SAE’s courses in Computer Science and VFX & Virtual Production have been specially designed to nurture your creative talents and enhance your technical skills, combining the best of both worlds to help you unlock your full potential.
SAE University College is excited to announce the expansion of its offerings with new innovative courses merging technology and creativity, including the Bachelor of Computer Science and the Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production.
These future-focused technology courses, available from Trimester 1, 2025 (February) at SAE Sydney, Melbourne and online, coincide with SAE’s recent elevation to University College status, and reinforce its commitment to driving cutting-edge technological education that meets current and future industry demands.
The Bachelor of Computer Science (with nested Associate Degree and Diploma) and the Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production (with nested Associate Degree and Diploma of VFX) are the first courses to form a fifth school at SAE – the School of Computer Science and Information Technology. With more courses to follow, they have been designed to enhance courses in the schools of Animation & Film, Audio & Music, Design & Creative Industries, and Games & Creative Technology.
SAE General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan, says all students will benefit from the addition of the new courses, which will provide a unique opportunity for students to collaborate across disciplines and skillsets to develop cross-functional skills and produce groundbreaking projects, using technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
- Dr Luke McMillan
“The addition of the School of Computer Science and Information Technology will deliver an innovative, forward-thinking curriculum that ensures our graduates are at the forefront of industry developments. More importantly, it will foster an intellectual community unlike any other in Australia.
“SAE’s DNA is rooted in a proven approach that combines interdisciplinarity, collaborative project-based learning, professional skills development, and industry-led teaching. These foundational elements have shaped successful graduates for decades, and they will be the key drivers ensuring that our new Computer Science and VFX students are exceptionally well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future.”
Course Director for the School of Computer Science and Information Technology, Dr Luke Bozzetto, designed the technology courses as Course Leader for IT at sister Navitas institute ACAP, and brings a wealth of experience from previous roles at La Trobe University, Charles Sturt University and his own interdisciplinary research in the area of computational physics.
Dr Bozzetto says he is excited by SAE’s unique approach to teaching and learning, producing graduates who can easily assimilate into the modern workplace.
“Through participation in authentic multidisciplinary projects, SAE technology students are being challenged to implement critical thinking for creative problems, working collaboratively to find solutions for real-world projects, rather than small isolated technological problems,” he said.
- Dr Luke Bozzetto
“They are inspired and stimulated by different perspectives and contexts, working with creative students on projects like building apps and software, or working on VFX and audio, to expand their capabilities and work together to produce the unthinkable.”
Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production:
Headed by Dr Scott Roberts, who has extensive experience in the fields of immersive design and interactive media, SAE’s Bachelor of VFX and Virtual Production has been designed in consultation with industry experts from Technicolor and Ubisoft, to prepare students through hands-on learning for dynamic careers in industries where visual effects and virtual production are critical.
Students will build a diverse skillset in VFX, compositing, real-time engines, procedural graphics, 3D modelling, virtual environments, animation, texturing and shading. They’ll master cutting-edge industry-standard equipment such as virtual production studios, motion capture suits, high-end digital film cameras and green screens for careers as technical professionals in their chosen field.
Bachelor of Computer Science:
Headed by Dr Bozzetto, the Bachelor of Computer Science will equip students with essential skills in programming and software development, data management and data science, web development, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Specialisations of Games Programming, Software Development, Cyber Security, and Web & Mobile Development ensure graduates are ready for a variety of career paths such as Software Engineer, App Developer, Systems Engineer, and Security Analyst.
The SAE University College difference
SAE has been operating as a University College since the start of 2024, and Dr McMillan points out it is the only University College in Australia focused on bringing together creative and technological practice in such a comprehensive manner.
“The development of these new courses aligns with SAE’s overarching strategic imperatives to enhance graduate employability through industry-aligned curriculum integration,” he said. “This initiative also aims to diversify our institute, building a rich collaborative environment unparalleled in the Australian higher education sector.”
