Higher Certificate in Design: 3D Animation & Visual Effects, NQF5
SAQA ID: 97900, 120 Credits, NQF 5, Higher Certificate in Design Thinking
GDC offers a Higher Certificate in Design Thinking with a focus on 3D Animation & Visual Effects.
The purpose of the qualification is to lay a foundation in the broad principles and practices of design. The programme introduces learners to creative and visual thinking, design thinking and the design process, visual communication methods, professional practice and the analysis and critique of design solutions. It offers an integrated combination of conceptual and applied skills and prepares learners to become flexible, problem-solving thinkers outside the boundaries of a single design discipline. This Higher Certificate is an elective in Design Thinking with a focus on 3D Animation & Visual Effects in the second semester. (Review the VR Lab block below)
The elective equips learners with the fundamental toolkit to problem solve and develop creative design solutions within the exciting field of 3D Animation & Visual Effects. From concept to creation, students are introduced to the principles of design, drawing, and the production pipeline which include topics such as 3D modelling, texturing, animation, and rendering. In addition, students acquire the academic reading and writing skills required for further study and qualify with a standalone NQF level 5 qualification.
Features and Benefits
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Greenside Design Center is an authorised Autodesk training centre.
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Learn leading software used in 3D Animation & Visual Effects such as Autodesk Maya. Additional access to the Autodesk Suite including Mudbox and Substance Painter is also provided for independent learning.
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Get a free Office 365 Education A1 license, valid for the duration of your studies.
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Contact students get free access to our on-campus specialised labs including our Makers Lab with 3D Printing, CNC Machining and Laser Cutting facilities and the VRLab
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Job placement assistance through our industry network and online recruitment portal, exclusively available to The Greenside Design Center.
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Our learning methods is a technology mediated delivery model, focused on flexibility, accessibility, and academic support to provide the ultimate learning experience without compromising teaching time and quality.
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Shared industry skills such as Project Management was added to further maximum employment success.
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Involvement in our institution-wide community engagement project known as 10 percent. Our students across all levels of study and all disciplines, come together to form new multidisciplinary teams, and apply their design expertise to work with a real community.
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Access to local and international student award entries
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Industry exposure from top industry key players
- Specialized LabMakersLab
- Specialized LabVRLab
The MakersLab gives students the chance to see their designs, ideas and innovations become a reality.
Learn MoreAn interactive space that helps students explore the use of Virtual and Augmented Reality in the visualizing and presentation of data.
Learn More
Admission Requirements
- NQF4 (Competency in the English language)
- Grade 11 with Foundation Programme (Digital Design & Arts)
- An art portfolio or evidence of some drawing experience or practice
Articulation Options
On successful completion of this qualification, you can articulate into the following:
Hardware Requirements
Please note that you are required to have your own computer for this qualification. AIE, in partnership with Dell and TripleH committed to supplying every student with a Dell laptop to support our DigitalCampus initiative. Available exclusively to AIE students, devices can now be financed with your tuition fees. We provide three models:
- HIGHHigh Spec, Dell G15 5535, AMD Ryzen 5, 32GB
OUT OF STOCK - R26 800.00 Learn More
Same foundation, more memory...for those who want to get a little more serious.
Dell G15 5535, AMD RYZEN 5, 32GB | AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, (22 MB Cache, 6 Core, up to 5.0 GHz) | 32GB (2 x 16GB), DDR5 Non-ECC RAM | Nvidia GeForce RTX3050 6GB GDDR6 Graphics Memory | M.2 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) 120hz Refresh Rate, Anti-Glare LED Backlight Display, Camera & Microphone | Windows 11 Pro
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Pricing & Payment Options
NEW SECTION -
Duration
Full Time
- Full Time, Contact Learning (Hybrid), 12 Months
- Full Time, Online Learning ,12 Months
- Classes from Monday to Friday, +- 20 hours/week
Part-Time
- Part Time, Flexi Online Learning, min 12 Months, Max 24 Months
- Classes conducted after hours over 2-3 sessions/week (on selective Saturdays)
* Class structures are subject to change without notification.
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Career Options
- Game 3D Asset Creator/Modeller
- Environment building
- Texture artist
- Game Content Creator
- 3D Animator
- 3D Asset Creator (VR)
- Product Modelling
- Virtual Reality Specialist Consultant
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Study Kit
Your Teacher and Learning Material is included in your fees and will contain:
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Free Unlimited WIFI (Unlimited, On Campus only)
- Autodesk student license valid for 1 year
- Adobe student license valid for 1 year.
- Orientation kit
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- ENROL NOW
What you get
On completion the student will earn:
- NQF level 5 Higher Certificate in Design Thinking
- Internationally recognized Autodesk Certificates for all software modules.
- Portfolio of Evidence, Show-reel stills and Animation
Additionally you also get
- Portfolio of Work (world-class portfolio)
Our Learning Methods
Our learning methods is a technology mediated delivery model, focused on flexibility, accessibility, and academic support to provide the ultimate learning experience without compromising teaching time and quality.
#Flexibility
#AnywhereAnytime
#Accessibility
#StudentSupport
Full Time - Contact/Hybrid
Learning
A modern twist on traditional face-to-face, full-time learning. Our contact classes are delivered via Hybrid learning, providing students with the flexibility to attend on campus, virtually, or both.
Full Time, Online
Learning
Extending our reach with online only, full time learning. Our progressive technology platform and people-supported academic journey giving students access to our classes from anywhere in the world.
Part Time, Flexi Online
Learning
Designed for the working professional, our part time programmes provide you with the flexibility to manger your own schedule and pace of learning. Sessions are conducted after hours on selected weekdays, and on alternate Saturdays.
Career Video
Watch this video to understand a day in the life of a 3D Animator.
Throughout the year, the Higher Certificate Programme equips students with the fundamental design skills necessary to progress in any design discipline. It introduces learners to creative and visual thinking, design thinking and the design process, visual communication methods, professional practice and the analysis and critique of design solutions. In the second semester students elect to focus on 3D Animation & Visual Effects. The elective equips learners with the fundamental toolkit to problem solve and develop creative design solutions within the field.
- Design Thinking and the Design Process.
- The Design Elements and Principles.
- Visual Communication Methods, Tools, and Techniques.
- Drawings and Design Presentations for visual communication
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Freelance Working Environment.
- Workplace Readiness.
- 3D Animation & Visual Design
- Composition, Presentation and Storyboards
- 3D Modelling
- Textures, Maps and UVW Mapping
- Cinematic Light and Colour Theory
- Animation
Computer Applications and Software:
- Visual Design Software: Adobe Photoshop; Adobe InDesign; Adobe Illustrator
- Software for 3D Animation & Visual Effects: Autodesk Maya
- Software access for independent learning: Access to the Autodesk Suite including AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk 3Ds Max
Portfolio Project
The world is changing and with the traditional degree not being a guarantee for employment anymore, students need to show that they do not just have the knowledge, but that they can be innovative and apply the knowledge as well. Employers are increasingly looking for proof of application and competence, especially in the creative fields and the portfolio has become a standard requirement for any job application. Our course is based on the building of a complete portfolio that will allow the student to showcase skills and abilities at the end of the programme.
WORE: Workplace Readiness Program through self-paced assembly
- Compiling a Portfolio.
- Creating a Curriculum Vitae.
- Creating & maintaining your social media.
- Seeking Employment.
- Preparing for an Interview.
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CampusRegistration Close DateStart DateType
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10 February 202517 February 2025Full Time, Contact
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10 February 202517 February 2025Full Time, Contact
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10 February 202517 February 2025Full Time, Online
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10 February 202517 February 2025Part Time, Online