Animation Diploma

Animation student working on a computer in the studio classroom

Program at a glance

Credential

Diploma

Delivery mode

On-campus

Time commitment

Full-time

Duration

2 years

Program codes

  • Code: ANIM

Cost

Domestic students $15,442 estimated first-year cost International students $52,487 estimated first-year cost

Location

  • Kelowna

Available for

  • Domestic students
  • International students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

The Animation Diploma program focuses on drawing, design and the principles and techniques of traditional and digital character animation, using the latest technology in state-of-the-art facilities.

Graduates work in a variety of positions:

  • 2D or 3D Animator
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Layout Artist
  • Character Designer
  • Visual Effects Animator
  • Creature Animator
  • Game Artist

A portfolio by the student must be submitted prior to acceptance in the Animation Diploma program. These are the two key types of elements required:

  • Letter of intent: in a one-page letter, please tell us about yourself. Describe your interest in studying art and animation and any previous education or related experience that you have had.
  • Artwork examples: Your portfolio must consist of 15 to 20 pieces of your own work, featuring specific types of artwork.

For full requirements, and information on how to submit your portfolio, visit the Animation Department site.

The two-year Animation diploma program focuses on drawing, design and the principles and techniques of traditional and digital character animation. There is an optional Co-op work term offered between year 1 and year 2 of the program subject to industry availability.


Features include a state of the art classroom in the new Innovation Centre in downtown Kelowna, the latest technology in the field of digital animation, and comprehensive drawing classes taught by industry professionals to develop artistic skills, technical dexterity and creative thinking. Industry standard production scenarios and professional practices mimic the production pipeline. Core courses include 2D, digital 2D and 3D animation, life drawing, character design, storyboard and layout design. Animation history, communications and an introduction to business functions are also studied.


Successful graduates complete a professional quality, industry-focused demo reel showcasing their design and digital animation skills, preparing them for a career in British Columbia's (B.C.'s) booming entertainment industry.


Program Goals:

  • Focus on applied learning: from pencil to digital, graduating animators and not just operators.
  • Deliver a curriculum which balances artistic skills, industry techniques and applied technology.
  • Maintain close relationships with the industry.
  • Train artists for a successful career in the 2D or 3D animation industry.

Skill sets taught in the Animation program are also applicable to careers in the fields of computer games, multimedia, web design, television and feature film.

Tuition and fees

Domestic students

$15,442

estimated first-year cost

International students

$52,487

estimated first-year cost

Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm

Fee Semester I Semester II
Tuition $7,345 $6,945
College anciliary fees $362 $362
Student association fees $89 $89
Health & dental $250 $0
Materials/other $0 $0
Estimated term cost $8,046 $7,396
Fee Semester III Semester IV
Tuition $6,945 $6,650
College anciliary fees $362 $362
Student association fees $89 $89
Health & dental $250 $0
Materials/other $0 $0
Estimated term cost $7,646 $7,101
Total estimated program cost: $30,189

Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm

Fee Semester I Semester II
Tuition $26,660 $24,175
College anciliary fees $362 $362
Student association fees $89 $89
Health & dental $500 $250
Materials/other $0 $0
Estimated term cost $27,611 $24,876
Fee Semester III Semester IV
Tuition $24,175 $24,245
College anciliary fees $362 $362
Student association fees $89 $89
Health & dental $500 $250
Materials/other $0 $0
Estimated term cost $25,126 $24,946
Total estimated program cost: $102,559
  • Domestic students
    Estimated first-year cost
    Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $15,442
    Estimated total program cost
    Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $30,189
  • International students
    Estimated first-year cost
    Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $52,487
    Estimated total program cost
    Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $102,559

  • Fees include all mandatory fees: Activity fee, Health & Dental, Student Association fee, Education Technology fee, Development fee.

  • Detailed International tuition fees information.

  • Check if this program is student loan eligible. View Financial Aid and Awards

  • All amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

  • Detailed domestic tuition and fees information

Admission and program requirements

  • B.C. secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for one year as of the first day of classes.

  • English 12 with minimum 60% or alternatives.

  • Interview and portfolio assessment. Please refer to program website for more details.

  • Applicants may be required to complete a drawing exercise.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC including completion of a minimum of 18 credits of 200-level courses or higher.

Schedule and campus options

This program can only be completed in full in Kelowna.

Start date:
Sep. 2027
Location:
Kelowna
Delivery mode:
On-campus
Application status:
Open
Details pending
Start date
Location
Delivery mode
Application status
Sep. 2027
Kelowna
On-campus
Open
Details pending

Program details

Year 1

Semester 1

Complete All of the following:
ANIM 111 - Life Drawing I
ANIM 112 - Animation Principles I
ANIM 114 - Layout and Design I
ANIM 116 - Character Design I
ANIM 120 - Animation History
CMNS 101 - Communication Fundamentals for Animation

Semester 2

Complete All of the following:
ANIM 121 - Life Drawing II
ANIM 122 - Animation Principles II
ANIM 124 - Layout and Design II
ANIM 126 - Character Design II
ANIM 127 - Storyboarding I

Year 2

Semester 3

Complete All of the following:
ANIM 211 - Life Drawing III
ANIM 212 - Animation Principles III
ANIM 214 - Layout and Design III
ANIM 216 - Character Design III
ANIM 217 - Storyboarding III

Semester 4

Complete All of the following:
ANIM 221 - Life Drawing IV
ANIM 222 - Animation Principles IV
ANIM 230 - Demo Reel Production
CMNS 201 - Career Communication and Strategy for Animation

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