Adelaide University
Master of Design Specialising in Illustration and Animation
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain expertise in theory, technical skills and professional practice to drive your creative journey.
Course overview
With Adelaide University's Master of Design Specialising in Illustration and Animation, you’ll develop advanced skills as an adaptable and dynamic designer. We’ll equip you to be a storyteller of the future, with the ability to evolve in an ever-changing industry. Gain the knowledge and proficiency to shape a successful creative future.
You’ll take your learning from theory to practice. Learn a curriculum that is industry-relevant and practical in nature. Get hands-on experience to take your career to the next level.
Discover and develop advanced skills in innovative tools to support your creative process, from planning to delivery. You’ll graduate with the expertise to apply research in creative projects and go beyond creativity to understand the why and the how.
Be prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world in various ways, blending creativity with communication to enrich our lives, culture and industries.
Key features
- Develop advanced technical skills and knowledge in illustration and animation.
- Learn from teachers who are practising professionals with strong links to industry.
- Work on real-life projects in professional studio spaces.
- Build networks and relationships with the design and animation industries locally, nationally and internationally.
- Exit from your studies early and graduate with a graduate diploma qualification.
- Use this qualification as a pathway to further studies, including PhD studies.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 66 units for all core courses.
- 12 units for all specialisation courses.
- 6 units for all work-integrated learning.
- 12 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 66 units for all of the following:
- Art and Design Masters Foundation Studio (12 units)
- Art and Design Interdisciplinary Studio (12 units)
- Art and Design Business Practices
- Art and Design Research Methods
- Art and Design Masters Project 1 (12 units)
- Arts and Design Masters Project 2 (12 units)
- Art and Design Masters Report
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed bachelor's (AQF level 7) or bachelor's honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- A completed nested or related graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Transform your artistic vision into a thriving career with the Master of Design specialising in Illustration and Animation. This program equips you with a versatile skill set, preparing you to succeed in the creative industries across a wide range of roles and sectors.
You could animate unforgettable characters for film or television, design captivating storyboards that shape visual narratives, or bring your imagination to life as a concept artist for games or interactive media. Perhaps you’ll create compelling illustrations for publishing or advertising or explore cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality to develop innovative digital experiences.
Careers to consider include:
- Animator
- Creative Director
- Concept Artist
- Illustrator
- Storyboard Artist
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Technical Illustrator
- Graphic Designer
- Content Creator
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.