How To Become A Digital Media Artist

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1 Degrees and diplomas Digital Media }2015 swinburne.edu.au

2 My degree is designed with both students and their future industry in mind: many of my classes place emphasis on real examples and my Industry-Based Learning (IBL) experience greatly extended my career opportunities by enabling me to apply my learning in a work environment and setting me apart from those without. It s well worth looking into the IBL program as an option to setting up your career! Aaron Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media)

3 }Lead } the digital revolution Digital media is revolutionising the way we access information, do business, are governed and how we interact with each other. Our industry-relevant courses, with their hands-on approach, can open up career opportunities in the digital media, media and games industries. The demand for people with skills in areas such as web development and web design is particularly high. There are also increasing opportunities for digital media graduates in fields such as 2D animation, 3D modelling and online content creation. Award-winning game designers Two Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) honours students were awarded the Game Design and Development Award at the Global Adobe Design Achievement Award for their video game Orpheus. The game was created over an eight-week period using pen and paper to storyboard ideas before creating the game with Adobe Flash and Illustrator. The students were flown to the DesignThinkers conference in Toronto for the awards ceremony and were awarded $3000 for their winning project. Make connections with industry Your degree in digital media can take you beyond the classroom to engage with industry and better prepare you for your career. Swinburne s Industry-Based Learning (IBL) program gives you an opportunity to gain practical experience during a six- or 12-month paid work placement. Your degree in digital media could lead to an IBL placement where you design and develop websites and explore new functionality to assist your designs, contribute to online marketing campaigns, conduct interviews and write articles, or design banners, advertisements and other promotional material. Final-year projects, called Capstone Projects, engage students from across multiple disciplines and allow you to put your learning into practice. You could contribute to an industry or community project, competition submission, research-based project or internally developed project. 3

4 Studying digital media Our digital media courses give you the skills you need not just the theory so you ll have first-hand knowledge of what s needed when you start work. Finding the right course A digital media course could be right for you if your interests include: communication and media design digital design animation for the web and mobile devices mobile app development the virtual world computer games the codes and languages that help to create a website search engine optimisation and digital marketing digital content creation. These courses can lead to careers such as: 2D/3D animator art director digital media designer/developer digital video/sound editor games developer/writer graphic designer/illustrator internet marketing specialist multimedia designer/developer production assistant programmer user-interface software engineer visual effects specialist website designer. Studying at university Degrees A digital media degree usually takes three years to complete (full-time). You will be required to complete 24 units of study, most of which will be in your primary area of study and become your major. Most degrees also allow you to complete elective units, and you may have the option to complete two majors or a combination of a major and a minor/s. Double degrees Completing a double degree is a great way to broaden your study experience. The Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity)/Bachelor of Computer Science combines two areas of study and usually takes four years to complete (full-time). Flexible course structure Our flexible course structure allows you to add depth and breadth to your degree, by letting you choose from an extensive range of subjects from different disciplines. Honours You may be able to pursue your undergraduate studies at an advanced level by completing an additional specialised honours (fourth) year. An honours year allows you to deepen your understanding in your major field and develop your research skills. Industry Engaged Learning As a Swinburne undergraduate degree student, there are many opportunities to extend your learning beyond the classroom and become better prepared for your career. Industry Engaged Learning programs allow you to engage directly with industry. You can take part in one or many, including: Industry-Based Learning Capstone Projects internships. Visit Careers in the Curriculum This free but compulsory unit for all students enrolled in an undergraduate degree will help you develop your career-planning skills. Create a personal study and career plan, and explore available job options. Visit Learning and Academic Skills Centre Swinburne s learning and academic skills advisers can help you to study smarter and achieve better results. Develop your skills in: essay, report and thesis writing maths, statistics, physics and chemistry giving presentations researching and referencing making assignments look more professional preparing for exams. You can attend free workshops and seminars, and make individual or group appointments with an adviser. A range of online resources is also available. Credit transfer If you have been studying or have completed a qualification at another Australian or international institution, you may be eligible to receive credit and enter a degree with advanced standing. To find out if you are eligible for credit transfer into the degree of your choice, phone to speak to an adviser. To find information about all Swinburne courses, visit 4

5 Vocational education Learn the skills that are in demand by employers and be taught by experienced teachers who are practitioners in their field. During your course you will use the equipment and technology used in industry, and gain insights and abilities that are expected in modern workplaces. All of our courses have work-based elements, which can include work placements and projects, and workplace scenarios and simulations. This ensures you are prepared to get a job, make a significant contribution at work or further develop your career. A range of digital media vocational courses is available, including: Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games Diploma of Digital Media Technologies Diploma of Screen and Media Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies. Diploma to degree Whether you have completed an advanced diploma or diploma at Swinburne or another institution, a range of pathway options are in place to help you move between vocational training and a degree. Visit (Top to bottom, left to right) Blue September: Eka Prawira (Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)); Bearly on Time: Yin Zhao (Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity)); Lumberjack: Conlan Normington, Ken Mozuna, Sam Van Ingen (Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)); Sharp Stealth Espionage: Dominic Smith, Winston Tang, Vincent Villani, Rhys Evans (Bachelor of Science (Games Development)); The Toothfairy: Allan Wilson (Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)); Mr Burger: Tsuey Fong Tan, Agnes Carroll, Ignatius Choong Tzin Sean (Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design)). 5

6 Course information VTAC FEE-TYPE CODES CSP: Commonwealth supported place FTDP: Fee type determined by provider IFP: International fee place Visit to find your fee-type eligibility. Animation Bachelor of Film and Television (Animation) Duration: Three years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: This course provides students with a broad understanding of animation through the practice of animation techniques. It explores film, television and animation history and theory; and the development of narrative structures as applied to animation. The course emphasises project work and students develop creative, analytical and research skills in all aspects and types of animation production. They select an animation specialisation to extend their skills and knowledge in a professional form of animation technique and style. Specialisations include 2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion animation and motion graphics. Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree. 2D character animation Animation technologies History and practice of animation Hollywood cinema Imaging for narrative and storyboards Introduction to genre Screen literacy and contemporary cinema Scriptwriting and directing Sound design and acquisition Writing for animation Graduates may explore career opportunities in advertising, cinema, games or film and television production, as well as in emerging digital entertainment and visualisation industries where animation is increasingly used for highly detailed, conceptual and narrative visual forms such as in architecture, education, engineering, medical imaging and science areas. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Cinematographers Society, Australian Graphic Designers Association, Australian Screen Editors Guild, Design Institute of Australia, Game Developers Association of Australia, Melbourne Art Directors Club, Screen Producers Association of Australia and Screen Services Association of Victoria. Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media new specialising in Digital Media Animation Duration: One year full-time Prerequisites: Successful completion of Diploma in Screen and Media (specialising in Digital Media Animation) or equivalent, or relevant experience Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (FTDP) This course offers students a range of skills in creative and technical applications of motion graphics and animation. Students also learn about screen and media processes. 2D and 3D animation 3D design Digital video and sound design Production planning and processes Research projects Pathways Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to the Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) or Bachelor of Film and Television (Animation) with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Graduates may find careers in design or the film and television industry in roles involving 3D modelling, 2D and 3D animation, web animation, visual effects, motion graphics or film title design. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Graphic Designers Association. Diploma of Screen and Media new specialising in Digital Media Animation Duration: One year full-time Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Victorian Year 12 or equivalent; at least 12 months of an approved art, design or media course is preferred Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (FTDP) In this course students explore principles of design for screen and production processes for animation. They also learn about video and sound design, and generating interactive media content. 2D and 3D animation 3D modelling and character animation Design for screen Video post-production and visual effects Visualisation and storyboarding Pathways Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to another qualification with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Graduates will be prepared for work in the design or film and television industries, or for further study. 6

7 Digital and interactive games Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games, Wantirna Duration: Diploma One year full-time Certificate One year full-time Prerequisites: Diploma Successful completion of Certificate IV in Digital and Interactive Games or equivalent, or relevant experience Certificate None Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: Hawthorn: (FTDP) Wantirna: (FTDP) These courses are suitable for those who want to learn how to create interactive web-based Flash games; databases for online games; sound for games; 2D characters, backgrounds and animations; and 3D characters, models and animations. Students also learn about games development using the game engine Utility. The courses provide students with the skills and knowledge to become animators and game developers for online and mobile platforms. Students will also be prepared to progress to further study in information technology. 2D animation 3D animation and modelling Digital video production and post-production Games development Visual design and imaging Web programming Pathways Successful completion of the diploma may allow students to progress to the Bachelor of Business Information Systems, Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology or Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Development) with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Employment may be found in the fields of game design, multimedia, web design, web programming, video production and post-production, 3D modelling, animation and games development. Digital media Bachelor of Arts (Digital Media) Duration: Three years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: n/a This course focuses on digital media production, emphasising practical skills and creative techniques. Students gain a solid theoretical foundation in digital media and may select units from a range of study areas, including the business of media, user experience design, remix culture, media law and multimedia technology. Units in marketing are also available to complement studies in digital media. Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree. 3D modelling Digital content management Digital imaging Digital mobility Digital narratives Digital video and audio Radio production User experience design Web development and programming Graduates may find roles in web development and usability, video production, information architecture and multimedia project management. They may also be prepared to start their own multimedia business or to pursue a career in digital marketing working in the production of online marketing campaigns. Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association. Digital media design Bachelor of Design (Digital Media Design) Duration: Three years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: In this course students learn how to develop and deliver a range of digital media applications, including projects for web, digital film and television production, interactive digital media and handheld mobile devices. In doing so, they employ a combination of creative design thinking, industry-relevant technical skills and research. Studies in time-based sequence design provide students with expertise in animation, 3D modelling, digital video, audio media and communication design for electronic media. Students select one specialisation from 2D animation, 3D animation, web and mobile devices, motion graphics, advertising design and strategy, packaging and brand design or stop-motion animation. Students are encouraged to participate in study tours and international exchange programs to broaden their understanding of design in a global context. Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree. 20th century design 2D character animation Contemporary design issues Design research Digital media design new technologies Digital video camera techniques Imaging for narrative and storyboarding Interactive design for games and web applications Interactive design for web technologies Typography for screen and motion Graduates may find careers in advertising; animation; design consultancy; design management; media and entertainment; music or corporate video production; post-production, including post-production special effects; video games entertainment; and website design/development. Graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australian Graphic Design Association, Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association and Design Institute of Australia. 7

8 Digital media technology Diploma of Digital Media Technologies Duration: One year full-time Prerequisites: Successful completion of Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies or equivalent, or relevant experience Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (FTDP) This course has been developed with industry assistance to provide a broad range of skills required for entry into the information technology and multimedia industries. Emphasis is placed on practical skills using a hands-on approach. Students learn about digital photography, visual design, web design, web programming, database integration and multimedia project management. Students participate in an industry project in their final semester of study to prepare them to progress to further study in information technology. Digital photography Dynamic website development Project management Visual design Web design Pathways Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to the Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Employment may be found in the fields of web design, interactive digital media, web programming, and project management for web content. Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies new specialising in Web Programming, Wantirna Duration: One year full-time Prerequisites: None Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: Hawthorn: (FTDP) Wantirna: (FTDP) This course offers students the skills and knowledge to create software and digital device technology. CCS Digital imaging HTML JavaScript Mobile programming PHP Project management and analysis SQL Web design Web tools Pathways Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to another qualification with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Graduates are prepared for work in web design, web programming and software development. They will also be prepared for further study in information technology. Certificate IV in Digital Media Technologies new specialising in Multimedia, Wantirna Duration: One year full-time Prerequisites: None Application: VTAC (March start) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: Hawthorn: (FTDP) Wantirna: (FTDP) This course offers students the skills and knowledge to become a web or multimedia developer. 2D animation Database construction Digital imaging Digital video Drawing Interactive websites Motion graphics Visual design Web design Web programming Pathways Successful completion of this course may allow students to progress to another qualification with advanced standing. Visit for more information. Graduates are prepared for work in web design, interactive digital media, web programming, video production and post-production, and 3D modelling and animation. They will also be prepared for further study in digital media. 8

9 Games and interactivity Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity) Duration: Three years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: This course focuses on the role of games in contemporary society and how games are developing as a cultural industry. Students undertake a range of projects which focus on analog and digital games, and develop practical and creative research and communication skills in a games lab environment. The course recognises the increasing convergence of games and other forms of media by complementing a core set of games-specific studies with units drawn from the wider field of media and communications. Swinburne also offers an honours (fourth) year for this degree. 3D world design Audio and video production Game design Games development Games technology Narrative design Graduates may find employment opportunities in game design, writing for games, producing interactive content, transmedia storytelling, digital content production, online community management, games criticism and digital arts. Graduates will also be equipped to pursue a career outside the games industry in the broader media, multimedia and communications sectors. Students may be eligible for membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia. Graduates working in the games industry may be eligible for membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia and International Games Developers Association. Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association. Bachelor of Arts (Games and Interactivity)/Bachelor of Computer Science Duration: Four years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English, and a study score of at least 25 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: This double degree provides students with a broad knowledge of game design combined with the computer science skills required to develop games and interactive applications. Using a range of teaching methods, this course combines theoretical and practical knowledge, and teaches students how to apply these to the development of 2D and 3D games. Students completing this degree will possess a highly desirable combination of skills, enabling them to find work in a variety of positions in the games industry, as well as in the broader information and communications technology sector. 3D animation Digital media, video and graphics Games development Interactive game structures Internet and multimedia Java and C++ software development Software deployment and evolution User experience and design Graduates will be qualified to find employment in the digital media, information technology and games industries, particularly in the rapid prototyping of games, and in C++ and Java programming. The digital media skills gained should place graduates in high demand as the media industry progressively shifts its delivery to high-definition digital platforms. Students may be eligible for membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia. Graduates working in the games industry may be eligible for membership of the Games Developers Association of Australia and International Games Developers Association. Students and graduates may be eligible for membership of the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association. The computer science major is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society. Games development Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Development) Duration: Three years full-time or equivalent part-time VCE prerequisites: Units 1 and 2 Mathematics (any); Units 3 and 4 a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in any other English Application: VTAC (Semester 1) or direct (all intakes) VTAC code: (CSP), (IFP) 2014 Round 1 Clearly-in ATAR: This specialist ICT course focuses on the design and programming of computer games and other interactive software. Major areas of study include software development using an object-oriented approach and specialist areas in games design and development. Students will learn about the creative and design aspects of multimedia and internet technologies, particularly as applied to games development. The course also includes units in database, networking and project management, and is good preparation for general software design and development careers, as well as specialist careers in the games industry. Artificial intelligence for games Databases Digital media, video and graphics Game design Games and graphics programming Programming (Java, C++, C#) Secure and scalable applications Software engineering Web technologies Areas of initial employment may include game design and development, multimedia development and general software design and development, with opportunities to move into team leader and project management roles after gaining experience. This degree is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society. 9

10 Vice-Chancellor s Scholarships Students may select a bachelor degree in the relevant study area. For a list of applicable courses, visit Application: VTAC (Semester 1 only) Minimum ATAR: Recipients receive $5000 per annum for the normal duration of their chosen course, plus a one-off payment of $2000 towards an international study experience (subject to academic performance and other scholarship conditions). Arts and Social Sciences VTAC code: (CSP) Design VTAC code: (CSP) Dean s Scholarships Students may select a bachelor degree in the relevant study area. For a list of applicable courses, visit George Swinburne Scholarship Students may select a bachelor degree in their chosen area of study. For a list of applicable courses, visit Application: VTAC (Semester 1 only); students should complete the VTAC Scholarship Application Minimum ATAR: Recipients receive $1000 per annum for the normal duration of their chosen course, plus a one-off payment of $2000 towards an international study experience (subject to academic performance and other scholarship conditions). Application: VTAC (Semester 1 only) Minimum ATAR: Recipients receive $2500 per annum for the normal duration of their chosen course, plus a one-off payment of $2000 towards an international study experience (subject to academic performance and other scholarship conditions). Arts and Social Sciences VTAC code: (CSP) Design VTAC code: (CSP) 10

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12 KEY DATES Throughout 2014 One-on-one course adviser appointments 3 August 2014 Swinburne Open Day Hawthorn campus swinburne.edu.au/openday }CAMPUSES } Hawthorn campus John Street, Hawthorn Melbourne CBD campus 196 Flinders Street, Melbourne Croydon campus Norton Road, Croydon Wantirna campus 369 Stud Road, Wantirna Sarawak campus Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia FURTHER INFORMATION study@swinburne.edu.au swinburne.edu.au/future CRICOS Provider Code: 00111D The information contained in this course guide was correct at the time of publication, April The university reserves the right to alter or amend the material contained in this guide. The information in this guide does not apply to international students. Visit for information about courses for international students.