Take the next step in your digital media career with this degree. Gain specialist knowledge and skills needed to work across a range of creative areas from animation to virtual reality (VR).
ARB301 Bachelor of Digital Design (Digital Media)
Annual indicative cost | $7,950 |
Take the next step in your digital media career with this degree and gain specialist knowledge and skills needed to work across a range of creative areas from animation to virtual reality (VR). Delivered in partnership with the University of Canberra, you'll develop the expertise required to create complex interactive media.
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, demand for multimedia specialists is increasing. With over 10,000 job openings expected over the next five years the industry is experiencing very strong growth.
During this course you will develop an understanding of how digital technology has revolutionised the way we communicate, work, learn and play. You'll gain up-to-date skills using industry-standard technologies in virtual and augmented reality, digital photography, digital audio, interactive fiction, video and animation. You'll also have the opportunity to combine university thinking with hands-on learning through project work, internships, professional experience and mentorships.
Upon successful completion you may be able to find work across a range of creative areas.
If you’re a current TAFE Queensland diploma student, you’re in a unique position to take advantage of our diploma-to-degree pathway option. As soon as you successfully complete your diploma, you automatically qualify for a provisional place in a relevant University of Canberra degree, with up to one years’ credit.
Our degrees are delivered here at TAFE Queensland, on our modern campuses, using world-class facilities and equipment. Across creative, dentistry, engineering and information technology, our learning spaces are at the forefront of new technology, offering students the benefit of learning on industry-leading equipment.
If you have completed one of the below qualifications you may gain up to a year's credit towards this Bachelor Degree.
Completion of a relevant TAFE Queensland diploma, such as:
This is a typical study pattern and may differ depending on credit received. Please note not all units are offered in each teaching period.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
Year 1 Semester 1 | ||
11130Media worlds - Level 1Unit code: 11130 Unit description: At their best, stories can create imaginary worlds in the mind of the reader. Technologies - be they printed pages or computers - mediate ideas and open new possibilities for authors to present their stories to their readers or viewers. In this unit we look at the ways that stories are mediated by modern technologies and consider how technology changes stories. Rather than working purely in the realm of theory, we explore and engage with concepts by building stories in media technologies. This unit complements Pixels and Polygons by encouraging students to develop strategies for self-directed learning of unfamiliar technologies. |
Media worlds - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11611Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2Unit code: 11611 Unit description: The unit will provide students with an applied introduction to interaction and user-centred design. Students will develop web-based prototypes, demonstrating understanding of theoretical and practical concepts. The unit will explore the use of interactive technologies in the creation of web-based prototypes. Basic coding will provide students with the skills to demonstrate techniques that are transferable across diverse mediums. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. |
Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11591Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1Unit code: 11591 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios. |
Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11613Visual Ideation and Communication - Level 1Unit code: 11613 Unit description: Students will develop skills and techniques in creating visuals for ideation and communication across diverse creative and design industries. Students will sketch, draw and create digital media, using a variety of tools. The ability to understand, interpret, produce and communicate a response to a design brief is integral to this unit. Students will be able to articulate concepts through drawing, digital media and photography to convey meaning and context. |
Visual Ideation and Communication - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
Year 1 Semester 2 | ||
11610Evolution of Design - Level 2Unit code: 11610 Unit description: The unit will explore historical and contemporary roles of design in society. Analysis and discussion of design products (including graphics, objects, environments and digital outcomes) can aid in the understanding of trends that have evolved over time. This unit, through the critical analysis of the history of design, will provide an understanding of human-centred design as creative approach to problem solving. |
Evolution of Design - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11612Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1Unit code: 11612 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the design process and evolution of design solutions. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of design research and identifying user-centred design solutions. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. The use of real-world problems will provide students with the application skills required to create a solution to a design problem. |
Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11013Pixels and Polygons - Level 1Unit code: 11013 Unit description: This unit isn't just an introduction to digital media production; it's an exploration of the forms, techniques and technologies that are used in the creative media industries today, and is designed to be valuable both to the digital media novice as well as students with previous experience. Through practical application of a selection of technologies, the unit provides students with an in-depth understanding of how modern media works, how we can use modern digital tools to express ideas, and how practitioners stay on top of an industry that always seems to be doing something new. |
Pixels and Polygons - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Year 2 Semester 1 | ||
11134Sound Design - Level 2Unit code: 11134 Unit description: From film to animation and games, sound is an essential part of modern media, yet its importance is often overshadowed by our heavy bias for visual media. In this unit we look at the theory and practice of sound in digital media. Working with modern audio tools and techniques we will develop the skills and knowledge that are needed for the creation, editing and integration of digital audio for stand-alone and mixed media works. |
Sound Design - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11131Space, Time and Form - Level 2Unit code: 11131 Unit description: Using industry-standard modelling software, this unit teaches students the principles of creating digital forms in 3D space and how to animate them using simple mesh and object transformations and physical system simulations. With reference to historical and contemporary 3D media, students will explore the creative use of camera placement, lighting, material shaders and rendering techniques to achieve a variety of aesthetic outcomes. |
Space, Time and Form - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Year 2 Semester 2 | ||
11132Engineering Reality - Level 2Unit code: 11132 Unit description: From photoshopped magazine images to landing alien spacecraft on Parliament House, digital special effects have become a mainstay of visual media. Although the history of the technology predates the digital by many decades, digital technologies have radically expanded the possibilities and ubiquity of constructed images. Through extensive practical application this unit explores the techniques and cultural implications of digital special effects and provides students with a solid grounding in the technology so they can apply digital special effects in their own media works. |
Engineering Reality - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11133Character Design and Animation - Level 2Unit code: 11133 Unit description: In this unit we look at the tools and techniques that are used to create animated three-dimensional characters. Starting with ideation, we move from character concept through modelling and rigging and on to animation, exploring techniques including inverse kinematics and motion capture. This technical process will be used as the basis for a structured exploration of the ways that character animation has evolved and the knowledge that animators use to bring their characters to life. |
Character Design and Animation - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11017Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11017 |
Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Year 3 Semester 1 | ||
11135Real Time Environments - Level 3Unit code: 11135 Unit description: Real-time environments are 3D spaces that can be navigated by a user. While many people would be familiar with these spaces in games, they are also used in a wide variety of applications including simulation and visualisation. In this unit we explore real-time environments by building them in a 3D engine and experimenting with perception and navigation of virtual spaces using different input and output devices. We also engage critically with the technology and its applications to establish its boundaries and creative possibilities. |
Real Time Environments - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
11018Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11018 Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects. |
Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Year 3 Semester 2 | ||
11592Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design)Unit code: 11592 Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century. |
Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design) | Credit points: 3 |
11136Illuminated Bits - Level 3Unit code: 11136 Unit description: In this studio-based unit students apply their knowledge and skills in digital media production to build creative cutting-edge works designed to delight, surprise and showcase the potential of modern digital media production. These works may be animation-based, video-based or interactive, depending on each individual's preference, and can be team-based or individual projects. Students are given a lot of creative license to show off their skills, but are expected to plan and scope their work carefully, and to put significant effort into documentation and presentation of the final works. |
Illuminated Bits - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
Articulation from Diploma - Year 2 Semester 1 | ||
11611Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2Unit code: 11611 Unit description: The unit will provide students with an applied introduction to interaction and user-centred design. Students will develop web-based prototypes, demonstrating understanding of theoretical and practical concepts. The unit will explore the use of interactive technologies in the creation of web-based prototypes. Basic coding will provide students with the skills to demonstrate techniques that are transferable across diverse mediums. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. |
Interactive Media, Design and Prototypes - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11131Space, Time and Form - Level 2Unit code: 11131 Unit description: Using industry-standard modelling software, this unit teaches students the principles of creating digital forms in 3D space and how to animate them using simple mesh and object transformations and physical system simulations. With reference to historical and contemporary 3D media, students will explore the creative use of camera placement, lighting, material shaders and rendering techniques to achieve a variety of aesthetic outcomes. |
Space, Time and Form - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11591Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1Unit code: 11591 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the diverse opportunities in the world of creative and digital design industries. Aspects that will be considered include: contemporary demands of the industry including social responsibility, ethical and sustainability issues. Through engagement with industry and community, students will gain an understanding of global discipline knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform as responsible, capable creative industry and digital design professionals. Students will start their career awareness and planning through approaches such as five year plans and ePortfolios. |
Professional Orientation (Creative Industries and Digital Design) - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
11130Media worlds - Level 1Unit code: 11130 Unit description: At their best, stories can create imaginary worlds in the mind of the reader. Technologies - be they printed pages or computers - mediate ideas and open new possibilities for authors to present their stories to their readers or viewers. In this unit we look at the ways that stories are mediated by modern technologies and consider how technology changes stories. Rather than working purely in the realm of theory, we explore and engage with concepts by building stories in media technologies. This unit complements Pixels and Polygons by encouraging students to develop strategies for self-directed learning of unfamiliar technologies. |
Media worlds - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
Articulation from Diploma - Year 2 Semester 2 | ||
11132Engineering Reality - Level 2Unit code: 11132 Unit description: From photoshopped magazine images to landing alien spacecraft on Parliament House, digital special effects have become a mainstay of visual media. Although the history of the technology predates the digital by many decades, digital technologies have radically expanded the possibilities and ubiquity of constructed images. Through extensive practical application this unit explores the techniques and cultural implications of digital special effects and provides students with a solid grounding in the technology so they can apply digital special effects in their own media works. |
Engineering Reality - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11133Character Design and Animation - Level 2Unit code: 11133 Unit description: In this unit we look at the tools and techniques that are used to create animated three-dimensional characters. Starting with ideation, we move from character concept through modelling and rigging and on to animation, exploring techniques including inverse kinematics and motion capture. This technical process will be used as the basis for a structured exploration of the ways that character animation has evolved and the knowledge that animators use to bring their characters to life. |
Character Design and Animation - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11017Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11017 |
Professional Practice 1: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
11013Pixels and Polygons - Level 1Unit code: 11013 Unit description: This unit isn't just an introduction to digital media production; it's an exploration of the forms, techniques and technologies that are used in the creative media industries today, and is designed to be valuable both to the digital media novice as well as students with previous experience. Through practical application of a selection of technologies, the unit provides students with an in-depth understanding of how modern media works, how we can use modern digital tools to express ideas, and how practitioners stay on top of an industry that always seems to be doing something new. |
Pixels and Polygons - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
Articulation from Diploma - Year 3 Semester 1 | ||
11135Real Time Environments - Level 3Unit code: 11135 Unit description: Real-time environments are 3D spaces that can be navigated by a user. While many people would be familiar with these spaces in games, they are also used in a wide variety of applications including simulation and visualisation. In this unit we explore real-time environments by building them in a 3D engine and experimenting with perception and navigation of virtual spaces using different input and output devices. We also engage critically with the technology and its applications to establish its boundaries and creative possibilities. |
Real Time Environments - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
11018Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated LearningUnit code: 11018 Unit description: In this unit students will further develop their abilities as agile professionals with the transferable employability skills and critical and creative abilities to work across industries and sectors and craft diverse employment paths. They will integrate disciplinary knowledge with the professional skills required in their industry through authentic simulated or real workplace experiences, international exchanges or industry collaborations or projects. |
Professional Practice 2: Work Integrated Learning | Credit points: 3 |
11134Sound Design - Level 2Unit code: 11134 Unit description: From film to animation and games, sound is an essential part of modern media, yet its importance is often overshadowed by our heavy bias for visual media. In this unit we look at the theory and practice of sound in digital media. Working with modern audio tools and techniques we will develop the skills and knowledge that are needed for the creation, editing and integration of digital audio for stand-alone and mixed media works. |
Sound Design - Level 2 | Credit points: 3 |
11612Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1Unit code: 11612 Unit description: This unit introduces students to the design process and evolution of design solutions. Students will be exposed to the fundamentals of design research and identifying user-centred design solutions. This unit will also introduce students to the human-centred design principles. The use of real-world problems will provide students with the application skills required to create a solution to a design problem. |
Introduction to Innovative Design Solutions - Level 1 | Credit points: 3 |
Articulation from Diploma - Year 3 Semester 2 | ||
11592Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design)Unit code: 11592 Unit description: This unit prepares students for professional work in the cultural sector and finalises and reviews your ePortfolio. Through practical activities, such as preparing a grant application, developing a team-based project proposal, and researching a cultural organisation, students learn to relate their discipline specific knowledge to a range of professional contexts. The unit will emphasise the significance of multiculturalism, cultural consumption and globalisation as key influences shaping cultural work in the twenty first century. |
Professional Evidence (Creative Industries and Digital Design) | Credit points: 3 |
11136Illuminated Bits - Level 3Unit code: 11136 Unit description: In this studio-based unit students apply their knowledge and skills in digital media production to build creative cutting-edge works designed to delight, surprise and showcase the potential of modern digital media production. These works may be animation-based, video-based or interactive, depending on each individual's preference, and can be team-based or individual projects. Students are given a lot of creative license to show off their skills, but are expected to plan and scope their work carefully, and to put significant effort into documentation and presentation of the final works. |
Illuminated Bits - Level 3 | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
-Open ElectiveUnit code: - |
Open Elective | Credit points: 3 |
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South Bank | 02 August 2021 | 3 years | Full time 5 days per week | Classroom | Annual indicative cost: $7,950 |
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathwaysNo matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
HECS‑HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme for eligible students studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place, that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
Admission into this course is based on an entrance rank. A rank can be achieved by the following means:
We also offer a number of entry initiatives that give you the opportunity to gain entry to university via alternate pathway programs and admission schemes. More information is available on the University of Canberra website.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is embedded within this degree.
It is recommended that students have access to a reliable internet connection to access the University of Canberra’s online learning system Canvas, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for students to use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Articulation:
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All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
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You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
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If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways