Are you ready to take your animation skills to the next level? Look no further! In this article, we showcase the crème de la crème of animation colleges and courses in Singapore. We dive deep into the details, providing you with in-depth information on the course curriculum, deadlines, software taught, entry criteria, and fee structure.
Unleash your inner animator with the best animation courses Singapore has to offer! Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced pro, these dynamic programs will help you take your skills to the next level and bring your animation aspirations to life.
From 2D and 3D animation to game design and visual effects, these courses are designed to teach you the latest and greatest techniques and technologies. With expert instructors and top-notch facilities, you’ll have everything you need to succeed in the competitive world of animation. So what are you waiting for? Start your animation journey today and let your imagination soar!”
List of Top Animation Courses in Singapore:
Nanyang Polytechnic’s Diploma in Animation, Games & Visual Effects
The Diploma in Animation, Games & Visual Effects (C29) is a full-time, 3-year program offered by Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Design & Media in Singapore. The course brings together the best of the previous Animation & Visual Effects (C33) and Digital Game Art & Design (C60) programs and will begin its first cohort in the academic year 2023.
Nanyang Polytechnic’s faculty consists of world-class designers, animators, and game artists who have worked on top-notch projects such as Disney animations, Ubisoft games, and Industrial Light & Magic VFX. These talented individuals have also been a part of popular titles like Star Wars, Iron Man, and Transformers.
The school’s visual effects department is Houdini certified and provides students with a comprehensive education in areas such as asset creation, lighting, texturing, rendering, compositing, level design, and VFX cinematography. The dedication and talent of Nanyang Polytechnic’s students is evident in their outstanding performance, as they claimed first place in the Games Competition for their Illan 3D puzzle and exploration game at the 2015 Microsoft Imagine cup.
Course Overview
The Diploma in Animation, Games & Visual Effects program at Nanyang Polytechnic consists of 22 Competency Units (CmUs), four Competency Canvases, a Final Year Project, an Internship Program, and 11 General Studies Modules.
The Competency Units integrate skills and knowledge from different disciplines and prepare students for specific work tasks upon completion. Students will also acquire four Course Competencies in 2D Art, Storytelling, 3D Art, and Real-Time Technology, along with an elective in Animation, Games, or Visual Effects.
The Diploma in Animation, Games & Visual Effects program at Nanyang Polytechnic requires students to complete four Competency Canvases to graduate. These Competency Canvases assess the skills and knowledge learned by the students, along with a Work-Integration-Unit (WIU) that provides a workplace context for the students’ projects.
The four Competency Canvases are User-Centered Studio Practice, Pre-Visualization Production, Cinematic Production, and Specialized Media Production, with WIUs in Design Exploration, Drawing & Rendering, and Design for Communication etc. The WIUs cover various areas of study such as storyboarding, 2D and 3D animation, visual development, and compositing.
Software Learned:
At NYP’s diploma program in animation, game design, and visual effects, students will be equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and techniques, making them poised for a successful career in this exciting field. The program covers a wide range of software, including Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony, and more, to help aspiring 2D/3D animators bring their creative visions to life.
For those passionate about game design, the program offers a comprehensive education in tools such as Unreal Engine, GameMaker Studio, and others, perfect for students looking to become game animators, art directors, or level designers. The program also equips students with the skills needed for a career in video editing, including knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer.
So, if you want to make a name for yourself in the thriving world of animation, game design, and visual effects, this diploma program at NYP is a great place to start!
Entry Requirements
Nanyang Polytechnic’s Animation, Games & Visual Effects (C29) program is accepting applications for the 2023 academic year with a capacity of 125 students. GCE ‘O’ & ‘A’ level holders and Integrated Programme graduates with a JAE score range of 4-12 can apply. ITE Higher Nitec/Nitec holders, GCE ‘N’ level holders, and SPM / UEC & STPM holders should refer to the official Nanyang Polytechnic website for eligibility requirements.
GCE ‘O’ level holders and ITE Higher Nitec/Nitec holders with GCE ‘O’/’N’ level qualifications can apply through the Special Direct Admissions Exercise (SDAE) where their interests, aptitude, and portfolio will be taken into consideration for admission.
Course Fees:
For the academic year 2023/2024, Nanyang Polytechnic has set the annual Subsidised Tuition Fees for Singaporean citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents at S$3,000 and S$6,200, respectively (before GST). On the other hand, international students can expect to pay S$11,900 per annum, inclusive of GST. It’s important to note that the course fees are the same for all programs and billed on a semestral basis.
LASALLE’s Diploma in Animation
LASALLE College of the Arts is ranked within the top 150-200 institutions globally for arts and design by QS World University Rankings 2022. The college offers two highly-regarded programs in traditional and digital animation techniques, equipping students with the skills necessary for a successful career in animation or related industries.
Diploma in Animation
The Diploma in Animation is a three-year full-time program that offers students a comprehensive education in animation production. It is led by experienced artists, animators, and designers and focuses on both traditional and digital animation techniques.
Course Overview:
The program is divided into six semesters, each lasting 13 weeks, with two additional Assessment Weeks. An academic year of the program is worth 120 credits and students must earn 360 credits to receive their diploma.
Throughout the course of the program, students will work on a variety of projects including traditional animation techniques, character design, storyboarding, sound design, digital animation production, and a short animation film. The program provides students with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in the animation industry.
LASALLE’s curriculum boasts a one-of-a-kind module structure, featuring a cross-disciplinary studio module and a Craft, Technique and Technology module that provides the latest digital skills. The curriculum also has modules dedicated to fostering critical and creative thinking, as well as self-discovery and brand awareness. The discipline-specific Community engagement module and the professional development module, which includes seminars, field visits, and workshops, round out the comprehensive curriculum.
Software Learned:
Throughout the program, students will have access to industry-standard software including Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Flash, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premier, Autodesk MAYA, Autodesk Matchmover, TVPaint, and Zbrush, among others.
These software tools provide students with a comprehensive set of resources for creating professional-quality animations, opening the door to careers in fields such as 2D/3D animation, animation/video/film development and production, computer/mobile game development, and illustration.
Entry Requirement:
To enroll in the Diploma in Animation program at LASALLE College of the Arts, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:
- Obtain a score of 25 or higher in 4 Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level subjects
- Pass 5 GCSE/IGCSE subjects, including English, with grades ranging from A to C
- Hold a Higher NITEC/NITEC Certificate
- Complete Year 4 of the Singapore Integrated Programme.
In addition to the above requirements, entry into the Diploma courses at LASALLE College of the Arts can also be obtained through alternative English language qualifications such as:
- IELTS with a score of 5.5
- TOEFL-iBT with a score of 71
- PTE Academic with a score of 42 on the Global Scale of English.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements, applicants for the Diploma in Animation program at LASALLE College of the Arts must also have a passion for storytelling and the ability to create engaging visual narratives.
As part of the application process, they may be required to submit a portfolio containing 10 to 15 original pieces of work from at least two of the following categories: paintings, drawings, collages, posters, sculptures, digital images created using software such as Photoshop or Illustrator, photographs, and/or video clips. This portfolio allows the college to assess the applicant’s artistic abilities and potential for success in the program.
Last Dates:
Don’t forget, the deadline to apply for the Diploma in Animation program at LASALLE College of the Arts for the 2023 academic year starting in August 2023 is coming up soon on February 3, 2023! You can expect to hear back about the outcome of your application by March 29, 2023.
Course Fees:
When enrolling in the Diploma in Animation program at LASALLE College of the Arts for the August 2023 intake, you’ll want to be aware of the per annum fee structure for tuition. There are two categories of fees: funded (subsidized) and non-funded (full). For the funded category, the fees are as follows:
- Singaporeans: S$5,440
- Singapore PR: S$7,090
- International students: S$10,338
For the non-funded category, the fees are:
- Singaporeans: S$19,844
- Singapore PR: S$22,091
- International: S$24,858.
Please keep in mind that these fees are subject to change and only apply to the 2023 academic year.
LASALLE’s BA (Hons) in Animation Art
LASALLE College of the Arts BA (Hons) Animation Art program offers three levels of study, beginning with a foundation in creative problem-solving, followed by a chance to specialize in 2D or 3D animation and develop storytelling skills. The final level prepares students for professional practice through graduation projects, industry engagement, and portfolio development. The goal is to produce a portfolio suitable for the animation industry and transferable skills for the creative industries.
Course Overview:
The three-year full-time BA (Hons) in Animation Art program requires students to earn 360 credits through three levels (FHEQ 4, 5, and 6). Students will cover a range of topics, including drawing and perspective, body mechanics, design, color theory, 2D and 3D animation, 3D modeling, vector animation, CG lighting and rendering.
Graduates of the program can pursue careers as 2D or 3D animation producers, or in related fields such as animation/video/film development and production, computer/mobile game development, illustration, art direction, or storyboarding.
Entry Requirement:
For the BA (Hons) in Animation Art program, eligibility can be met through either Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels with two A-Level/H2 subjects and a passed General Paper, a Local Polytechnic Diploma, or an International Baccalaureate Diploma.
To assess suitability for the programme, candidates must submit a portfolio and attend an interview. The portfolio should show 10-15 pieces of original work, including sketches, 2D renderings, and supporting work like 3D sculptures or multimedia projects. The interview will involve discussing the portfolio content, motivations, and how the programme can support future career choices. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for the interview. Emphasis is on original work, not animation, and portfolios must be submitted online.
Last Dates:
Apply by January end for the AY Starting in August
Course Fees:
For the August 2023 intake, the tuition fees for the Bachelor of Arts (Hons) program are as follows: Singaporean citizens can expect to pay S$ 9,780 for the subsidized fees, and S$ 20,230 for the full fees. Singapore Permanent Residents may pay S$ 13,845 for the subsidized fees and S$ 22,520 for the full fees. For international students, the full fees amount to S$ 25,340.
DIGIPEN Singapore’s BFA in Digital Art and Animation
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation course at Digipen institute of technology is a full-time four year programme that usually spans eleven trimesters of 14 weeks each. The BFA in Digital Art and Animation program prepares students to be professional artists by providing a strong foundation in traditional arts and in-depth exploration of computer animation techniques and technologies.
During the third trimester of the second year, students in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Art and Animation program are required to participate in the Overseas Immersion Programme (OIP). This mandatory program involves studying at DigiPen Institute of Technology’s campus in Redmond, Washington, USA, for one trimester, where they will attend lectures, labs, and industry seminars.
The faculty at DigiPen’s art and animation program is comprised of experienced artists, educators, and industry veterans. Department Chair YZ Tan has worked at LucasArts, and BFA Program Director Jazno Francoeur has worked at Walt Disney Feature Animation for 10 years as a visual FX animator.
As a student at DigiPen, you will gain hands-on experience in the various roles that make up the art production pipeline for games and animation. The US campus is a Certified Partner of SideFX, the developers of Houdini, a powerful 3D art software. This certification demonstrates that DigiPen students have the skills and expertise to work in the competitive film, television, and games industries.
Course Overview:
In the first year of the BFA program, students focus on traditional art subjects such as anatomy, tone, color, and composition, honing their observational drawing skills.
In the second year, students apply these traditional art fundamentals to computer graphics, digital sculpting, and 2D and 3D animation, learning subjects such as life drawing, character design, and perspective.
As they advance, students work on projects that incorporate various roles in film and game production, including 3D environment and level design, 3D production pipeline, and cinematography for visual effects.
By the end of their studies, students will have a deep understanding of production pipelines and a body of work to showcase their skills. They can also specialize in specific skill sets based on their career aspirations.
Entry Requirements:
If you’re interested in enrolling in the BFA program in digital art and animation, be aware that the admission process is managed by SIT. All applicants must apply online through the SIT application portal.
The application window is generally from mid-January to mid-March. Shortlisted candidates will then go through a screening and interview process from February to May. Admissions outcomes will be sent to applicants via email in April and May, and they must accept their admission offer by June.
For the most current information on eligibility and the program curriculum, please contact DigiPen’s Singapore admission office at [email protected].
In addition to meeting all standard undergraduate admissions requirements, applicants to the BFA program must submit an art portfolio. For admission to DigiPen, applicants must submit a portfolio with 10-15 pieces of original artwork, 4 of which are prescribed drawings (1 pair of shoes, the same pair of shoes but from different persepective, 1 self-portrait, and 1 interior room).
The remaining 6-11 pieces may include animations, character designs, architectural renderings, and sculptures. Presentation will also be assessed, and photos should be taken outside for better lighting. All work must be traditional and derived from direct observation, not photographs. Cited master copies are acceptable but copied works are discouraged.
Course Fees:
All tuition and related fees are paid directly through Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) website.
NAFA’s Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation
Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is a comprehensive program aimed at training aspiring artists in the principles of illustration and animation. The program covers various aspects of design, such as storyboarding, figure drawing, character design, background design, UI/UX design, and animation production.
Course Overview:
The course is a full-time program that spans over two years. It provides students with a comprehensive education in traditional and digital illustration techniques and animation production processes. Students will learn how to create compelling visual narratives and use animation software to bring their illustrations to life.
The course curriculum covers topics such as:
Concept development, Drawing techniques, Character design, Background design, Storyboarding, Traditional and digital illustration techniques, Animation software and techniques, 2D animation production, moving Illustration, Motion graphics, 3D modelling, and 3D animation.
Entry Requirements:
To be eligible for the course, applicants must have:
- Applicants should be 16 years of age or above holding certificates equivalent to GCE ‘O’ Level
- A minimum aggregate score of 25 points in 4 GCE ‘O’ level subjects or its equivalent
- Completed a relevant pre-tertiary course in Fine Arts, Design or equivalent
- A portfolio of artwork demonstrating their potential for a career in illustration and animation
Last Dates:
The enrolment for the Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation at NAFA usually opens a few months prior to the start of the academic year. For Academic year 2023, the Applications for the August 2023 intake will commence from 3rd January 2023 till 31st March 2023. Overseas enrolment at NAFA’s diploma courses for AY2023 start from August 2022, while the Diploma EAE (Early Admissions Exercise) application for AY2024 will open in mid-June 2023. Interested applicants are advised to check the official website of NAFA for the exact dates.
Course Fees:
The course fees for the Diploma in Illustration Design with Animation at NAFA is different for different student background and vary each year. For Design and Media programme in AY2023, Subsidised Fees with Tuition Grant for Singapore Citizen (SC) and Permanent Resident (SPR) students is S$ 4,760 and S$ 7,310/annum, respectively.
The programme cost $10,410/annum for International students while the Non-Subsidised Fees for the course stand at S$ 19,800 per annum. Interested applicants can visit the official website of NAFA for up-to-date information on the course fees and any available scholarships or financial aid options.
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