3D Character Animation
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, October 26-30.
What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate industry-ready skills as an entry-level 3D animator for careers in the feature film, television, and video game industries.
- Demonstrate industry-ready skills as an entry-level storyboard artist for the feature film, television and video game industries.
- Create a 3D animated short film or series of exercises that showcase mastery of the technical and creative skills developed throughout the program.
- Develop and explore visual concept options to effectively communicate and deliver ideas, characters and narratives.
- Create compelling cinematic visuals that support storytelling through effective use of composition, lighting, and editing.
- Develop and present engaging and cohesive stories through animation.
- Apply project management strategies to plan, track, and successfully complete complex animation projects within deadlines.
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
This program can be completed in 4 full terms. The maximum time to complete the program is 5 years.
Students gain hands-on experience in a classroom environment that replicates a professional animation studio, working within authentic production schedules and creative review processes. Instructional and learning activities include, but are not limited to, interactive lectures, demonstrations, hands-on labs, production simulations, problem solving exercises, and client projects. Students also engage in self-directed and collaborative team projects, field trips, guest speaker sessions, online learning activities, and reflective discussions. Technical animation training is complemented by supporting studies in life drawing, visual language, storytelling, and animation history, emphasizing the integration of artistic fundamentals with digital production skills.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Admission to this program is through a selection process. Admission requirements include:
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English 11 or equivalent
- Letter of intent (a one-page personal statement detailing educational/work background, career goals, passions, and reasons for choosing this program)
- Portfolio consisting of 12 examples of best artwork (minimum 5 pieces of life drawing)
General
- Seats are offered to applicants who have met all admission requirements, on a first-qualified, first-served basis.
- International applicants must be 17 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and educational documents as required by their course or program.
- All VCC applicants are required to function successfully in an English-speaking classroom. English requirements vary by program. For details, visit VCC International - English Requirements.
Program Considerations
Students should consider the following:
- The program requires extended periods of computer use (6-8 hours per day) with sustained visual focus on digital displays, including Virtual Reality headsets.
- Program tasks involve precise hand-eye coordination and frequent keyboard and mouse use.
If you have a disability or diagnosis and think you might face challenges with any of the listed program considerations, please contact disabilityservices@vcc.ca or 604.871.7500 to explore possible accommodations/supports.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience, including Indigenous ways of knowing. Credits may be granted to students who are able to sufficiently demonstrate the learning outcomes of specific courses.
PLAR is available for all courses. Students may complete up to 50% of the total credits of the program through PLAR and/or transfer credit. Please see individual course outlines for PLAR details. Tuition and fees apply to PLAR. Methods for assessing prior learning may include exams, portfolios, interviews, and other evaluations. If PLAR is successful, transcripts will reflect an ‘S’ grade (satisfactorily completed), which is not included in grade point average (GPA) calculations.
International Students should contact VCC International Education Advising to learn how PLAR can impact immigration status, prior to proceeding with the PLAR request.
See Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition policy for more information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| TDAN 1101 | Story - Visual Language 1 | 1.5 |
| TRDN 1106 | Photoshop Workshop | 0 |
| TRDN 1103 | Maya for Animation 1 | 2 |
| TRDN 1102 | Life Drawing 1 - 3D | 1.5 |
| TDAN 1104 | Animation 1 | 8.5 |
| TDAN 1105 | Animation History 1 | 2 |
| TDAN 1201 | Story - Visual Language 2 | 2 |
| TDAN 1206 | Premiere Workshop | 0 |
| TRDN 1203 | Maya for Animation 2 | 2 |
| TRDN 1202 | Life Drawing 2 - 3D | 1.5 |
| TDAN 1204 | Animation 2 | 8.5 |
| TDAN 1205 | Animation History 2 | 2 |
| TDAN 2101 | Story - Visual Language 3 | 2 |
| TRDN 2103 | Maya for Animation 3 | 2 |
| TRDN 2102 | Life Drawing 3 - 3D | 1.5 |
| TDAN 2106 | Audio Workshop | 0 |
| TDAN 2104 | Animation 3 | 8.5 |
| TDAN 2201 | Story - Visual Language 4 | 2 |
| TRDN 2202 | Life Drawing 4 - 3D | 1.5 |
| TDAN 2206 | Demo Reel | 0 |
| TDAN 2204 | Animation 4 | 11 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and other costs *
| Fee description | Fee Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 36 | |
| Tuition Tuition | 43880 | |
| Student union | 137 | |
| College initiative | 99 | |
| Materials | 0 | not including textbooks |
| Campus resource | 439 | |
| Laundry | 0 | |
| Tools (deposit) | 0 | |
| Coverall (deposit) | 0 | |
| Uniform (deposit) | 0 | |
| Medical and Dental | 285 | |
| Temporary Medical Insurance | 149 | |
| U-PASS | 368 | |
| Graduation | 45 | |
| Program-specific extra fees | 0 | |
| Total |
* Tuition and other fees are approximate and subject to increase up to 5% per year. Students will be required to pay increased rates if the fees change at any time during the period of enrolment in the program. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable.
Fees listed are for international students. For domestic programs, visit vcc.ca.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's international refund policy.
Apply now
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, October 26-30.