Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
Start dates
March
July
*In person availability for SA applicants. Hybrid learning availability for NSW & VIC applicants - learn more.
Bring your art to life.
Game of Thrones fans, Fortnite addicts and Pixar lovers: turn your passion into a successful career in the exciting world of film, television, gaming, animation and digital design.
Flinders and CDW Studios combine forces to offer this hands-on degree, giving you exclusive access to industry leaders throughout your studies. You’ll be taught by instructors who have unparalleled experience in VFX, and receive input from professionals who have worked across major film and game projects like The Avengers, World of Warcraft, Disney and The Lego Movie.
World-class facilities
Our campus is home to a multipurpose production stage known as The Void, where you can transform your ideas into digital reality.
Attend masterclasses
Learn directly from leading international experts, with the opportunity to attend exciting masterclasses throughout your studies.
Create a portfolio
Graduate with confidence - and a world-class portfolio. At Flinders, you will be guided by mentors to develop a collection of inspiring work.
Explore opportunities in the arts, entertainment and communication.
Expect to start a career as a concept artist, animator, matte painter, cinematographer, editor, illustrator, producer or VFX artist. Whatever your area of interest, you’ll be studying towards an exciting future.
Animator (2D or 3D)
Animators transform still images into ones that give the illusion of movement. Working from storyboards and briefs by a director, they are the creative minds using artistic skills to create models, drawings or digital images.
There are different types of animators, including traditional or 2D, rigging, 3D or CG animators, stop-motion and more.
Concept artist
Concept artists bring a creative idea to reality. Starting from a script or other written brief, they are responsible for developing visual concepts for films, games or TV productions.
From creatures to environments, they use both traditional and digital drawing and painting to produce their work.
Sources: Glassdoor Australia, 2025 | Seek Australia, 2025
Special effects artist
Special effects, or SFX, artists create visual effects for media: including TV shows, movies and video games. Whether it’s simulating smoke and fire, or creating the impression that two objects have collided, the goal of an SFX artist is to ensure a realistic result.
Study: Specialise in 3D Modelling & Digital Sculpting or CGI, VFX & Post-Production
Game Designer
Game designers focus on computer or video games, and are responsible for both visuals and the play experience. They are often involved with creating initial concepts for games, as well as their development and production.
Study: Specialise in 3D Animation for Games & Film
Digital designer
Digital designers create visually appealing, targeted designs that bring digital information to life across areas such as entertainment or advertising. Their creations are carefully structured to meet specific goals and to reach the right audiences with messages that cut through.
Study: Specialise in Digital Media
Production Artist
Production artists look at the bigger picture when it comes to design work. They work closely with other creative professionals, including graphic designers and art directors, to ensure that design projects are hitting the mark before they’re shared with the world.
Study: Specialise in 2D Concept Art & Illustration or 2D Animation & Storyboarding
2D Concept Art & Illustration
2D Animation & Storyboarding
3D Modelling & Digital Sculpting
3D Animation for Games & Film
CGI, VFX & Post-Production
Digital Media
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.
Connect with industry.
Our students have access to masterclasses taught by world- renowned artists. This includes live demonstrations, hands-on active workshops, paint-overs and critical feedback on your work, and more!
These masterclasses are an opportunity for all creative and technical artists, beginner and advanced, to learn directly from artists who are working at the highest levels in the entertainment industry. Learn more about the experience and some of the incredible instructors who have been involved.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Two or three pieces of work is enough – and the good news is, all we’re looking for is passion and potential! Find out more about the portfolio requirements here.
In 2D animation, you’ll work to create flat images of characters, props, and backgrounds – which means that, if you wanted to show them from another side, they must be drawn again from a different angle. 3D animated objects can be viewed from any angle and still retain their sense of height, depth and width.
The main difference for animators is that 2D animation tends to require a much greater volume of illustration. It makes sense: 2D animation often requires every single frame to be drawn. Regardless of whether this is drawing by hand or using a digital tablet, it is a significant task. 3D animation, on the other hand, tends to be more technical. This form of animation is based on movements, and you’ll learn how to create movement via ‘rigs’.
The opportunities are endless! Visual effects is truly a booming industry. 3D art and VFX is everywhere, from movies, TV and games to digital avatars in AR, and immersive worlds in VR. Building skills in visual effects and entertainment design will help you stay ahead of the game and future-proof your career.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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