Bachelor Of Applied Arts In Animation And Visual Effects at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program is designed for those aspiring to build a career in the dynamic fields of 3D animation and visual effects. This program equips students with essential tools, technology, and creative skills necessary for success in the industry. Students will have access to industry-relevant software on high-end workstations and will receive instruction from experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds. The program emphasizes hands-on experiences throughout the 3D production pipeline, allowing students to explore various specializations while developing their unique expertise.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program spans a duration of four years and is offered in a full-time, blended format on campus. The program structure includes:

Hands-on experiences at every stage of the 3D production pipeline.
Collaboration on real-world projects in the third year.
Opportunities for work-integrated learning in the fourth year.
Development of a personal demo reel in the final year.
Access to a highly-collaborative animation lab environment.

This program is particularly unique as it emphasizes both breadth and depth of learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for various roles in the animation and visual effects industry.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Hands-on learning through a comprehensive 3D production pipeline.
Collaboration with peers on real-world projects in the third year.
Work-integrated learning opportunities in the fourth year, allowing students to work on their own projects or gain industry experience.
Guidance and mentorship from experienced instructors and industry professionals throughout the program.
Access to high-end workstations and industry-relevant software.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

3D Character Animator: Create and animate characters for films, video games, and other media.
VFX Artist: Design and implement visual effects for movies and television shows.
Compositor: Combine visual elements from different sources to create a final image.
Layout Artist: Design the layout and composition of scenes in animated films.
Rigging Technical Director (TD): Develop and maintain the rigging systems for 3D models.

Other potential career options include roles such as Storyboard Artist, Shading/Texture Artist, Lighting Technical Director, Previs Artist, and Visual Effects Supervisor. The program prepares students for these diverse roles by providing a solid foundation in both technical skills and creative processes.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-06-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. Qualified applicants who fulfill 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 coursework 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.

Additionally, students will be required to submit a Career Investigation Report as a readiness assessment tool. Specific guidelines and requirements for this report will be provided to applicants.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

Applicants must meet English Language Proficiency requirements for admission to credit programs. Note: RDP programs may have different or additional requirements.

Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements, including the English course and minimum percentage grade.

All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the start date of the program.

Applicants to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs.

Ensure you review the program-specific requirements below.

IELTS Academic – International English Language Testing System: 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 on each band score
Duolingo English Test: 115-125
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language: 83 iBT or 557 PBT
Oxford ELLT: 7 Overall

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!