Curtin University - School of Design and the Built Environment

Based within the Exchange innovation precinct at Curtin University's Bentley campus in Perth, the School of Design and the Built Environment brings together digital media arts, spatial design, and emerging creative technologies. Its programs in animation, visual effects, and game design emphasize project-based learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration, training students across complete real-time and cinematic production pipelines.

Facilities and Creative Infrastructure

The school is primarily based in Building 418, a five-story facility designed as a "Living Laboratory" with an exposed structural framework and a 6-Star Green Star rating. Creative technology students have access to dedicated digital laboratories and specialist environments:

• AGDX Studio: A purpose-built space dedicated to animation and game design projects and exhibition.
• Curtin HIVE: The Hub for Immersive Visualisation and eResearch, offering advanced virtualization, simulation, and stereoscopic display setups.
• Media Production Studios: Production spaces outfitted for real-time rendering, virtual reality, augmented reality, and motion capture.
• Makerspaces and 3D Labs: Fabrication facilities equipped with 3D printers, digital tools, and physical workshop equipment.

Twenty percent of Building 418's floor space is reserved for industry tenants, facilitating direct contact between students and working creative professionals.

Curriculum and Degree Pathways

Teaching focuses on industry-standard production tools, including Maya, ZBrush, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Final-year students complete major capstone projects through a Work Integrated Learning structure, collaborating with studio partners and building industry-focused portfolios under the guidance of active practitioners.

The curriculum is centered around the Bachelor of Digital Creative Industries, which offers targeted majors and double majors:

• Animation, Visual Effects and Virtual Production: Covers digital sculpting, 3D modeling, compositing, and virtual production workflows.
• Game Design and Art: Emphasizes game art, interactive mechanics, and level design.
• Immersive User Experience Design: Focuses on spatial interaction, mixed reality, and user experience design.
• Combined Double Majors: Dual pathways allowing students to connect animation, VFX, and virtual production with game design or immersive UX.

In addition to on-campus degrees, the school provides an online pathway for the Bachelor of Arts in Animation and Game Design delivered through Open Universities Australia.