Autodesk 3ds Max Training: Intermediate

Advance your 3D design expertise with this two-day Intermediate 3ds Max course. Master advanced modelling, materials, lighting, and rendering to produce complex, professional 3D visuals. Strengthen your creative workflow and technical precision. Join now and refine your 3ds Max skills.

Course Overview

This intermediate-level Autodesk 3ds Max course is designed for users who already have a basic understanding of the software and want to develop more sophisticated 3D modelling, animation, and rendering skills. Whether you work in design, architecture, visualisation, or entertainment, this course provides the techniques to bring your creative projects to life.

You’ll start by exploring mesh modelling and hard-surface techniques to build detailed and realistic 3D objects. You’ll then move on to dynamic simulations — using rigid bodies, cloth, and fluids to add movement and realism to your scenes. These essential tools allow you to simulate natural motion and physical behaviour within your projects.

The course also delves into advanced rendering techniques using Arnold (built-in) and V-Ray (third-party plugin). You’ll learn how to create daylight systems, interior and studio lighting setups, and optimise render settings for photorealistic results. Combined with your new materials, textures, and lighting control, these techniques will help you produce professional-quality imagery for design, film, or advertising.

Delivered in small groups at our London training studios or online, the course combines expert instruction with hands-on exercises. By the end of the two days, you’ll have mastered advanced modelling and rendering workflows, enabling you to produce detailed, realistic, and visually impressive 3D work.

Dates

Next course starts on:19 Nov 2026

Intermediate Level

2 consecutive days

19 Nov 2026

If the training dates listed here don't suit your schedule, let us know and we can arrange a tailored training course for you where we can customise both the content and the dates of the course. To find more about our Tailored Training courses,
click here.

Course Outline

Here is what you will learn on this 3ds Max course in more detail. Click the topics below to explore what is covered in each section.

What’s Included in Your Course

Every Docklands Media course comes with a range of added benefits to support your learning at no extra cost.

Course Certification

Receive an official certificate of completion to validate your training. Ideal for portfolios, CVs, or proving your skills in 3ds Max.

Lifetime Support

Access our email and phone support for a lifetime. Contact us with any technical questions related to what you have learned on your 3ds Max course.

Free Course Retake

Need a refresher? Retake the same 3ds Max course for free within 24 months. A great way to solidify your learning or get up to speed with new software updates.

Course Materials & Videos

Receive training notes, project files, and 7-day access to instructor-led video tutorials. Perfect for reinforcing key lessons and practising at your own pace.

Offers & Discounts

We're committed to providing the best training experience possible. That's why we offer a range of discounts and flexible payment options to make your 3ds Max course more accessible and affordable.

Group Bookings & Non-Profits

Get discounted rates when booking for two or more people, or if you're enrolling from a charity. Save 5–15% depending on your group size or institution type.

Early Bird Discount

Book your 3ds Max course at least three months in advance and get 10% off. Secure your place early and save on top-quality creative training.

Money-Back Guarantee

If you're not fully satisfied on the first day of your 3ds Max course, let us know. We'll do our best to make it right—or refund you in full. No hassle, no risk.

Instalment Plans

Spread the cost of your training over 3, 6, or 12 months. Our instalment plans help make creative learning more accessible, with interest rates as low as 5%.

Meet Your Instructor

Ricardo De Jesus

Ricardo's skills are so diverse that it would be impossible to list them all. He is an extremely talented architect and CAD technician, as well as one of the very first Autodesk Certified Instructors in the UK. And all round CAD wiz!

Testimonials

Hear directly from professionals and teams who’ve trained with us, sharing their experiences and the impact our training has had on their creative journeys.

Practical development for professional projects

I found this course very practical for developing intermediate skills in 3ds Max. It covered modelling, animation, lighting, and materials, with exercises that reinforced learning. The course gave me more confidence to handle professional-level 3D projects.

Ella Morgan3D Artist

Well-structured path to level up skills

The Intermediate 3ds Max course helped me improve modelling, animation, and lighting workflows. The exercises were realistic, allowing me to apply the techniques to practical projects. The course is clear, well-structured, and useful for anyone looking to level up from beginner skills.

Leo EllingtonMotion Graphics Graduate

Solid balance of theory and practice

This course focused on intermediate 3D modelling, animation, and lighting. I appreciated the balance of theory and practical exercises, which helped me improve my workflow and confidence. Overall, it's a solid course for building intermediate-level 3D skills.

Chloe Scott3D Animator

Realistic practice for skill progression

I learned intermediate techniques for modelling, animation, and materials through this course. The exercises helped me practice and apply the skills in a realistic way. The course is practical and well-suited to anyone progressing from beginner 3ds Max training.

Oliver KingVFX Intern

Clear structure with practical reinforcement

The course was clear and structured, covering intermediate modelling, animation, and lighting. The practical exercises were particularly useful in reinforcing the lessons. I feel more confident applying these techniques in real 3D projects.

Joanna Wright3D Visualiser

Balanced instruction with hands-on learning

This course helped me understand intermediate workflows in 3ds Max. I improved my modelling, animation, and lighting skills while learning to optimise scenes efficiently. It's a practical course that balances instruction with hands-on learning.

Nathan CarterMotion Graphics Designer

Good step up from beginner training

The Intermediate 3ds Max course covered important topics like modelling, animation, lighting, and material workflows. The hands-on exercises made learning practical, and I felt I could apply the skills to personal or client projects. A good step up from beginner-level training.

Freya Wilson3D Animator

Confidence-building without being overwhelming

I gained a solid understanding of intermediate modelling, animation, and lighting through this course. The exercises were relevant and helped me build confidence in applying these techniques. Overall, it's a useful course for expanding 3D skills without being overwhelming.

Hassan FarahVFX Designer

Practical insights for real 3D projects

This course provided a clear pathway to improve intermediate skills in 3ds Max. I particularly found the lessons on animation and lighting useful, and the exercises helped me apply the concepts to real 3D projects. It's a practical course with some good insights.

Lily Turner3D Artist

Logical progression with reinforced techniques

The Intermediate 3ds Max course helped me refine my modelling and animation skills while introducing more advanced workflows. I liked how each lesson built logically on the last, and the exercises reinforced the techniques well. It's a reliable course for anyone wanting practical experience.

Jack HughesMotion Graphics Assistant

Clear lessons with helpful exercises

I learned a lot from this course, including animation techniques, material workflows, and lighting setups. The lessons were clear and the exercises helpful. The course structure made it easy to follow and practice the concepts effectively.

Sophia Mason3D Animator

Practical skills for actual projects

This Intermediate 3ds Max course taught me how to handle more advanced modelling, animation, and lighting workflows. The exercises were realistic and helped me understand how to apply the skills in actual projects. Overall, it's a practical and useful course for anyone looking to progress in 3D design.

Michael WrightVFX Intern

Thorough coverage with hands-on practice

The course covers intermediate modelling, lighting, animation, and material techniques thoroughly. I enjoyed the way lessons encouraged hands-on practice, which really helped me retain the information. The course is well-structured and gave me the confidence to create more complex 3D scenes.

Daniel Wainwright3D Visualiser

Well-paced guide beyond the basics

This course guided me through intermediate 3ds Max concepts, including more detailed modelling, animation, and material application. The lessons were well-paced, and I found the practical exercises particularly useful. It's a course I would recommend to anyone wanting to move beyond the basics.

Halima AbdiMotion Graphics Designer

Clear and structured skill development

The Intermediate 3ds Max course helped me build on my beginner skills in a clear and structured way. I learned more complex modelling techniques, intermediate animation workflows, and lighting setups. The exercises were practical and realistic, and I appreciated how the course encouraged me to experiment. Overall, it's a solid course for developing confidence in 3D projects.

Julia Denham3D Artist