Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity

Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity

POSTGRADUATE

Bring your vision to life. Become a multimedia professional.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$29,760 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$36,480 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity, our students work alongside ACMI X, exhibit their work at the Melbourne International Animation Festival, and have opportunities to collaborate with academic staff, industry practitioners, and RMIT research centres.

You will develop your directorial vision as you learn concepts and techniques of narrative, visual, and interactive media in a studio setting.

This degree builds on more than 20 years of RMIT’s success in postgraduate teaching and research, focusing on the advanced theoretical and practical aspects of professional production in animation, games, and interactive media.

As you acquire skills in these areas, you will develop a directorial vision and in-depth understanding of narrative, visual, and interactive media through studio projects and collaborations that focus on current global trends.

By the end of your studies, you will have completed a number of major studio works in your specialisation, as well as a substantial amount of research.

RMIT University is ranked as #1 in Oceania and #15 in the world for studies in art and design. [QS rankings by subject 2023]

Why study animation, games and interactivity at RMIT?

World-class facilities

RMIT boasts brand new animation and games design studios, and a dedicated postgraduate study space. RMIT’s media precinct is also home to industry-standard technology and sustainable studios.

Grow your network

Studying at RMIT allows you to network with fellow creatives and collaborators, and access industry events and opportunities.

Advance your career

Completing a master’s degree broadens your career options across the world. With globally transferable skills, our graduates have taken on roles as creative producers and practitioners in a diverse array of creative industries.

Femalre student wearing glasses reaching out to a stock of art supplies

Develop expertise through studio practice

In contemporary studio spaces, through reflective practice, you’ll build high-level conceptual and practical skills, and develop a directorial vision of narrative, visual, and interactive media.

What you will study

Equip yourself with professional and creative skills to shape your career in your chosen area.

You enter this degree via a series of topics that build on your ideas of character development, narrative development, and game play design, before consolidating your skills in professional research projects and your industry portfolio.

Build your skills in:

  • narrative development in animation and games
  • professional pre-production
  • research methods
  • advanced animation and game design
  • building a professional portfolio
Inspired by the research done by teachers and students at RMIT, I’m now trying to think of new ways to utilise artificial intelligence in game design and events, with a focus on emergent social interactions and virtual reality.
Portrait of Ole Alfheim, Master of Creative Media (now Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity) graduate, 2010. - Ole Alfheim, Master of Creative Media (now Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity) graduate, 2010.

Details

Student working on a large computer screen with intense colour palette Explore practical and theoretical approaches to animation, games and interactive media problems and solutions, and learn from staff who are active practitioners in these fields.
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With emphasis on studio practice, this degree encourages practical learning.

Learn through being immersed in the field as you work on projects and briefs.

Studios allow you to explore concepts, techniques, and modes of communication through the creation of animated linear or interactive productions. You will respond to a series of theoretical and technical principles, real and simulated situations, and practical constraints.

Throughout your studies, you may have opportunities to engage with students from other studios  in a setting that encourages peer-to-peer learning.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

This degree has strong connections with creative industries through organisations such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and Film Victoria, as well as through numerous festival, seminar and event committees, locally and internationally.

As part of our Guest Speaker and Studio Tour programs, you’ll hear from industry practitioners and visit digital production houses, games and animation studios.

Animation, games, and interactivity offer universally recognisable ways of communicating beyond the spoken and written word, allowing you to produce work of global relevance.

You will be encouraged to enter your projects in and attend local and international events, festivals, and organisations in order to establish your reputation with industry representatives.

You may also choose to pursue a career based on project-based research through RMIT’s international research centres.

Owing to its global reputation as a leader in animation, games and interactive media education, RMIT attracts students from across the world who enrich the learning experience with diverse experiences and perspectives.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.   

The Graduate Certificate in Animation, Games and Interactivity and Graduate Diploma of Animation, Games and Interactivity are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters degree is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these qualifications, you must have completed all subjects specified in the relevant course structure.

This masters degree can be completed over 2 years full-time.

You may be eligible for advanced standing or credit exemptions based on academic results in your previous studies or prior industry experience.

For further information about advanced standing see pathways.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The degree consists of 192 credit points over 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time.

The Graduate Diploma in Animation, Games and Interactivity is available as an exit award of the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity.

The Master consists of 192 credit points over 2 years full-time.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity
Program code: MC232
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
MC232
084348K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
Plan code
MC232
CRICOS
084348K
View plan
Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC232
084348K
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC232
CRICOS
084348K
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Female student wearing glasses reaching out to a stock of art supplies

A career that moves with you

Specialists in animation, games, and interactive media find creative and technical roles in studios around the globe.

The Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity gives you globally-transferable skills that open career opportunities across the world. 

Animation, games and interactive media industries are constantly evolving, often driven by radical technological change.

This specialist degree has been designed to keep pace with this speed of change, and prepare you with the practical skills and theoretical foundations to adapt to and lead change in your chosen industry.

You’ll be equipped to respond to changes in the animation, games, and interactive media fields, with a focus on core principles that can be updated and redefined.

You’ll have many industry networking opportunities and build relationships that can open up future collaborations as your career advances.

Once you graduate you might pursue careers in:

  • 2D or 3D animation
  • motion graphics design
  • interaction design
  • visual effects
  • games development
  • web design
  • character design
  • pre-production art
  • app and web development
  • VR and AR projects.

The Master will also prepare you for further study through higher degree research. It is connected with a number of RMIT research centres engaged in international, world-leading research, including ACMI X, and RMIT’s Centre for Games Design Research, which includes areas such as the Exertion Games Lab (XGL) and Creative interventions, Art and Rehabilitative Technology (CiART).

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or
  • At least three years of professional experience in the animation, games, interactivity and/or digital media area.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2023

You must complete and submit the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

The selection task is for you to show the selection committee who you are, what you are passionate or curious about, what your trajectory is, and to give them a sense of the kind of practice you would like to continue or discover in your studies.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applicants 24 February 2023

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

Outline why you wish to study this program, what you hope to achieve in your time at RMIT and where you think it might lead you in terms of a career and/or personal development (maximum 300 words).

Project outline

Provide a short outline of a three-month, full-time, personal project you may undertake if selected for this program. Include a context for the work (similar works, practitioners, formats and technologies), a theme and possible formats (film, game, installation, etc.).

It's important that you discuss the content of this project in your proposal. This outline will only be used to get an appreciation of your ability to pitch media-based projects. You will not be expected to fulfil the outline as part of the course.

Feel free to include images that help to represent the context, theme and/or format of your project (maximum file size 5MB).

Folio

Provide a folio comprising up to 30 pieces of your work.

The folio should contain a variety of work in relevant fields of art, design, performance, narrative or media that demonstrates your interests and creative thinking as well as your conceptual, design, technical and communication skills.

Examples of work to include in your folio are drawings, paintings, graphic designs, photographs, motion graphics, digital images, models, sculpture, video, interactive media, games, websites, short writing pieces, and/or 2D and 3D animation.

Include links to animated or interactive works if you have been practicing and studying in these areas. In addition to your finished work, you may include development work. You may provide a short caption or annotation of each work or groups of work.

If your work is a collaboration, please also detail clearly and precisely your specific role and the role of the collaborator/s (maximum 200 words).

Submissions instructions

Images must be formatted as PNG or JPEG.

QuickTime movies are acceptable, however, please ensure that the files are built or exported and open independently of the creator program.

Your work or documentation of your works can also be hosted on online platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo.

Files must be no larger than 10MB.

If your folio is hosted online, you must supply the host URL (with the username and password if applicable).

Folio presentation

Most applicants will be selected based on their selection task and will not be required to attend an interview. If further information is needed to make a selection decision, you will be invited to a folio presentation.

Semester 2, 2023

Selection task details and submission dates will be available on 1 May 2023 for programs with a midyear intake. 

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), or
  • At least three years of professional experience in the animation, games, interactivity and/or digital media area.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application a CV and a personal statement that details your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You must submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 123kb) along with your application.

Interview: If shortlisted, you may be required to attend an interview (either in person or by phone/video call).

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Graduate Certificate in Animation, Games and Interactivity

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Animation, Games and Interactivity guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Undergraduate study

Graduates of any of the following programs with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) will be exempted from submitting the selection task and guaranteed entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 1 semester full-time study):

Graduates of any of the above programs with an overall GPA less than 3.0 (out of 4.0) must complete the selection task and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in animation, games, interactivity or digital media, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level

Advanced standing 

Remaining program duration

Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semester full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)

48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)

Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Graduate Certificate in Animation, Games and Interactivity

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Animation, Games and Interactivity guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Undergraduate study

Graduates of any of the following programs with an overall GPA of 3.0 out of 4 are guaranteed entry into the Master of Animation, Games and Interactivity upon application and will be exempt from completing the selection tasks:

Graduates of any of the above programs with an overall GPA less than 3.0 (out of 4.0) must complete the selection task and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications specialising in animation, games, interactivity or digital media, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$29,760.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$72,960.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information