Nust launches digital arts and animation department

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has introduced a new department of digital arts and animation to help aspiring creatives gain industry-relevant skills.

The department will offer specialised training in animation, gaming design, content creation and other digital arts fields.

The department is part of the university’s 2021-2025 strategic plan, which aims to promote digital transformation. Head of department Jordaania Andima said the department was created to address the growing demand for digital skills and expertise.

“Our goal is to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the creative industry while also supporting economic diversification and innovation,” she said.

Enrolment for the first intake is now open and will close on 4 April. The department will initially offer five accredited short courses, including foundation to filmmaking, scriptwriting for film, scriptwriting for children’s television, 2D animation, and 3D animation. A total of 100 students will be admitted, with 20 places available in each course.

Andima said the department would address key gaps in the nation’s digital and creative sectors, including “a shortage of skilled professionals in digital arts and animation, limited access to advanced technologies and the underrepresentation of marginalised groups in the industry”.

The department will also collaborate with Luno Pictures, a London-based animation production studio, to introduce the Animation Skills Accelerator Programme (Asap). This training programme will give students hands-on experience.

“Through Asap, we are creating pathways for young professionals to seamlessly integrate into both local and international creative industries,” Andima said.

Nust is also developing full qualification programmes, including a bachelor of digital arts and animation honours degree, and a television and film production programme, which are set to launch in 2026