289231

3D Digital Arts

This course builds upon foundational 3D skills to develop proficiency in advanced techniques for game development, animation, spatial, concept and visual effects (VFX) for screen. Students will deepen their understanding of 3D digital asset creation while working within industry-standard pipelines. The course emphasizes practical applications, creative problem-solving, and technical workflows to prepare students for professional projects in the creative technology industries. Students will gain extended creative and technical understanding of 3D digital processes and develop their knowledge and application of aesthetics and form.
Course code

Qualifications are made up of courses. Some universities call these papers. Each course is numbered using six digits.

289231
Level

The fourth number of the course code shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).

200-level
Credits

Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.

15
Subject
Creative Media Production

Course planning information

Course notes

• The course is hands-on. You will be sculpting, modelling, texturing, shading and lighting your very own creations - from creatures, characters, vehicles and props to 3D worlds! These skills are essential for 3D production pipelines in animation, gaming, visual effects, immersive and design. • This course is designed for second-year students who have completed an introductory 3D course in their first year. • 3D Digital Arts develops foundational 3D skills into industry standard workflows. • The curriculum is structured around real-world production techniques and industry-standard software, ensuring students develop practical and applicable skills.

Expected prior learning

Recommended familiarity with at least one 3D software package (e.g., Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, CAD).

Prerequisite courses

Complete first

You need to complete the above course or courses before moving onto this one.

General progression requirements

You must complete at least 45 credits from 100-level before enrolling in 200-level courses.

Learning outcomes

What you will learn. Knowledge, skills and attitudes you’ll be able to show as a result of successfully finishing this course.

  • 1 Demonstrate proficiency in advanced digital production tools and workflows to create optimized 3D assets for professional applications. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity - Mōhio D2)
  • 2 Apply advanced techniques and industry-standard processes in developing and refining 3D assets for diverse platforms, including animation, game development, and VFX. (Graduate profile: Virtuosity - Mōhio D2)
  • 3 Conduct structured technical investigations to solve production challenges and enhance workflow efficiency. (Graduate profile: Creativity - Toi C4)
  • 4 Manage complex project workloads, meet professional deadlines, and adapt to iterative development processes within a production pipeline. (Graduate profile: Autonomy - Mana E4)
  • 5 Critically evaluate and articulate the technical and aesthetic qualities of 3D work, contributing constructively to group discussions, critiques, and collaborative production environments. (Graduate profile: Understanding - Mātauranga C3; Connectedness - Whanaungatanga E2)

Learning outcomes can change before the start of the semester you are studying the course in.

Assessments

Assessment Learning outcomes assessed Weighting
Portfolio 1 2 3 4 5 100%

Assessment weightings can change up to the start of the semester the course is delivered in.

You may need to take more assessments depending on where, how, and when you choose to take this course.

Explanation of assessment types

Explanation of assessment types
Computer programmes
Computer animation and screening, design, programming, models and other computer work.
Creative compositions
Animations, films, models, textiles, websites, and other compositions.
Exam College or GRS-based (not centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by a college or the Graduate Research School (GRS). The exam could be online, oral, field, practical skills, written exams or another format.
Exam (centrally scheduled)
An exam scheduled by Assessment Services (centrally) – you’ll usually be told when and where the exam is through the student portal.
Oral or performance or presentation
Debates, demonstrations, exhibitions, interviews, oral proposals, role play, speech and other performances or presentations.
Participation
You may be assessed on your participation in activities such as online fora, laboratories, debates, tutorials, exercises, seminars, and so on.
Portfolio
Creative, learning, online, narrative, photographic, written, and other portfolios.
Practical or placement
Field trips, field work, placements, seminars, workshops, voluntary work, and other activities.
Simulation
Technology-based or experience-based simulations.
Test
Laboratory, online, multi-choice, short answer, spoken, and other tests – arranged by the school.
Written assignment
Essays, group or individual projects, proposals, reports, reviews, writing exercises, and other written assignments.

Textbooks needed

There are no set texts for this course.