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Application Help
Below are the steps required for both domestic and international students. If you have a question regarding the application process that isn’t covered here, please get in touch. If you have other questions relating to the degree, please have a look at our FAQ page.
Domestic Applications
students applying within australia
Important!
CDW Studios delivers the Bachelor of Creative arts in Visual Effects and Entertainment Design (BCA-VEED) in partnership with Flinders University of South Australia.
We have in-person training facilities in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney but as a South Australian degree, all enrolment applications are handled via SATAC.
You won't select your study location during the enrolment process but don't worry - if your application is successful, you will be sent a letter with enrolment advice at which point you formally choose whether you will be studying in Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney. Applying via SATAC does not mean you must study in South Australia.
Step 1: Apply Via SATAC
Follow prompts on the SATAC website to apply for the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Effects & Entertainment Design) using course code 284181.
The SATAC website has helpful information about how to apply, however if you are having trouble with the application process, call our office and we will be more than happy to help you!
Remember: You can apply for multiple courses at a time via the SATAC website. The order you place your preferences determines which courses you will be considered for first. Always put the course you want to be in the most as your first preference. Don’t base your preferences on course eligibility rankings or ATAR as placing a higher ranking course higher could mean you miss out on the course you want most!
There are limited windows when SATAC is open for applications. Most people apply during the August-September round, to start Semester 1 the following year, in February/March. We also offer a mid-year intake for this degree, which begins Semester 2, in July each year. Find out more on the SATAC website or call us on 0406 635 897.
If your application is approved by SATAC, you will be contacted by Flinders University who will ask you to send in a digital portfolio and cover letter/curriculum vitae.
Step 2: Develop a Visual Portfolio
Choose up to 10 pieces of your work that best demonstrate your style, passion and interest. These pieces should reflect your preferred study stream within the degree (2D, 3D, VFX, Animation). These are some examples:
- Paintings, digital paintings, concept art
- Character, creature, environment or vehicle/prop designs
- Life or still life drawings, anatomy studies
- 2D or 3D animatics
- 3D modelled characters, creatures, environments, vehicles/props
- Stylised or realistic illustrations or fan art
If you are having difficulty putting your portfolio together, you might like to consider taking one of our holiday workshops or online short courses. These are great ways to get a taste for what we are about, and start to put your portfolio together. You can also contact us at any time to discuss the portfolio element of the application.
Step 3: Write a Cover Letter/Curriculum Vitae
Along with your portfolio, Flinders University will ask for your current Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a cover letter (about a paragraph long) telling us why you want to study the Bachelor of Creative Arts (VEED) with CDW Studios and Flinders University. This isn’t about proving that you have experience working in this area- we don’t expect applicants to have any experience in the industry - that’s why you’re applying with us! It is an opportunity to tell us more about you and what you have been doing so far, where you see yourself in your future career and what your dream job would be. You might like to write about:
- why you want to do the degree,
- what kind of career you are interested in,
- what you are passionate about, and what you
- what you like most about the idea of working in the film and game industry.
Step 4: Send Your Portfolio + Cover Letter/ CV to Flinders
You will receive an email from Flinders University asking you to submit your portfolio and cover letter/CV. Follow instructions on the letter to submit these. If you have any questions about this part of the process, call us or get in touch directly with Flinders University College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences (HASS).
If your SATAC application has not been successful you will not receive an email from Flinders University. If you have concerns about your application with SATAC, contact Flinders University HASS or get in touch directly with SATAC for more information.
Acceptance
Once all applications have been received, Flinders University and CDW Studios staff will review the portfolios and cover letters/CV’s before making final selections. If this is approved, Flinders will contact you to offer you a place in the degree. If your application is not successful, your application will be returned to SATAC, where the next preference on your application will be assessed. Good Luck!
International Applications
Students applying from overseas
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility is determined by portfolio and written submission, as well as minimum requirements depending on your country of residence. You can find out more about requirements from your country on the Flinders website or by contacting Flinders International Centre.
As this degree is delivered entirely in English, Flinders University requires minimum results in an IELTS or TOEFL test. If the minimum requirements in this are not met or you require additional English learning support, contact Flinders International Centre to find out how to access this service.
Application Process
Follow prompts on the Flinders University International Application System to complete your application. If you have any questions or concerns with the application process, contact Flinders International Centre for support.
International applicants are required to submit a portfolio and cover letter/CV as part of their application in the Flinders University International Application System.
Developing your Visual Portfolio
Choose up to 10 pieces of your work that best demonstrate your style, passion and interests. These pieces should reflect your preferred study stream within the degree (2D, 3D, VFX, Animation). Here are some examples:
- Paintings, digital paintings, concept art
- Character, creature, environment or vehicle/prop designs
- Life or still life drawings, anatomy studies
- 2D or 3D animatics
- 3D modelled characters, creatures, environments, vehicles/props
- Stylised or realistic illustrations or fan art
If you are having difficulty putting your portfolio together, you might like to consider taking one of our holiday workshops or online short courses. These are great ways to get a taste for what we are about, and start to put your portfolio together. You can also contact us at any time to discuss the portfolio element of the application.
Writing Your Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae
Along with your portfolio, Flinders University will ask for your current Curriculum Vitae (CV), and a cover letter (about a paragraph long) telling us why you want to study the Bachelor of Creative Arts (VEED) with CDW Studios and Flinders University. This isn’t about proving that you have experience working in this area- we don’t expect applicants to have any experience in the industry - that’s why you’re applying with us! It is an opportunity to tell us more about you and what you have been doing so far, where you see yourself in your future career and what your dream job would be. You might like to write about
- why you want to do the degree,
- what kind of career you are interested in,
- what you are passionate about, and what you
- what you like most about the idea of working in the film and game industry.
These documents help us to assess your portfolio and consider if this is the right degree for you.
Acceptance
Once your application has been processed, Flinders University and CDW Studios staff will review your portfolio and cover letter/CV’s before making final selections. Flinders University staff will then contact you to inform you of the outcome. Good Luck!
Speak with a CDW Advisor
CDW Studios is committed to helping you find the most appropriate educational path to meet your goals. Our advisors are artists who are trained to provide artistic feedback and suggest the best plan of action based on your individual situation.
Advice is available via phone, Skype, or on campus appointments. To schedule a tour and/or appointent, contact us and an advisor will contact you shortly.