We’ve designed our animation degrees to cover a variety of career paths, with specialisations that let you focus on your passion while still mastering the core skills every animator needs.
Storyboard artists transform scripts into visual sequences, mapping the flow of films, TV shows, and animations. They plan shot compositions, camera angles, and character movements, creating the visual blueprint that guides directors, animators, and editors through the production process.
Environment artists craft the worlds where stories unfold – from fantasy landscapes to futuristic cities. They focus on composition, lighting, and atmosphere to create immersive settings that enhance storytelling and support character interactions throughout animated scenes.
Motion graphics designers blend animation, typography, and visual effects for film, television, and digital platforms. They create everything from animated logos to title sequences, using movement and design to communicate ideas effectively while balancing artistic creativity with technical skills.
3D animators bring characters, objects, and environments to life through movement, creating realistic or stylised animations for various media. They focus on timing, weight, and expression while working with specialised software to produce polished, engaging animations that feel natural to viewers.
“The course at SAE offered a wide variety of disciplines. I got to learn writing, live action, animation, game design, compositing, tracking – basically everything you would need to step into wherever you want in the VFX industry.”
Hear more about Blake’s journey and his current role as an Environment Designer at Luma, where he’s worked on films like Spiderman and Elvis, to name a few.
Our audio degrees aren’t just theory – you’ll be working in professional-grade studios from day one, with access to vintage and cutting-edge equipment. We’ve partnered with major festivals, labels, and studios to ensure internship opportunities that actually lead to careers like these.
Sound designers craft and manipulate audio to create immersive experiences for film, television, games, and other media. They design everything from futuristic sound effects to atmospheric ambiences, ensuring audio enhances the story and complements the visuals effectively.
Mixing engineers take multiple audio tracks and blend them into a balanced, cohesive final mix. They adjust volume levels, panning, EQ, and effects to create depth and clarity in songs, films, and game soundtracks, ensuring the final audio is immersive and professionally produced.
Music producers guide the artistic and technical aspects of music production, helping artists shape their sound. They oversee recording sessions, provide creative input, and manage arrangements, instrumentation, and effects to bring songs from concept to completion.
Live audio engineers manage sound for concerts, theatre productions, and festivals, ensuring high-quality experiences for audiences. They mix and balance audio in real-time, adjusting levels and effects to suit different venues while troubleshooting technical issues on the fly.
“While studying at SAE, the biggest turning point for me was when I got to do the Bon Jovi internship! We got to stand behind the sound desk and see how the whole show operates and works. For me, at the time, it reaffirmed this is what I want to do with my life. That was an incredible experience.”
Hear more about Aiesha’s journey and how she landed her most recent gig as a Live Sound Engineer at the Espy in Melbourne.
Our computer science courses put you in real development environments with cutting-edge tech stacks from week one. Our industry connections mean you’ll be solving actual industry problems while building a professional network that could land you that crucial first tech job.
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain applications, systems, and platforms for various uses. They write and optimise code, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with teams to create reliable and efficient software solutions that meet user needs.
Cyber security analysts protect networks, systems, and data from malicious threats. They monitor for vulnerabilities, respond to security breaches, and implement strategies to safeguard sensitive information from hackers and malware attacks.
DevOps engineers streamline software development and IT operations through automation. They focus on infrastructure, continuous integration, and system reliability to enable faster and more dependable deployments across platforms.
Full-stack developers work on both front-end and back-end development for web and mobile applications. They create seamless user interfaces and robust server systems that ensure smooth interaction between users and digital platforms.
We built our creative industries courses around one truth: the content landscape never stops evolving. You’ll dive into real-world campaign creation, juggling multiple platforms and audience strategies while working with the same tools pros use. Our industry partners – from buzzing media agencies to global brands – are constantly scouting our students for fresh talent who can hit the ground running.
Content producers create and oversee multimedia content for digital, social, and broadcast platforms, as well as live productions, installations, and other events. They might find themselves developing concepts, projection mapping, creating immersive video and audio experiences, writing scripts, coordinating production workflows, and crafting compelling stories for target audiences – all while ensuring content aligns with brand messaging.
Creative media marketers develop campaigns that blend storytelling, design, and digital strategy across platforms. They create compelling visual and multimedia content while analysing trends and audience behaviour to drive brand awareness and customer engagement.
Content strategists plan, develop, and manage content to engage audiences effectively. They analyse market trends, define brand voice, and structure content across platforms while incorporating SEO and user experience design to optimise content performance.
“SAE has shown me that it’s not so much what you want to do or make, it’s what you want to say. It’s given me the skills and the framework to be able to build my creative practice and situate me as a filmmaker, not only in the national scene but also on the international market.”
Hear more about Mark’s experience studying a Masters of Creative Industries at SAE.
Our design courses embrace both traditional principles and contemporary tools, preparing you for a field that’s constantly growing and shifting. With major client projects built into the curriculum, you’ll be solving real design challenges and building a portfolio that actually gets you hired.
Graphic designers craft visual communication materials including logos, posters, and marketing collateral. They use typography, imagery, and layout principles to create designs that effectively convey messages and strengthen brand identity across both digital and print media.
Art directors oversee the visual style and creative direction of projects across advertising, film, publishing, and digital media. They guide creative teams to ensure visuals align with the project’s concept while making key artistic decisions that create cohesive visual storytelling. Want to learn more about this dynamic career? Check out our dedicated blog post on how to become an art director.
UX designers ensure digital products are intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable to use. They research user behaviour, create wireframes and prototypes, and refine interfaces through testing to improve usability and enhance customer satisfaction with digital experiences. UX designers work across just about every industry and sector you can imagine – think local councils, utilities, tourism, hospitality, education and everything in between!
Multimedia designers create visual and interactive content across various digital and traditional platforms. They work with graphics, animation, video, and sound to design engaging experiences that bring concepts to life in dynamic and visually compelling ways.
“The amazing thing about SAE was the real-life projects that we worked on; it meant I actually had things in my portfolio that really happened and that I was able to showcase to the outside world. And I left SAE with a job, which was pretty amazing.”
Hear more about Fernanda’s journey and how she turned her work placement at SAE into a full-time job as Head Designer at Bluesfest.
Our film courses give you access to cinema-grade cameras, lighting rigs, and post-production suites that rival professional studios. Students collaborate across departments just like in the real industry, creating festival-worthy short films, documentaries, and commercial content before they even graduate.
Film directors serve as the creative force behind productions, shaping visual and storytelling elements. They work closely with actors, cinematographers, and production teams to bring scripts to life while maintaining cohesion across all departments.
Film editors piece together raw footage to create polished final products with emotional impact. They work closely with directors to select the best takes, refine transitions, and incorporate visual effects and sound design to ensure smooth, engaging storytelling.
Cinematographers are responsible for the visual look of films, collaborating with directors on lighting, camera angles, and shot composition. Their expertise in camera work, lenses, and lighting techniques plays a crucial role in establishing a film’s mood and atmosphere.
Screenwriters craft scripts that form the foundation of films, developing dialogue, characters, and narrative structure. They shape the story’s tone and flow, creating compelling blueprints that guide directors, actors, and production teams throughout the filmmaking process.
“SAE became my home; it was my safe space. Learning how to read films was the biggest skill I took out of SAE. Learning from teachers who genuinely wanted to push you, changed everything for me.”
Hear more about Shaki’s journey and the type of projects he’s currently working on as a Creative Collaborations Director at Atomos.
Our games development degrees balance technical skills with creative vision, taught by professional game developers and designers. Our students have gone on to work at major studios and indie powerhouses alike – and quite a few have launched successful games of their own.
Game designers create the core mechanics, rules, and systems that shape player experiences. They design gameplay, objectives, and challenges that balance engagement, difficulty, and enjoyment while collaborating with teams to bring interactive worlds to life.
Game programmers build the technical foundation of games, writing code that powers gameplay mechanics, physics, AI, and graphics. They work with industry-standard engines to optimise performance and ensure smooth interaction between players and game worlds.
3D modellers create digital objects, characters, and environments for animation and visual effects. Using software like Maya and ZBrush, they craft detailed assets for films and games. They may specialise in either hard-surface modelling (vehicles and architecture) or organic modelling (creatures and characters).
Level designers craft environments and gameplay flow within games. They strategically place obstacles, objectives, and interactive elements to guide players’ journeys while balancing challenge and exploration to create engaging, well-paced gaming experiences.
“What I liked about SAE was the exposure to tutors that had real life experience, that set me up for what expectations I should have for the industry. They also offered access to a range of disciplines, everything from programming, to sounds design, to 3D animation. Having that exposure set me aside when I was going for jobs.”
Hear more about Rachel’s passion for games and her journey from study, to now working as a Product Manager for the game development studio Not Doppler.
Our information technology degrees equip students with both technical expertise and problem-solving skills, preparing them for a wide range of digital careers. Graduates have gone on to design software, build mobile applications, manage complex systems, and create the digital solutions that power industries.
Web developers design and build websites and online applications that are functional, accessible, and visually engaging. They work with coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, integrating databases and content management systems to create seamless user experiences.
Software programmers write and test the code that powers computer applications, from everyday productivity tools to advanced business systems. They translate designs into functioning software, debug issues, and ensure programs run efficiently across different devices and platforms.
Mobile app programmers create software for smartphones and tablets, developing applications that enhance daily life, entertainment, and business. They specialise in platforms like iOS and Android, using coding languages and frameworks to build responsive, user-friendly apps.
System analysts evaluate an organisation’s IT systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and solve technical problems. They act as a bridge between business needs and technical teams, designing solutions that align technology with organisational goals.
Live performance, studio sessions, songwriting workshops – our music courses immerse you in every aspect of today’s industry from the moment you walk in. You won’t just study how the business works; you’ll be part of it through our connections with Australia’s festival circuit, recording studios, and music labels.
Live music performers play or sing for audiences, bringing energy and emotion to their shows. They create memorable experiences through their music, whether performing as solo artists or as part of bands or ensembles at concerts, festivals, or smaller venues.
Music supervisors select, license, and integrate music into visual media projects. They work with directors and producers to find musical pieces that complement the story, mood, and themes while ensuring a seamless blend of sound and vision.
Composers create original music scores for film, games, and other media. They craft compositions that enhance storytelling, evoke emotions, and match the tone of projects while working closely with directors and sound teams to tailor music to specific scenes.
Songwriters create original music and lyrics for artists, albums, and media projects. They craft melodies, harmonies, and lyrics that resonate with audiences, whether working independently or collaborating with musicians and producers to express emotions through song.
“SAE really provided me with the technical vocabulary that I needed and it also surrounded me with a bunch of collaborators working in a heap of different musical genres. Learning from them has given me strategies that still help me to this day.”
Hear more about Becki’s journey with SAE and how she prepared for a career as a mixing/mastering/vocal engineer, songwriter and producer.
Our VFX and virtual production facilities include motion capture equipment, green screens, and the latest rendering tech – the same equipment used by studios worldwide.
VFX compositors combine visual elements to create seamless final shots. They correct colours, adjust lighting, and fine-tune details to make every effect look realistic. Working as the final step in the VFX pipeline, they ensure all digital elements blend naturally with live-action footage.
Matchmovers ensure CGI elements integrate perfectly with live-action footage. They track camera movements and perspective to create the foundation for visual effects. Their technical expertise makes convincing action sequences and digital character integration possible in film and television.
Texture artists create surface details for 3D models, ensuring objects and characters appear realistic or stylistically appropriate. They apply digital textures using specialised software while ensuring materials work with lighting and shading to create depth and realism.
Virtual camera operators control cameras in digital environments, capturing scenes in real-time as though filming physical sets. They work with directors and VFX teams to execute complex camera movements that align with visual styles and narrative goals.
Let’s be real – education costs money. But not all degrees deliver the same return on investment. Here’s what makes SAE unique and why our degrees aren’t just another piece of paper.
We bridge education and employment through real client briefs, workplace internships, industry networking, and dedicated career support. Our government-accredited qualifications carry weight with employers thanks to the reputation we’ve been building since 1976.
Forget endless theory and outdated textbooks. At SAE, you’ll work with industry-standard equipment from day one – in professional recording studios, film suites, animation labs, and game development environments. By graduation, you’ve clocked serious hours on the same tools professionals use daily.
Our lecturers work in the fields they teach, bringing real-world projects and potential opportunities directly to you. This ensures you’re learning what the industry needs now – not what was relevant years ago.
From transferrable skills like project management and cross-discipline collaboration to mastering industry-specific tech and tools, you’ll learn it all from those who have been in your shoes and know what it takes to succeed in the industry.
In the creative industries, your portfolio speaks louder than your GPA. Our project-based learning builds an impressive body of work that shows employers what you can actually do, with industry showcase events put your work directly in front of potential employers.
Our University College campuses are designed to emulate real-world studios, with small classes, industry-standard facilities, and a collaborative environment where you’ll build professional relationships and develop essential industry skills from day one.
The creative industry runs on connections. Our global alumni network recommends each other for jobs, collaborates on projects, and shares opportunities throughout their careers – connections we actively foster through events, international study tours, masterclasses, and ongoing development.
Every successful creative professional once stood where you are – weighing up passion against practicality. Our alumni asked these same questions before taking their first step with SAE. Now, they’re touring with international artists, creating blockbuster films, designing award-winning games, and launching successful businesses.
In today’s world of automation and AI, creative and tech skills aren’t just viable – they’re increasingly valuable. Creative careers deliver real work that moves people and offer continuous growth in evolving industries.
At SAE, we nurture talent and produce adaptable professionals ready for wherever these industries go next. Explore our courses to find your fit, attend an Open Day or Info Night to meet our industry pros, or book a campus tour for a personalised look at SAE.
