Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects
About the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects
Are you interested in pursuing a career in one of the many fields related to 3D animation and visual effects?
Our program mirrors the 3D production pipeline, offering hands-on experiences at every stage, from initial concept to the final render, through a wide range of courses, including storyboarding, layout, design, colour scripts, modeling and sculpting, rigging, animation, lighting, rendering, and visual effects. This breadth allows you to explore multiple specializations within the field while developing expertise where you shine.
In your fourth year of the program, you'll craft your own demo reel, prepare for industry employment, or even get started on your career at a studio. Our experienced instructors and industry professionals will guide and mentor you all along the way.
This program is unique, emphasizing both breadth and depth of learning in studio animation processes and immersing you in a highly-collaborative animation lab environment.
Work-integrated Learning
In your third year, you’ll enroll in a projects course, collaborating with peers on a real-world project, all while receiving guidance from an instructor. Fourth-year learning integrates work and learning even more, offering students the opportunity to work in-studio on their own projects or to learn through employment in industry.
For more information on the diverse range of experiential learning opportunities offered at Red Deer Polytechnic, please explore the resources available at the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.
Related Careers
3D Character Animator
VFX Artist
Compositor
Layout Artist
Modelers
Rigging Technical Director (TD)
Storyboard Artist
Shading/Texture Artist
Lighting Technical Director
Previs Artist
Visual Effects Supervisor
Storyboard Artist
Educator
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 (On-campus) - Waitlisted
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Fall 2025 (Blended) - Open
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International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
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- First day of classes:
Note:
- Program CIP code: 50.0102 View Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.
- International students must pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Animation and Visual Effects must have a minimum average of 60% in:
ELA 30-1 or higher, or equivalent
And a minimum 50% in an additional Group A, B, or C course or a 5-credit Advanced CTS course.
Group A • Aboriginal Studies 30 • English Language Arts (ELA) 30-1 • Social Studies 30-1 • Language 30 or 35 (other than English)
Group B • Art 30 • Art 31 • Band 35 • Choir 35 • Dance 35 • Drama 30 • Music 35 • Performing Arts 35A • Note: Other 5-credit Fine Arts and/or Advanced Level CTS courses may be considered.
Group C • Biology 30 • Chemistry 30 • Mathematics 30-1 or 30-2 • Mathematics 31 • Physics 30 • Science 30 • Five credits of Advanced Level Computer Science (CSE)
Group D • Five credits of course work at the 30, 33 or 35 level • Two 3-credit subjects at the 30 level (excluding Special Projects) • Note: Some courses can be considered Group D subjects if a higher level of the same subject has not fulfilled a Group A, B or C admission requirement (i.e., French Language Arts 30-2, Social Studies 30-2, Mathematics 30 Applied).
Additional Requirements
Readiness Assessment
In addition to the general academic requirements for admission, students will be required to submit a Career Investigation Report to be used as a readiness assessment tool. Specific guidelines, parameters, and requirements for the letter will be provided to applicants. Also, an assessment matrix for evaluating these letters has been developed.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting Diplomas from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Indigenous Learners
Information for Indigenous Learners
The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous Peoples the program has designated two (2) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Winter term unallocated seats will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
If you have questions or want help with the process, please connect with Indigenous Student Services.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
All students in the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program are required to complete the same set of core courses. During your first three years, you'll have the opportunity to select one elective each year to tailor your education.
In your fourth and final year, the program will center around developing a demo reel in an area of specialization. Specialization options encompass a wide range and may include, but are not limited to, animation scenes, visual effects, animated shorts, textured 3D models, 3D software lighting, and pre-visualization.
Graduation Requirements
You must achieve a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.