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.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
1400516221 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- A351
- CRICOS code?
- 095258K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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 elective units
- a combination of the above
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
6
Thematic core and employability units
16
Major or Minor units
2
Elective units
24
Total
Thematic
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Thematic Core
Employability
Employability sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
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.
Minor sequences
- 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*
- 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
^ 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.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Art, any Business, Classical Studies, Applied Fashion Design & Technology, Public Sector B, Dance, Drama, Product Design And Technology, Integrated Technologies (VCE VET), any English, any History, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Philosophy, Australian Politics, Global Politics, Studio Arts, Small Business (VCE VET), Theatre Studies, Texts And Traditions, Visual Communication Design or Extended Investigation equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Film, Television and Animation with our pathways finder.
Articulated courses
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
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.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| 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
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Footnotes
*QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017