Bachelor of Screen Arts - Concept Art and Design Major

The Bachelor of Screen Arts (Concept Art and Design Major) at Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is designed for students who want to build the visual foundations of movies, games, and animations. Instead of just learning theory, students spend their days in studios, literally drawing their way into the industry. The course focuses on world-building and character development, turning rough ideas into detailed blueprints that production teams use to create finished media. 

Mastering Visual Foundations

In the first year, students get comfortable with both physical and digital tools. They attend Studio Drawing sessions that cover everything from life drawing to mural design, alongside digital classes where they learn to use software to manipulate imagery. Students don't just work alone; they participate in cross-disciplinary workshops where they collaborate with film and animation students, mimicking the way real creative teams operate in the professional world. 

Developing Complex Worlds

As the course progresses, the work shifts toward more complex narrative projects. Students take on "World Building" assignments, where they must articulate a fictional universe and its rules through art. They also dive into Character, Environment, and Prop Design, often working from briefs provided by theoretical or real-world clients. This stage is about learning the pipeline—how an initial sketch becomes a prop or a costume that fits perfectly into a larger story. 

Professional Creative Practice

The final year is defined by major studio projects. Students lead deadline-driven creative tasks, managing their own workflows while ensuring their designs are user-centric. Much of the learning happens at Te Rau o Te Huia, SIT’s dedicated Centre for Creative Industries, which is equipped with industry-standard cameras and computing labs. By the time they graduate, students have a professional portfolio and the technical skills needed for careers in animation, game design, or film concept creation.