Start your journey to become a highly skilled screen and media designer.
You can work in user experience design, art direction, animation and emerging fields of virtual and augmented reality.
The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) provides you with the skills you need to become a creative and capable digital professional.
As an industry-driven course, the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) is ideal for students who want to establish a professional animation, gaming and visual effects career in the film, television, online entertainment or gaming industry. You will undertake fundamental units in design, interactivity, 2D and 3D imaging and animation, and media production (video and audio). With a focus on creativity, design thinking and conceptual development, this course will give you an understanding of the fundamental design, technical and management skills required to work in these growing fields.
Learn the latest animation, gaming and visual effects trends and practices from active practitioners and guest speakers.
Undertake projects in state-of-the-art labs simulating a professional studio production environment.
Graduate with a diverse and specialised skill set that will open up opportunities in Australia and overseas.
The ongoing assessments and weekly interactive skill learning and development were great for staying engaged with the course material. I learnt a lot more in this than I have in previous study because of the continuous practical engagement and less grading pressure. I wanted intense skills training and I learned so much in one year.
- Stephanie Staub, Alumni
The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) will introduce you to concept development, interactive preproduction, production and post-production for a broad variety of screen and media outcomes.
You will work on individual and collaborative projects. Group projects are undertaken in state-of-the-art labs with a range of cutting-edge software, reflecting a professional studio production environment. You will be involved in the hands-on technical preparation, and the critical and creative development of projects, seeing them through from idea to outcome.
Throughout the year you will hear from industry speakers and graduates who will share their thoughts and experiences and provide students with valuable insights.
Your learning experience will involve:
You will be assessed throughout your study through various methods, including
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming, and Visual Effects)'s design is industry-driven with content and assessment informed by our Industry Advisory Committee.
The teachers in this diploma are active practitioners with current knowledge of trends and work practices, who prepare you for employment opportunities in the interactive/screen content production industries, and further education.
Upon successful completion of this course you will be prepared to adapt to varied interactive and digital media environments and opportunities available in Australia and overseas.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
Areas of study in the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) include:
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
This diploma exposes you to a broad range of screen and media technologies. Upon graduation you’ll occupy a variety of professional roles, across media production and design industries, utilising your creative and technical skills and interests.
You will graduate as a work-ready, digital media practitioner and may explore opportunities as a:
Graduates of this diploma are guaranteed entry into the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design), in which they will further develop their skills as a creative professional
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this course. Applicants must meet the minimum university entry requirements.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
Applicants who are seeking admission on the basis of an approved RMIT pathway will be able to indicate this in the selection task and submit.
All other applicants must complete and submit the selection task requirements.
Applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date below, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this course, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.
| Application type | Register and submit the selection task by |
|---|---|
| All applications | 10 July 2026 |
The selection task has 2 options:
Applicants need to only complete the section most relevant to their qualification(s) and experience.
If you have successfully completed, or are due to complete at the end of the current RMIT semester, one of the following RMIT University courses, you must submit your selection task so that your eligibility and application will be assessed based on the approved RMIT pathway course:
Answer the following questions (maximum 150 words per question):
Create a three-frame story board reflecting the theme word “trust” OR a single page level design for a 2D platform game.
The storyboard should progressively tell a story with a beginning, middle and end, and be driven by the theme word. It should also be easily understood by an audience. Imagine each frame as a scene in a film and think along the lines of story progression.
There is to be no dialogue or captioning included in this exercise - it is purely visual narrative. This is not a test of your drawing skills, stick figures are fine.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
You are required to submit a completed selection task (PDF 554KB) along with your application.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
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 Language Pathways (Academic English) Upper Intermediate at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
The Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) provides credit and guaranteed entry into further study.
You can gain entry to this diploma from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
You are guaranteed entry to the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate study courses.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
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 their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$21,750.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$22,123.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$16,250.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$373.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$16,623.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($6,685.25 total).
| Item | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee student pays
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 |
| Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
Based on 2026 cap of $373 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
| Material fees
Total cost of material fees associated with this course |
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
| Estimated total cost to you
Includes all fees listed above |
$0.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $7.15 per nominal hour ($6,685.25 total).
Generated on 25 June 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) (C5413): $19290
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLIn 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.
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.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
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.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
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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