Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation
2024 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation |
| Deakin course code | A351 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| CRICOS course code | 095258K Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7 |
Please note: The Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation requires students to be on-campus for discipline specific equipment, software and assessment activities. | |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Articulated courses
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Majors
- Minors
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Details of major sequences
- Details of minor sequences
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Discover the art of storytelling on the big and small screen when you study Deakin’s Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation.
Explore your creative vision in a supportive environment, working on live-action and animated films across documentary, drama and experimental productions. Immerse yourself in your craft, developing the critical practical and technical skills to work across multiple roles in production and post-production in the dynamic and collaborative industries of screen media, entertainment and culture.
Discover what is possible in our state-of-the-art learning spaces including Deakin Studios (Burwood) – our virtual production, television, film and animation studio. You will learn from practising industry professionals who are leading experts in what they do. On graduation you will be equipped and prepared for the workforce with in-demand skills for this growing sector.
Want to discover your creative vision in a supportive and collaborative environment?
Film, television and animation are powerful mediums for telling stories and expressing yourself in an ever-changing world. Whether you want to produce and direct, work on set or in post-production, or create your own animations – studying at Deakin is the first step towards your dream future career.
Challenge perceptions with your work, drawing from the expertise of accomplished academics and practising creative professionals who are active and well-connected in industry. You’ll establish a community of like-minded creatives to collaborate and create with on real industry briefs.
You will be supported and empowered to experiment with new mediums in a flexible environment. Develop a versatile set of skills through practical production experience, film analysis and work-integrated learning. If animation is your interest, you will learn clever and creative ways to animate characters and worlds while gaining an understanding of animation principles and production techniques.
Through this course, you will explore:
- 2D and 3D animation
- motion graphics
- directing and producing
- digital cinematography
- editing and visual effects
- screen history, culture and analysis
- multi camera TV studio production
- scriptwriting
- short fictional and factual filmmaking
- sound recording and design
- studio and location production
- the business of freelance work
- visual language.
Discover new ways to tell stories every day with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment – including a high-definition television broadcast studio, industry-grade cameras, sound studio, editing and colour grading suites and stop motion animation stations. You’ll also gain invaluable industry experience through internship opportunities, such as crewing on sports broadcasts through the Deakin LiveStream OB van.
By consistently connecting with industry and working on real-world briefs, you will develop your professional identity and hone your communication and leadership skills. By the time you graduate, you will have a creative portfolio, budding professional network and invaluable industry knowledge to thrive in a sustained creative career in the multifaceted world of screen production.
Career opportunities
Deakin film, television and animation graduates find employment in fictional and factual production, broadcast, exhibition and distribution across the screen and media landscapes and creative industries around the world. Or, you have the flexibility to create your own path as a freelance artist, maker and creative.
Past students have launched their careers with national awards and international recognition through film festivals with their student work. Deakin’s internship program has also provided a start to many successful careers in the field.
Career opportunities include working as:
- animators
- character and environment artists
- cinema and festival programmers and film critics
- corporate content producers
- motion designers
- post-production coordinators
- production managers
- editors and colourists
- screen production crew in directing, camera, sound and lighting departments
- sound designers
- television broadcast technicians
- television presenters
- writers, directors and producers
- videographers.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Articulated courses
| Bachelor of Communication (Honours) (A451) | |
| Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours) (A450) | |
| Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation (Honours) (A452) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Employ established screen production genres, forms and styles to compose and design moving images and sound to communicate ideas. Plan and manage screen productions to create media assets using conceptual and narrative approaches aligned with industry standard techniques. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate the intent, design approaches and ideas in creative screen productions through written, oral and digital form to a range of audiences. Communicate the process of executing the design of the idea onto the screen. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate and employ appropriate digital technologies for screen genre and forms, and use high level digital film, television and animation production tools to create film, television and animation products to be distributed through a range of digital platforms. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and synthesise research to develop proposals for screen projects. Critically evaluate existing practices and concepts as a foundation for developing and implementing strategies to execute production work through the stages of production. |
| Problem solving | Apply discipline knowledge and skills along with creative judgement to solve problems that arise in the execution of film, television and animation productions. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, initiative and responsibility, an ability to self-evaluate and manage time and resources to identify, evaluate and research project needs and solutions as a reflective practitioner. |
| Teamwork | Work cooperatively and collaboratively across different production roles and screen forms as part of a diverse team in order to produce screen productions. |
| Global citizenship | Operating within a global context identify and work respectfully with social and cultural differences and sensitives on screen and during the production process. |
Approved by Faculty Board February 2022
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation students must pass 24 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 3 credit points of Thematic core units
- 3 credit points of Employability sequence
- one of:
- 2 majors (8 credit points each). At least one major must be chosen from the Film, Television and Animation majors
- 1 major (8 credit points) from the Film, Television and Animation majors, plus 1 minor (4 credit points)
- remaining credit points which may comprise of:
- 1 additional minor
- open electives
- a combination of the above
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Majors
All Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation students are required to complete at least one major sequence from the following list:
Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation major sequences
Students may choose to complete a second major sequence from the following list:
School of Communication and Creative Arts major sequences
- Advertising
- Communication Design
- Dance
- Digital and Social Media
- Interactive and UX^ Design
- Journalism
- Photography
- Public Relations
- Theatre
- Visual Arts
- Writing
^UX refers to User Experience
Please check the rules of each major sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Refer to the details of each major sequence availability and sequence notes relating to incompatibility.
Minors
- 2D Practices in the Visual Arts
- 3D Practices in the Visual Arts
- Analogue Practices (Photography)
- Animation and Motion Graphics
- Brand Design
- Creative Advertising
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Design for Social Media
- Digital Media
- Digital Practices (Photography)
- Film Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Integrated Communication~
- Interactive Design
- Journalism
- Literature
- Photojournalism
- Producing Screen Content
- Professional Writing
- Public Relations
- Public Relations Strategy
- Publication Design
- Screen Content Production
- Scriptwriting
- Social Media
- Strategic Advertising
- Theatre
- Theatre Production
- UX^ Design
- Visual Effects and Virtual Production
~Only available to students who commenced prior to 2024
^UX refers to User Experience
Please check the rules of each minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.
Course structure
Thematic Core
| ACF104 | Screening History |
| ACF214 | Screen Practices |
| ACF320 | The Australian Moving Image |
Employability sequence
| AWL100 | Your Future Direction |
Plus 1 credit point from:
| AWL200 | Leadership and Transformation |
| AWL201 | Communication and Persuasive Presentation |
| AWL202 | Entrepreneurial Mindset |
| AWL203 | Expand Your Experience |
Plus 1 credit point from:
| AWL300 | Internship |
| AWL301 | Enhance Your Experience |
| AWL302 | Your Professional Story |
Work experience
Prepare for your future by getting real world experience and the employability skills to succeed, while completing your degree. The Employability Stream is tailored to support you to be future ready. Deakin’s suite of Work Integrated Learning programs can connect you with internships, social impact programs and opportunities to extend your skills in settings across the globe.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Details of major sequences
Animation
Unit set code
MJ-A351001 (major)
Students undertaking the Animation major sequence (MJ-A351001) cannot undertake the Visual Effects and Virtual Production minor sequence (MN-A351008) or Animation and Motion Graphics minor sequence (MN-A351004)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Overview
Animation is about imbuing characters and other forms with movement, life and story. Animation is also a very effective way to communicate diverse information and ideas in creative and dynamic ways. The animation major at Deakin provides you with an understanding of the history, theory and practice to creatively and intelligently bring your designs to life. It encompasses many forms of animation ranging from stop motion to 2D and 3D animation; and in a wide range of contexts spanning short films and micro content to 3D virtual worlds in game spaces and virtual production.
Career outcomes
A wide range of opportunities exist within the animation, games, communications, film and visual effects industries including but not limited to:
- animation and animation design
- pre-production and design development
- story development
- visual effects
- games design and production
- virtual production
- visual communication and advertising
- motion graphics
- VR and AR production
- post-production
- science and medical visualisation
- corporate and digital media industries
- education and eLearning
Units
To complete a Major sequence in Animation complete the eight (8) units as specified below
Complete the following 2 units from level 1:
| ADA102 | Designing 3D Animated Environments |
| ADA107 | Principles of Animation |
Complete the following 4 units from level 2:
| ADA201 | Character Design and Development for Animation |
| ADA202 | Character Animation |
| ADA204 | Animated Motion Graphics |
| ADA206 | Visual Effects and Effects Animation |
Complete the following 2 units from level 3:
| ADA301 | Interactive Animation Studio |
| ADA302 | Animation Project |
Producing Screen Content
Unit set code
MJ-A351002 (major)
Students undertaking the Producing Screen Content major sequence (MJ-A351002) cannot undertake the Producing Screen Content minor sequence (MN-A351002)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Overview
Throughout the Producing Screen Content major, you will explore key areas of storytelling and screenwriting such as story structures, developing characters, action, and genre; screen business including producing, distribution, marketing, and exhibition; and screen culture with a focus on film festivals, audiences and celebrity. You have the opportunity to develop your story concepts and ideas from their initial stages through to a capstone screenwriting project, collaborating with your fellow students through drafting processes to pitch your story for later production.
You will enhance your creative and critical thinking skills through the study of audio-visual language, developments in global screen movements, histories and technologies, and applying these skills and knowledge in practical and experimental projects. Graduates will be prepared to enter the dynamic world of the screen and creative industries as innovative, knowledgeable and collaborative practitioners.
Career outcomes
- screenwriters and narrative designers
- screen and creative producers
- content producers for corporate and digital media industries
- cinema and film festival programmers and curators
- production managers
- film critics
- screen researchers
- videographers
Units
To complete a Major sequence in Producing Screen Content complete the eight (8) units as specified below
Complete the following 2 units from level 1:
ACF103 Writing with the Camera
ALW103 Scriptwriting Fundamentals
Complete the following 4 units from level 2:
| ACF206 | Contemporary Topics in Screen Cultures |
| ACF211 | Screen Producing |
| ACF217 | Production Design for Screen and Performance |
| ALW227 | Scriptwriting: Character, Action and Reaction |
Complete the following 2 units from level 3:
| ACF304 | Celebrity Industries |
| ACF307 | Screenwriting Project |
Screen Production
Unit set code
MJ-A351003 (major)
Students undertaking the Screen Production major sequence (MJ-A351003) cannot undertake the Screen Content Production minor sequence (MN-A351006)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Overview
The Screen Production major provides you with the opportunity to develop key creative, technical and critical skills to apply to a variety of screen productions from film to television to online formats. You will delve into key creative roles such as directing as well as cinematography, production design, sound design, and post-production. You also have the opportunity to work in fiction and factual styles, as well as crew on fellow students’ productions, screenplays and the capstone project.
You are encouraged to consider your focus in screen production with other compatible areas of study such as drama and performance, media and creative arts to enhance your creativity and collaborations. Graduates will be prepared to make any story come to life on the screen.
Career outcomes
- content producers for corporate and digital media industries
- editors and colourists
- directors and cinematographers
- film and TV production crew in directing, camera, sound, and lighting departments
- post-production coordinators
- production managers
- sound designers
- production designers
- television broadcast technicians
- television presenters and researchers
- videographers
Units
To complete a Major sequence in Screen Production complete the eight (8) units as specified below
Complete the following 2 units from level 1:
ACF109 Television Studio Production
ACF110 Acting and Directing for Screen
Complete the following 4 units from level 2:
| ACF201 | Short Fiction Film |
| ACF208 | Cinematography |
| ACF210 | Postproduction |
| ACF215 | The Art and Design of Sound |
Complete the following 2 units from level 3:
| ACF305 | Documentary Production |
| ACF308 | Screen Production Project |
Details of minor sequences
Animation and Motion Graphics
Unit set code
MN-A351004 (minor)
Students undertaking the Animation major sequence (MJ-A351001) cannot undertake the Animation and Motion Graphics minor sequence (MN-A351004)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Overview
Develop an understanding of the theory and practice of animation and motion graphics. You will learn the principles of animation, as well as an understanding of strong motion graphic design and targeted dynamic communications. Encompassing a wide range of tools and current software, which bridge traditional and contemporary innovative approaches, you will learn how to creatively and intelligently bring your designs to life.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Animation and Motion Graphics complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ADA107 | Principles of Animation |
| ADA204 | Animated Motion Graphics |
| ADD206 | Information Design |
| ADA302 | Animation Project |
Film Studies
Unit set code
MN-A351005 (minor)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Overview
Film studies involves exploring historical, textual, critical, and cultural approaches to film, television and animation in local and global contexts, enhancing your screen literacy. Film studies covers key histories in world cinemas, developments in screen technologies and audio-visual language, contemporary screen cultures including film festivals and Asian cinemas, and examining the role of celebrity, stardom and fan culture in the broader screen industries.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Film Studies complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ACF104 | Screening History |
| ACF206 | Contemporary Topics in Screen Cultures |
| ACF213 | Contemporary Asian Cinema: Texts, Contexts and Experiences |
| ACF304 | Celebrity Industries |
Producing Screen Content
Unit set code
MN-A351002 (minor)
Students undertaking the Producing Screen Content major sequence (MJ-A351002) cannot undertake the Producing Screen Content minor sequence (MN-A351002)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Overview
The Producing Screen Content minor introduces you to integral skills and contexts for producing film, television and animation works. You will explore elements of screen language through foundational camera and editing techniques, as well as gaining developing a deeper understanding of the role of the producer in the screen industry. This knowledge is enhanced and supported with units focused on screen culture such as film festivals and celebrity industries for a well-rounded understanding of production, distribution and exhibition.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Producing Screen Content complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ACF103 | Writing with the Camera |
| ACF206 | Contemporary Topics in Screen Cultures |
| ACF211 | Screen Producing |
| ACF304 | Celebrity Industries |
Screen Content Production
Unit set code
MN-A351006 (minor)
Students undertaking the Screen Production major sequence (MJ-A351003) cannot undertake the Screen Content Production minor sequence (MN-A351006)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne)
Overview
Develop your creative and technical skills while gaining a practical and theoretical grounding to create film, television and online screen productions. The Screen Production minor provides the foundations to shoot, design and edit screen works in both fictional and factual formats. You also gain important collaboration skills and apply your learning in the making of a documentary production.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Screen Content Production complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ACF109 | Television Studio Production |
| ACF208 | Cinematography |
| ACF210 | Postproduction |
| ACF305 | Documentary Production |
Scriptwriting
Unit set code
MN-A351007 (minor)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Overview
A great film or television show begins with a strong idea. In the Scriptwriting minor, you will learn how to develop your story ideas into a final screenplay. You will explore the fundamentals of drafting and writing scripts and key elements such as character development, structure and action. You will also get the opportunity to explore storytelling and writing for games media enabling you to apply your skills and knowledge across the screen and creative industries.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Scriptwriting complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ALW103 | Scriptwriting Fundamentals |
| ALW227 | Scriptwriting: Character, Action and Reaction |
| ALW251 | Writing for Games: Designing Quests and Characters |
Complete 1 of the following units from level 3:
| ACF304 | Celebrity Industries |
| ACF307 | Screenwriting Project |
Visual Effects and Virtual Production
Unit set code
MN-A351008 (minor)
Students undertaking the Animation major sequence (MJ-A351001) cannot undertake the Visual Effects and Virtual Production minor sequence (MN-A351008)
Campuses
Burwood (Melbourne), Online
Overview
Visual effects and virtual production involve the creation of animated effects and environments for use in live action and wholly animated productions. This minor will introduce you to the history, theory and practice of visual effects. You will learn to create a wide range of animated and digital content, effects and visual phenomena. These creative digital assets will be seamlessly integrated into diverse contexts to enhance believability, atmosphere, and positively impact story, content and meaning.
Units
To complete a Minor sequence in Visual Effects and Virtual Production complete the four (4) units as specified below
| ADA102 | Designing 3D Animated Environments |
| ADA202 | Character Animation |
| ADA206 | Visual Effects and Effects Animation |
| ADA301 | Interactive Animation Studio |
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Assessment
Assessment within the award of Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation varies from written assignments and/or examination to practical and technical exercises and performance. In some units assessment may also include class participation, online exercises, seminar exercises and tests.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Other learning experiences
Public Screenings and Industry Awards: Capstone unit students show their films at the Deakin Film and TV Visionnaire Awards screenings Sponsors include Final Draft, Black Magic, the Australian Cinematographers Society, Sound Firm, Chameleon Casting, Medea Films and the Australian Production Design Guild (APDG).
Opportunities for Work Integrated Learning include Deakin LiveStream, an outside broadcast multi-camera production crew, various industry media companies and cultural events through university partnerships.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.