AAS College Thessaloniki
School of Art & Design
COURSES | ADVANCED DIPLOMA
The course is a comprehensive industry-focused programme designed to equip students with the creative, technical and professional skills required for a successful career in Animation, Visual Effects and Digital Media.
Combining artistic development with cutting-edge technology, the course provides hands-on experience across the full 3D animation pipeline—from concept and modelling to animation, texturing, lighting, and post-production. Students learn through practical, project-based work that reflects real industry workflows, enabling them to build both technical expertise and a strong creative voice.
Throughout the programme, students develop essential skills in character modelling, movement and performance, environmental design, visual storytelling, and special effects. As they progress, they gain a deeper understanding of the complete production process, including pre-production planning and post-production techniques, preparing them for professional studio environments.
A strong emphasis is placed on creativity, problem-solving, research, and collaboration, alongside the development of a professional portfolio and showreel—key tools for entering the competitive animation and creative industries.
Graduates of the programme are prepared for a wide range of roles within the animation and digital media sectors, including character modelling, texturing, rigging, lighting, compositing, and junior animation positions. The qualification also provides a solid foundation for progression to higher education in animation, computer arts, or related disciplines.
Duration:
2 years
Educational form:
Taught
Education Variants:
Fulltime
Language:
English
October’s Intake:
Classes Start Date:
5th October 2026
British Degree:
Advanced Diploma in 3D Computer Animation
FACILITIES
AAS College is set in a modern, purpose – built university campus. Students learn in specially designed lecture rooms and theatre, laboratories, design studios and in flexible teaching spaces. Individual and group study spaces allow students to work alone or collaborate on projects. This course has dedicated graphics studios for workshops, group and independent working. They are equipped with projectors and screens and Macs or PCs or both. There are also campus digital media suites with software including: Adobe Creative Suite.
COURSE (Advanced Diploma in 3D Computer Animation) STRUCTURE
Programme at a glance
SQA Advanced Diplomas are made up of 240 SCQF credit points, at SCQF level 8, and usually take two years to complete
YEAR 1
YEAR 2
YEAR 1
J52F 47 3D Computer Modelling and Animation: an Introduction
J530 47 3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Intermediate
J52E 47 3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Intermediate
J531 47 3D Animation: Lighting
J532 47 Creative Industries: An Introduction
J52H 47 3D Animation: Environmental Modelling
J52G 47 3D Animation: Drawing Skills
J534 47 Editing: An Introduction
HT3X 47 Developmental Drawing
J12G 47 Compositing and Motion Graphics
J52C 47 3D Animation: Special Effects
J53C 47 3D Computer Animation: Graded Unit 1
YEAR 2
J52Y 48 3D Computer Animation: Character Modelling Advanced
J52D 48 3D Computer Animation: Movement Studies Advanced
J52B 47 3D Computer Animation: Surface Texturing and Shading
J539 48 Creating a Showreel and Portfolio
J50W 48 2D Digital Imaging and Animation
J526 48 Game Design
J527 48 Compositing and Motion Graphics Advanced
J53D 48 3D Computer Animation: Graded Unit 2
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is 100% coursework and you will be continually assessed throughout the course.
Assessment will be through assignments including design briefs (project work), competitions, presentations, seminars and group activities.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
On the Advanced Diploma in 3D Animation course we are aiming to produce animators capable of entering the industry in the creative department of it or working as artist animators, directors and games designers – amongst other things.
Many of our graduates have careers with major design consultancies and animation companies. Successful students may also wish to continue their studies on MA Degree to further enhance their knowledge and skills base, exploring new and innovative areas of design.
Job Roles
With this award you could become:
- Character Animator
- Concept Artist
- Modeller
- Storyboard Artist
- Technical Director
- Visual FX Artist
- 3D generalist
Diploma and transcript from your high school
Evidence of your ability in English language
Portfolio
Passport
AAS Application Form completed
HOW TO APPLY
You should apply direct to the AAS College. We accept applications throughout the year, but advise you to apply early. We would like to receive application forms before 30th of June.
All candidates are required to submit the following documents:
1. A Fully Completed Application
AAS Application Form completed
A scanned copy of your passport
2. English language certificate
Certified Photocopy of English Language qualification(s).
Undergraduate applicants must have a fluent command of the English language which can be proven via the following examinations:
IELTS: 6,0 or other equivalent qualifications.
Candidates who have not acquired an English language qualification at the time of the submission of their application form are required to submit it at least one month before the commencement of the course.
3. Diploma of previous education
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or six IB Subject Certificates, or A Levels obtained locally
Certified Photocopy of the Diploma of Secondary Education (High School Diploma 12 years of study), along with the final year’s academic transcript
Candidates who have not yet graduated from high school at the time of application, should submit the available academic transcripts from their current year of study, as well as a full transcript from the previous year of study
If the High School Diploma is produced in another language it should be translated and verified in English
4. Portfolio
You can send us approximately 20 examples of your work with a short written commentary. Most of this work
can be in the form of photographs on a PDF file. It is helpful for us to see examples of your original
drawings too.
The submission of a Design portfolio is mandatory to the Design programmes.
Application’s Submittion:
There is no application fee. You should submit your documents direct to the AAS College website following the link: https://aas.gr/aas-college-apply-now/
Our response:
A member of our staff will contact you in 48 hours.