NQF Level:
6
Credits:
360
Minimum Duration:
3 years
Faculty:
Faculty of Future Technology & Innovation
Department:
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
Accreditation Authority:
Council on Higher Education
Create, Design, and Bring Stories to Life Through Digital Animation and VFX
The Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects equips aspiring creatives with the technical mastery and creative insight needed to thrive in the fast-evolving digital media landscape. With a curriculum grounded in the demands of the 4th and emerging 5th Industrial Revolutions, this future-focused qualification enables students to produce high-impact animations, realistic visual effects, and interactive digital experiences for entertainment, gaming, education, and beyond.
Designed to bridge creativity with industry-ready skills, this three-year diploma develops expertise in 3D modelling, digital sculpting, visual effects compositing, character design, storytelling, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality. Students engage with industry-standard tools, refine their craft through hands-on practice, and showcase their abilities in a capstone project that demonstrates their readiness for the global job market.
Through an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable learning approach, the Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects combines rigorous academic foundations with real-world relevance. With integrated project management, entrepreneurship, and professional practice modules, graduates emerge with the knowledge, technical proficiency, and creative agility to shape the future of digital storytelling and media production.
Designed to bridge creativity with industry-ready skills, this three-year diploma develops expertise in 3D modelling, digital sculpting, visual effects compositing, character design, storytelling, and immersive technologies such as virtual reality. Students engage with industry-standard tools, refine their craft through hands-on practice, and showcase their abilities in a capstone project that demonstrates their readiness for the global job market.
Through an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable learning approach, the Diploma in Animation and Visual Effects combines rigorous academic foundations with real-world relevance. With integrated project management, entrepreneurship, and professional practice modules, graduates emerge with the knowledge, technical proficiency, and creative agility to shape the future of digital storytelling and media production.
Why Choose This Qualification?
Master the art of storytelling through cutting-edge animation and visual effects techniques, from 3D modelling and digital sculpting to immersive virtual reality and real-time compositing. This diploma blends technical excellence with creative exploration, enabling you to build compelling characters, environments, and narratives that resonate across film, gaming, advertising, and digital platforms. Gain hands-on experience through a Capstone Project and applied modules in project management and entrepreneurship ensuring you graduate with both industry-ready skills and a professional portfolio. Seamlessly articulate into advanced diplomas or degrees in animation, visual arts, or game design. Flexible study options including contact, blended, and distance learning allow you to develop your craft on your terms while preparing for roles such as Animator, VFX Artist, Game Designer, or Multimedia Creator.
Admission Requirements.
To be admitted to the Diploma In Animation And Visual Effects, candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematics Literacy as well as 50% in English granting access to a diploma or degree studies with a Diploma or Bachelor's Pass at an NQF Level 4, or an equivalent qualification.
• Possess an NQF level 5 Higher Certificate in Animation, Visual Effects, Digital Media, or an equivalent qualification.
• Candidates with relevant work experience may qualify for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematics Literacy as well as 50% in English granting access to a diploma or degree studies with a Diploma or Bachelor's Pass at an NQF Level 4, or an equivalent qualification.
• Possess an NQF level 5 Higher Certificate in Animation, Visual Effects, Digital Media, or an equivalent qualification.
• Candidates with relevant work experience may qualify for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Qualification Structure.
The Qualification consists of eight core modules (four per semester) and one elective, providing a comprehensive education in both the theory and practical application of future technologies in education.
Learning Outcomes.
Graduates of this Qualification will:
Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard animation and visual effects software to create high-quality digital content for various media platforms.
Apply foundational and advanced techniques in 3D modelling, texturing, and digital sculpting to produce detailed and realistic characters, environments, and assets.
Develop and script compelling visual narratives that incorporate storytelling principles, character arcs, and cinematic techniques suitable for animation and interactive media.
Design and implement visual effects and simulations using compositing and motion graphics tools to enhance animated sequences.
Integrate interactive elements and virtual reality technologies into animation projects to create immersive user experiences.
Manage animation and visual effects projects through the application of project planning, team collaboration, time management, and budgeting strategies.
Exhibit ethical and professional conduct in line with legal standards, including copyright, intellectual property, and responsible content creation practices.
Reflect critically on creative and technical work using self-assessment and feedback to improve personal performance and ensure continuous professional growth.
Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard animation and visual effects software to create high-quality digital content for various media platforms.
Apply foundational and advanced techniques in 3D modelling, texturing, and digital sculpting to produce detailed and realistic characters, environments, and assets.
Develop and script compelling visual narratives that incorporate storytelling principles, character arcs, and cinematic techniques suitable for animation and interactive media.
Design and implement visual effects and simulations using compositing and motion graphics tools to enhance animated sequences.
Integrate interactive elements and virtual reality technologies into animation projects to create immersive user experiences.
Manage animation and visual effects projects through the application of project planning, team collaboration, time management, and budgeting strategies.
Exhibit ethical and professional conduct in line with legal standards, including copyright, intellectual property, and responsible content creation practices.
Reflect critically on creative and technical work using self-assessment and feedback to improve personal performance and ensure continuous professional growth.
International Comparability.
Aligned with global programs such as:
• TAFE Queensland, Australia: Diploma in Screen and Media (Animation)
• Centennial College, Canada: Diploma of Digital Media (Animation)
• The Animation School, South Africa: Diploma in Digital Animation
AIFT’s programme emphasizes hands-on, industry-relevant learning through a comprehensive Capstone Project and advanced digital media modules, providing a robust pathway to global creative industries and competitive career readiness.
• TAFE Queensland, Australia: Diploma in Screen and Media (Animation)
• Centennial College, Canada: Diploma of Digital Media (Animation)
• The Animation School, South Africa: Diploma in Digital Animation
AIFT’s programme emphasizes hands-on, industry-relevant learning through a comprehensive Capstone Project and advanced digital media modules, providing a robust pathway to global creative industries and competitive career readiness.
Qualification Modes of Delivery and Support.
Study your way with flexible learning options:
• Contact Learning: In-person engagement with industry experts.
• Blended Learning: A mix of interactive online and face-to-face sessions.
• Distance Learning: Study anytime, anywhere with access to AIFT’s Moodle LMS.
All modes include career guidance, digital resources, and state-of-the-art virtual or physical labs.
• Contact Learning: In-person engagement with industry experts.
• Blended Learning: A mix of interactive online and face-to-face sessions.
• Distance Learning: Study anytime, anywhere with access to AIFT’s Moodle LMS.
All modes include career guidance, digital resources, and state-of-the-art virtual or physical labs.
Career Opportunities.
Upon completion of the Diploma In Animation And Visual Effects, graduates will be equipped for a variety of roles where education and technology intersect. Possible career paths include:
3D Animator: Create lifelike animations for films, games, and advertising using industry-standard tools.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Design and integrate CGI into live-action footage for movies, TV, and commercials.
Game Designer: Develop interactive gameplay mechanics, characters, and environments for video games.
Character Designer: Craft original characters and assets for animation, gaming, and storytelling projects.
Motion Graphics Designer: Produce dynamic graphics for advertisements, social media, and broadcast media.
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: Build immersive VR/AR experiences for gaming, training, and simulations.
Digital Content Creator: Combine animation, VFX, and storytelling for marketing, e-learning, and online platforms.
3D Animator: Create lifelike animations for films, games, and advertising using industry-standard tools.
Visual Effects (VFX) Artist: Design and integrate CGI into live-action footage for movies, TV, and commercials.
Game Designer: Develop interactive gameplay mechanics, characters, and environments for video games.
Character Designer: Craft original characters and assets for animation, gaming, and storytelling projects.
Motion Graphics Designer: Produce dynamic graphics for advertisements, social media, and broadcast media.
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer: Build immersive VR/AR experiences for gaming, training, and simulations.
Digital Content Creator: Combine animation, VFX, and storytelling for marketing, e-learning, and online platforms.
Articulation Options.
Horizontal Articulation
• Diploma in Animation or Digital Media (NQF Level 6)
Vertical Articulation
• Bachelor of Arts in Animation or Visual Effects (NQF Level 7)
• Bachelor Of Science In Information And Communication Technology (NQF Level 7)
Diagonal Articulation
• Occupational Certificate, Supply and Distribution Manager (NQF Level 7)
• Diploma in Animation or Digital Media (NQF Level 6)
Vertical Articulation
• Bachelor of Arts in Animation or Visual Effects (NQF Level 7)
• Bachelor Of Science In Information And Communication Technology (NQF Level 7)
Diagonal Articulation
• Occupational Certificate, Supply and Distribution Manager (NQF Level 7)
Ensure Compliance, Empower Financial Accuracy.
Council on Higher Education
