Associate Degree of Creative Industries
START YOUR JOURNEY IN CREATIVE MEDIA
On-Campus
Ideal for students who thrive in a face-to-face environment with access to studios, peers, and in-person support.
- Includes 2 hours of weekly on-campus classes plus 1 hour of national content (online or asynchronous).
- Classes run Monday to Friday, morning, afternoon, and evening, with access to digital resources and support.
- Perfect for hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-time feedback.
Blended Delivery
Designed for those who want the best of both worlds, structured face-to-face learning with online flexibility.
- Combines 2 hours of live (on-campus or online) classes with 1 hour of national content each week.
- Balances in-person connection with the convenience of remote access.
- Supported by SAE’s online learning tools and self-directed study resources.
National Expertise
No matter how you study, you’ll learn from SAE’s national team of expert, industry-aligned faculty.
- Access top educators and specialists across Australia, wherever they’re based.
- Benefit from national masterclasses, guest lectures, and collaborative learning.
- Tap into deep industry knowledge that goes beyond your local campus.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
14 x $2,999
1 x $5,998
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$23,992 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Units x Costs ($AUD)
14 x $3,495
1 x $6,990
Annual Course Fee (Indicative)*
(based on 1.0 EFTSL**)
$27,960 AUD
Plus Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
* The Annual Course Fee (Indicative) is charged against individual units of study which may increase from time to time and does not take into account personal circumstances such as RPL, credit, repeats and some specialised electives.
** EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) is a measure of a full-time student’s study load for a year. A full-time study load equates to 1.0 EFTSL. Typically, a full-time study load at SAE is 8 units of study over the year, each with an EFTSL value of 0.125.
For more information view the SAE Fee Schedule or visit the Fees & Payment page.
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
Complete your course faster by studying units over 15 months (4 trimesters).
Whilst still classified as a full-time study load, you will complete the units over two years (6 trimesters).
If you want to take a little longer, that’s ok too. We’ll help you work out the best study load to suit your needs.
Note: Part-time is not available for international students.
February 2026
May 2026
September 2026
February 2026
May 2026
September 2026
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Your creative career starts with SAE
Course Structure
Complete your course faster by studying the 14 units in as little as 15 months. (4 trimesters).
The skills and knowledge that you will acquire in this unit will assist you in understanding and developing the core communication skills used by entrepreneurs and practitioners across the creative industries.
This unit builds on project design elements introduced in the first trimester and focuses on core principles in project management. In this unit, you will act as project manager for your work or collaborate with others to develop robust systems and processes for projects. Through these practical projects, you will understand basic project management concepts allowing you to plan, initiate and execute ideas effectively.
To complement these concepts you will be introduced to core principles of ownership, copyright, and Intellectual Property (IP) as related to the Creative Industries, and how you can use marketing concepts involving storytelling & branding to connect ideas with audiences.
This unit explores the concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation and project design. You will develop approaches to identify promising opportunities and actionable strategies to transform them into tangible successes. Through exposure to developing new ideas, processes and ways of working - both individually and in entrepreneurial teams - you will hone skills to put creative ideas into practice and achieve real-world impact.
As Alan Kay explained, "The best way to predict the future is to create it", so let's get at it!
In this unit, you will collaborate on interdisciplinary projects that blend creativity and technology across fields such as film, audio, music, gaming, design, and computer science. Through project-based learning, you'll explore how different disciplines contribute to innovative outcomes—like immersive installations or interactive experiences. The unit focuses on strengthening communication, problem-solving, and teamwork across creative and technical areas. You'll be challenged to apply your existing skills while embracing new perspectives and ways of working, developing a holistic understanding of contemporary media production and preparing you to deliver complex, boundary-pushing creative solutions.
Throughout this unit, you will investigate relevant emerging technology such as NoCode, Augmented and Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning as they relate to your creative practice. You will have an opportunity to explore topics such as digital literacy, AR/VR, mobile delivery, digital folios, e-commerce, social media, and digital teams.
You will also experience discipline-relevant emerging technologies, including audio and video based applications, locative media, visual and open-source programming principles, and AI-driven multimedia - depending on your interests and chosen creative media specialism.
Creatives have always contributed to real-world problem solving, whether through innovative inventions, creative calls for action, public awareness building, or art and science collaborations. In this unit you will use your interdisciplinary collaboration skills to address a real-world problem. Using different theoretical frameworks within a ‘hackathon’ style studio environment you will produce a prototype that can be presented within SAE, as well as to external stakeholders.
As a creative practitioner, your ability to engage in interdisciplinary creative activity will transform your approach to media creation. In this unit you will use your various media skills to create multi-sensory approaches to real experiences for audiences, crafting work that allows your audience to feel, see, hear and experience something different.
You will develop skill and understanding of what interdisciplinary collaboration involves, how immersive experiences and the experience economy works, and the steps to take to create a physical multimedia experience. You will focus on practical elements including projection mapping for spaces and video mixing, audience engagement through sensors and triggers, audio integration, and the stages of planning, marketing and execution of an experience for a defined audience and client.
You will also be challenged to apply your discipline skills in new contexts using remote practice, digital communication, cross-discipline collaboration, and creative marketing.
Your skill as an original content maker will allow you to work across a wide range of industries and projects, in media connected to creative industries disciplines, or for a broader range of fields.
As part of your core skill set, understanding imagery and how it is created and edited is fundamental to work across the disciplines.
In this unit, you will explore photography techniques and the use of imagery in Augmented Reality contexts. You’ll use a range of cameras and consumer hardware, including your phones, and process images using software such as Adobe Express, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Further to this, you will investigate the contemporary application of Augmented Reality, developing an AR project to enhance the physical experience for an audience.
You will also be challenged to apply your discipline skills in new contexts using remote practice, digital communication, cross-discipline collaboration, and creative marketing. This unit requires you to think conceptually, using entrepreneurial frameworks to identify and realise agreed project outcomes.
As a practice, drawing provides a core skill set for the expression of both concept and form. This unit introduces you to the concepts and methodologies of drawing using a variety of media with an emphasis on drawing from life, including anatomical studies and perspective techniques for environment and character construction.
The unit is an introduction to the general practice of drawing and rendering and specifically helps to scaffold further learning through support for developing sketch-based visual production skills & knowledge.
Take a practical first look at modeling, lighting, shading, animation, and rendering to gain a holistic, foundational understanding of computer graphics.
This unit will involve using industry-standard software such as Autodesk 3Ds Max, Maya, and Blender. The practical and theoretical knowledge of 3D production pipelines acquired in this unit will act as a foundation for successive animation units.
As the name suggests this unit provides you with an introduction to animation. You will apply the theoretical underpinnings of animation processes via a range of practical explorations and critical analyses. This will provide you with a solid understanding of animation principles and methods that will form the foundation of successive animation units.
Establish a basic knowledge of the principles of sound, foundational acoustics, human hearing, perception of sound and the range of technical terms related to audio. You'll sonically assess a listening environment and be able to communicate your ideas using industry terminology.
Potential projects:
Improve the acoustic properties of a home studio setup. Using technology analyse the sound of different rooms.
Gain the audio recording skills required to operate studio equipment and a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) system by undertaking simple recording and mixing projects.
You'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of session planning, studio etiquette, microphone placement, signal flow, multi-track recording and signal processing (EQ, filters and dynamics processing) and be able to edit your session in preparation for mixdown.
Potential projects: Develop a plan for a professional recording session. Analyse sound recordings and create multiple mixes using balance, pan, equalisation, automation and FX processing.
In this unit you will learn about the principles of design through creating vector graphics in the form of motifs, pictorial marks and logos using Adobe Illustrator and other tools. Project briefs and activities in this unit introduce the principles of design; these are visual rules that can be applied in the creation of any image to enhance their impact, attractiveness and ability to communicate. The principles of design are useful and essential to your ongoing design practice
In this unit you will learn about illustration and the creative and technical production of digital images using photoshop and other tools. Working by hand and digitally you will explore a range of drawing techniques and tools including processes of iteration and refinement. You will investigate visual storytelling through the development of a series of images. Storytelling through your creative practice is essential to your ongoing design practice.
In this unit you will learn about designing page layouts for print through the combination of images and type. Your work will include the design of posters, brochures and flyers. You will investigate historical design styles; analysing, adapting and applying these styles in your work. You will explore the typographic art of arranging letters and words to make copy easy to read, visually appealing, and stylistically appropriate. Knowing how to use typography and layout effectively is essential to your ongoing design practice.
In this unit, you will be introduced to the principles of storytelling for the screen in the production of a short dramatic screenplay. Theoretical approaches to plot, structure, character, theme and genre will be explored, and applied to a range of screenplay development tools such as synopsis, treatment and character breakdowns. Through the analysis of a diverse range of mostly short films and the application of theoretical knowledge, you will develop the skills to create engaging character arcs and a satisfying story structure.
You will learn the techniques required to write effective dialogue and scene descriptions. As you draft your final screenplay, you will need to engage with industry-standard formatting and software programs. Feedback processes are essential in the development of engaging stories, and you are expected to engage with feedback from your lecturer and colleagues throughout the trimester.
In this unit, you will be introduced to the craft of filmmaking through participation in practical film shoots. An introduction to camera, lighting and sound equipment will be supported by a study of the fundamentals of frame composition and cinematography. Key roles and responsibilities of a working film crew as well as production processes and protocols are covered, including workplace health and safety. Familiarity with the equipment and its safe assembly and use is as important in this subject as the technical and creative elements.
This unit aims to instil a basic working knowledge of the structures, aesthetics and technologies involved in digital post-production. There is a particular emphasis on the editing process, as well as a general introduction to audio mixing, titling, colour grading and authoring processes within an industry-level non-linear editing tool.
Editing techniques and approaches vary between different mediums and this unit focuses on both documentary and drama workflows and file management protocols. Effective communication of narrative is the main focus of the unit, and you will learn to edit for narrative clarity, performance, subtext and dramatic effect. Historical and contemporary perspectives on montage theory and continuity editing theory will be explored to broaden your understanding and approach to the art of editing.
Game scripting is a common method of controlling the behaviour and sequencing of events and interactions within a game or scenario. Scripting can be thought of as a discrete language that uses principles of mathematics, combined with rules of syntax and patterns, to provide instructions for a computer to follow.
In this unit, you will implement a range of basic game functionality by utilising data manipulation, formulas, object creation, defining of behaviours, and working with event systems. You will also build an awareness of how to use these elements within common game scripting languages and environments.
Potential projects:
Build a simple game from scratch using an existing game engine such as Unity with C#.
In order to design and create games we need to be able to understand game systems and how they generate player experience. In this unit You'll break down existing games to identify and describe core elements and interactions of games. You will also engage with mathematical principles to inform and justify game design choices. This will involve both manipulating existing games and prototyping original game concepts and systems to generate player experiences.
Potential projects:
Through a process of iteration and testing, develop an initial modification of an existing game. You will then research and develop this concept into a suitably unique and standalone gameplay experience.
In order to design effective virtual reality experiences, you must understand the unique aspects of virtual reality. In this unit, you will identify and describe the core elements of virtual reality experience design. You will create prototypes that demonstrate these principles and observe and reflect on the results. You will work together in teams to produce prototypes and will be expected to document and reflect on the experience.
Managing Software Projects covers the key skills and knowledge required to work within software development projects as a paraprofessional. The unit simulates a real world creative media project in which you'll work under the supervision of more senior technical and executive staff, with a simulated client relationship.
High performance mobile computing technology, mobile sensor technologies, and modern real time rendering engines are facilitating a new wave of augmented reality applications in the market. This unit aims to provide you with the knowledge and experience to utilise these tools to understand augmented reality solutions designed for a wide variety of markets. Using a range of frameworks and prototype applications you'll apply augmented reality concepts and technologies to a range of needs. You will have an ability to understand and design for user embodiment of virtual and physical worlds.
This unit will help you develop the foundational skills to analyse a range of contemporary music styles, compose music effectively, and communicate musical concepts in different forms.
You will learn to identify music theory concepts including rhythm, harmony, melody, notation, structure, form, texture, and genre, and apply these concepts in your own analyses and creative work.
This unit introduces you to the core skills and concepts of music production. Across a range of projects, you will develop skills around recording, sampling, sequencing, and synthesis. You will develop your abilities across contemporary tools and technologies to produce original music in a DAW using a combination of MIDI and audio manipulation. You will also learn how to produce a variety of sounds to satisfy a brief and add effects to enhance the sonic qualities of your productions.
This unit aims to instil a working knowledge of the structures, aesthetics and technologies involved in digital post-production visuals and title design. There is a particular emphasis on compositing and manipulating the visual content within the frame, and the implementation of titles to footage. Influential cinematic, art and graphic styles, movements and techniques are analysed to give you a foundation in post-production visual aesthetics. The unit also deals with workflow, project management and interpersonal skills needed to export footage for a variety of delivery mediums and collaborating with creative clients.
Games development uses assets from a range of creative sources including 3D models for environments and objects and 2D assets for menus and backgrounds. In this unit You'll gain an understanding of the production and implementation of these types of assets.
You'll gain practical experience with 3D modelling, lighting, shading, animation and rendering to gain a foundational understanding of a range computer graphics concepts. You will also reflect on the theoretical principles behind the development of computer graphics through critical analysis.
In this unit, you will learn to understand the user or target audience as part of your design process through exploring UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design. By applying UX design tools such as personas and user journeys and UI design such as prototyping, iterating and testing, you will explore creating websites or apps that provide an ideal user experience. Knowing how to do user research and design digital interfaces effectively is essential for a contemporary designer.
Learn using Industry Tools & Software
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The Associate Degree of Creative Industries allows you to combine your skills across various media and creative technologies, preparing you for a diverse career pathway. The program brings together a variety of units across SAE’s academic departments in film, music, audio, animation, design, virtual reality, augmented reality, or games development.
Alongside specialist creative skills in multiple disciplines, you will craft your communication, project management, and entrepreneurial abilities. You will investigate audio-visual content creation and manipulation, and craft immersive audience experiences, learning to think innovatively, creatively, and technically within a complex industry ecosystem.
With an Associate Degree of Creative Industries, you’ll be ready for cutting-edge industry roles using modern creative business concepts and strategies. Career options include a multidisciplinary content producer, event producer, arts administrator, or creative project manager.
In this course, students have the opportunity to cross-collaborate with students from all disciplines.
The cross-collaboration of Creative Industries students with Animation, Music, Audio, Games Development, Film, and Design allows for highly sophisticated project-based learning and applications. Working with teams of diverse skills and backgrounds also simulates real-world industry and provides experience in project management and team management.
Turn your creative passion into a profession with SAE.
Meet your creative industries mentors
Meet your creative industries mentors
Corinna brings over a decade of tertiary teaching and academic leadership experience to her role, specialising in creative pedagogies and inclusive curriculum design. As Australia's leading expert in Commedia dell'Arte, she combines traditional theatrical knowledge with innovative digital approaches.
Winner of the inaugural Progetto Donna Arts Award 2023
TEDx speaker with internationally published research on creative industries education
Pioneered virtual reality applications in live theatre during the early development of immersive technologies
Meet your creative industries mentors
Heli brings 15 years of higher education experience to her role as Faculty Development Lead, specialising in design education with expertise in virtual reality and creative practice. Her multidisciplinary approach as designer, visual artist, VR artist, and musician enriches the student learning experience.
Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA), recognising excellence in higher education teaching
PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology researching human-computer interaction
Practising VR artist and singer/songwriter, bringing current creative practice to the classroom
Meet your creative industries mentors
Majella works at the fascinating intersection of art, science and technology, specialising in experimental conducting with technology alongside traditional classical music direction. Her interdisciplinary approach combines creative innovation with scientific methodology, inspiring students to explore new frontiers in creative practice.
Advanced Higher Education Fellowship recognising commitment to teaching excellence
Multiple grants and awards including EcoSonicX Prize and EEBIOMASS Bursary from Max Planck Institute
Work showcased at prestigious venues including Espoo Museum of Modern Art and Ars Electronica
Career Outcomes
What jobs will this course lead me into?
- Content producer
- Creative professional
- Digital project lead
- Digital content creator
- Arts administrator
- Creative project manager
- Entrepreneur
- Event producer
- Arts and Cultural Development Officer
What our students say about SAE
Sarah Khalaf
SAE Alumni | Current Job: TV Producer
Kara Thattanakham
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Graphic Designer
Leah McKeown
SAE Alumni | Current Job: Sound EditorSAE Associate Degree of Animation offers:
Build your entrepreneurial skills and engage in your creative passion across multiple areas of the creative industries
Develop an understanding of practical project management tools, techniques, and strategies
Create inventive work using contemporary and disruptive technology and innovative technological practices
Be a part of industry-led projects with client briefs combining film, music, audio, design, games, AR/VR
YOUR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES CAREER BEGINS NOW
You'll explore
FEE‑HELP* is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible fee paying students pay all or part of their tuition fees. It cannot be used for additional study costs such as accommodation or text books. The total amount of FEE‑HELP a person can use is known as the ‘FEE‑HELP limit’.
Once a person begins using FEE‑HELP, the amount of FEE‑HELP they have left to use is known as their ‘FEE‑HELP balance’.
* Terms and conditions apply. For the latest updates regarding FEE-HELP please refer to sae.edu.au/fees
Certificate
A certificate course serve as an introduction to an area of the creative industries. Potentially a small number of principles or specific skills can be covered during the course. A certificate can also provide broad contextual learning in the creative industries.
Certificates are a great way to gain an introduction to a field of study or learn a skill. Certificate courses can add to your knowledge and your career.
Diplomas
A diploma is niche skills focussed. By undertaking an SAE diploma in animation, audio, film or games, you will develop foundation skills in these specific discipline areas. Students can use the SAE diploma as a pathway to degree level study at SAE and at other Australian tertiary institutions.
Diplomas are a great option for people who haven’t studied before and/or those looking for an alternative pathway to degree level studies.
SAE Diploma courses attract FEE-HELP for Australian students.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree offers a combination of niche skills combined with a greater depth and breadth of theoretical knowledge and analytical skills. An associate degree offers portable skills and develops sustainable, lifelong learning.
Students can use the SAE Associate Degree as a pathway to degree level study at SAE and at other Australian tertiary institutions. SAE Associate Degree courses attract FEE-HELP for Australian students.
Bachelor Degrees
A bachelor degree offers a rigorous combination of niche skills combined with a greater depth and breadth of theoretical knowledge and analytical skills. This knowledge is applicable to both your creative media discipline and the professional world more broadly.
A bachelor degree offers you an entry point to professional work, builds portable skills, and develops sustainable, lifelong learning. Key high learning skills are a requisite of the bachelor degree and graduate study options are available upon completion.
Bachelor degrees are suitable for people looking to develop professional skills and knowledge and to build long-term, successful careers in their industry of choice. SAE Bachelor Degree courses attract FEE-HELP for Australian students.
CREDIT AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
SAE may recognise your prior learning and may grant credit towards satisfying the requirements for a higher-level program. This is applied where previous learning is considered equivalent to the content and learning outcomes prescribed for units within the program.
For full details, please refer to SAE’s policy on recognition of prior learning and credit transfers.
Easy transition into the Bachelor Course
This means that when you complete an SAE Associate Degree you will be awarded the maximum credit points available, providing you with the opportunity to seamlessly transition into the higher-level Bachelor degree qualifications if you choose to do so.
