Visual FX & 3D Animation
Diploma and Bachelor
Visual FX & 3D Animation Department
In the animation industry, technical know-how and application are just as important as talent, and this is where SAE comes in. Our hands-on courses are taught by experienced professionals who share their knowledge and tips. Through exciting projects, you will develop a portfolio that will optimally prepare you for your career. With these skills, you will be ready to hit the ground running in the VFX and animation industry.
Our curriculum covers all aspects of 3D modelling, texturing and rigging. You will learn basic and advanced animation techniques, including character animation, dynamic simulations, lighting and rendering, and compositing. This comprehensive approach prepares you perfectly for the demands of the industry and enables you to create professional 3D animations.
Job profiles in the film and advertising industry
Thanks to our versatile training, you have a lot of options. Rigging, animation, rotoscoping, fluid simulation and compositing are just a few keywords from our curriculum. One thing is certain, the VFX industry is growing rapidly and new technologies such as VR or virtual sets make for exciting fields to work in.
Job prospects for graduates from our professional qualification or academic degree in Visual FX & 3D Animation include a career in the film industry as 2D/3D animators, rendering artists, look dev artists or VFX coordinators. We are delighted whenever one of our graduates’ names appears in the credits of a blockbuster. But that’s not all, VFX professionals are also sought after in other industries, such as advertising.
Visual FX & 3D Animation
Students' Showreel
Excerpts from the curriculum
Our curriculum combines theory with practice: first you learn the basics of your field, then you apply them in real projects – with a focus on industry standards, interdisciplinary collaboration and market economy aspects. This is the best way to prepare for your career!
VFX Fundamentals
Introduction to the VFX-Industry / VFX-Production Pipeline, Film Analysis, Digital Image Editing, Layer Based Compositing
3D Fundamentals
Principles of 3D, Low- and High-Poly Modelling, Topology, UV-Mapping, Basics Texturing and Shading, Render to Texture
3D Rendering & Compositing
3D-Camera, PBR-Texturing and Shading, Rendering, Nodebased-Compositing for 3D, CG-Integration in Realbild
Animation
Vector Graphics, Principles of Animation, Storyboarding / Animatics, 2D-Animation, Rigging, 3D-Animation, Motion Graphics
Industry Workflows
Digital Sculpting, Tracking & Match Moving, Advanced Nodebased Compositing, Physics Simulation
Possible Final Projects
Animated Short Film, Simulation / Compositing Shots, Character Creation
Learning and studying
At the SAE Institute, you will find exactly the right model that suits your life situation, depending on the qualification you are aiming for. Whether vocational training, bachelor’s or master’s degree, part-time or full-time – we will accompany you on your way into the media industry.
Professional Qualification
The SAE Diploma provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to carry out work assignments from industry correctly and to a high standard in just 18 months. You will learn about modern hardware and software and current work processes, from the basics to specific applications, and put this knowledge into practice in exercises and projects. The SAE Diploma therefore provides you with the ideal preparation for a career in the creative industries.
The SAE Advanced Diploma builds on the SAE Diploma and expands it to include essential soft skills and market economy aspects. You will work on a larger team project and gain additional routine in your field. In addition, you will be confronted with teamwork and the organisation of team projects, which are an important part of today’s working world. The SAE Advanced Diploma is supplemented by business management aspects such as financial calculation of the project, implementation of project-specific marketing measures and considerations regarding possible distribution channels. This qualifies you for the planning and organisation of more complex media projects.
Academic Degree
Together with our partner university, the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, you can continue your studies from the SAE Advanced Diploma to a bachelor’s degree.
Interdisciplinary teaching is supplemented by topic-specific support in small groups by specialist lecturers from the Germany-Austria region. These formats take place online – but you continue to use the resources (equipment, facilities, assistance from other students) of your home campus for your projects.
In the Top Up Bachelor’s programme, your project ideas are taken to the next level under the supervision of the partner university. You will acquire additional specialised knowledge and skills and learn to approach creative projects in a structured and planned manner. You will take on the perspective of the creative director, contribute your skills to the project and organise additional people to help you turn your vision into reality.
The Bachelor Programme combines the SAE Diploma, the SAE Advanced Diploma and the Top Up Bachelor into one comprehensive programme. You will receive several intermediate qualifications, gradually qualifying you for your bachelor’s degree. Depending on your personal circumstances, the programme can be completed as a 24-month ‘Fast Track Programme’ on a full-time basis or as a 36-month ‘Extended Programme’ on a part-time basis.
