The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), is the world’s second oldest games specialist educator, operating since 1996. With campuses in Canberra and Melbourne, it provides nationally accredited courses dedicated to the 3D art, programming and games development industries. AIE was created through an industry need for skilled staff in the Australian animation and games industries and was started by these related industries to alleviate a common and ongoing skills shortage. With strong connections to all of Australia’s major game development houses and 3D animation studios, students gain a direct pathway into the games and 3D industries. The Melbourne campus offers the following nationally accredited courses in 2008: Animation (3D Art) Courses • Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development (Art) • Advanced Diploma of Screen • Certificate IV in Screen • Certificate III in Screen (part-time) and Certificate III in Screen (Architectural Visualisation) - online The Certificate IV in Screen program suits students with demonstrated abilities in art or design. The Certificate IV in Screen comprises the same course program as the first year of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses. On completion of the Certificate IV in Screen, students advance into their second year of training by choosing to specialise in animation for either • video game production, by entering the second year of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development, or • film/TV through entry into the second year of the Diploma of Screen Students also have the option of exiting at the completion of their first year with a Certificate IV in Screen. The part-time Certificate III is an ideal introductory course for learning about 3D art and how to use 3D software, requiring only a familiarity in using computers and an interest in art. Completing the Certificate III course is not a pre-requisite or entry level program for the higher level Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses. Software Development (Games Programming) Courses • Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development (Software Development) (full-time) • Certificate IV in Information Technology (full-time) The Certificate IV in Information Technology (IT) comprises the same course program as the first year of the Advanced Diploma course. For students wishing to pursue a career in games programming, we recommend they advance into a second year of training in the Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development (Software Development). Students also have the option of exiting at the completion of their first year with a Certificate IV in IT. AIE continues to develop partnerships with universities allowing AIE graduates to access higher education and RPL in various under-graduate programs. AIE currently works closely with Deakin University, the University of Canberra and Murdoch University to offer advanced standing in Bachelor degree programs at both universities. Negotiations are also well advanced with Swinburne University to offer similar pathways. Further details about AIE courses are available at www.aie.edu.au.