apply or to enquire, please contact us directly. We invite all interested students to attend an online
orientation or a FAQ session with our course advisors.

Units of competencies

CUA51120 DIPLOMA OF VISUAL ARTS
CUA51020 DIPLOMA OF SCREEN AND MEDIA

CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
CUAPPR511 Realise a body of creative work
*CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice
CUAPPR513 Present a body of own creative work
*CUAPPR515 Establish and maintain safe creative practice
*CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
CUAPPR411 Realise a creative project
*CUADES412 Interpret and respond to a design brief
CUADES512 Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
*CUADIG518 Refine digital art techniques
CUADIG519 Investigate technologies for the creation of digital art
CUAILL401 Develop and refine illustrative work
*CUAIND411 Extend expertise in specialist creative fields*
CUAANM302 Create 3D digital animations
CUAANM313 Create 3D digital models
CUAANM411 Create advanced 3D digital models
CUADIG513 Design e-learning resources
CUAANM511 Create 3D digital character animations
CUAANM512 Create 3D digital environments Establish, negotiate and refine a design brief
CUAIND512 Enhance professional practice using creative arts industry knowledge

*Units of Competency recognised within the CUA51120 Diploma of Visual Arts and CUA51020 Diploma of Screen And Media qualifications

Life @ LCAD

Course Details

Fees & Costs

Year enrolment, dual diploma

$25,800

Eligible students may choose to use the Commonwealth study assistance scheme - Vet Student Loans (VSL), to pay their tution. Please see below for details.

Vet Student Loans
Students using VSL will have no tuition fees to pay other than materials if required.

$0

VET Student Loans is a Commonwealth loan available to eligible students with Australian citizenship, a qualifying New Zealand citizen, or a permanent humanitarian visa holder, and is not means-tested.

A VET Student Loan is a loan from the Australian Government that helps
eligible students pay tuition fees. A VET Student Loan gives rise to a VETSL debt, which continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

The loan has income-contingent repayment arrangements, which means you only need to make repayments if you are earning above the minimum repayment threshold. You can make voluntary repayments at any time.

Call the college on 03 9495 6622 or go to www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans for more details.

FAQ's

Do you offer Q&A sessions?

Yes. We offer regular online Q&A sessions with our experienced trainers and course advisors. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for you to further enhance your learning experience and clarify any doubts or questions you may have.

How can I attend a Q&A session?

Attending our online Q&A sessions is simple. All you need to do is reach out to your dedicated course advisor, who will provide you with the necessary details to join the next session. Whether you are seeking clarification on a particular topic or would like to delve deeper into a concept, our Q&A sessions are designed to cater to your needs. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to interact with our trainers and course advisors in real-time. They will address your questions, provide valuable guidance, and offer practical solutions to any challenges you may be facing. Our goal is to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the course material and feel confident in applying what you have learned.

What will I gain from a Q&A session?

By participating in our online Q&A sessions, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also connect with a community of like-minded individuals who are on a similar learning journey. This collaborative environment fosters engagement, facilitates networking opportunities, and encourages knowledge sharing. We understand the importance of continuous support and guidance in your learning process. That's why we take pride in offering these regular online Q&A sessions as part of our commitment to your success. We believe that with the help of our trainers and course advisors, you can overcome any challenges you may encounter and achieve your learning goals.

Will my course advisors support me?

Absolutely. Our trainers and course advisors are highly knowledgeable and dedicated professionals who are committed to supporting you throughout your learning journey. They possess a wealth of expertise in their respective fields and are eager to share their insights with you.

Apply Now

Let's get started! The application form consists of two parts and should take approximately 10 minutes to complete if you have all the information at hand. Following submission, one of our friendly staff will contact you to discuss your application and next steps. Please note that application closing dates are one month before term starts. Need help with your application? Contact us using the link provided.

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