Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design)

• General information
• Structure of the course
  • The pass degree
    • Multimedia design studios (51 credit points)
    • Theory of art and design (21 credit points)
    • Professional practice (9 credit points)
    • Visual communication studies (6 credit points)
    • Drawing and visual structures (6 credit points)
    • Digital imaging (27 credit points)
    • Electives (24 credit points)
  • The honours degree*
• Length of course/workload required
  • Pass
  • Honours*
• Admission requirements
  • Honours*
• Advanced standing (credit provision)
  • Pass
  • Honours*
• Fee structure

General information

Course code: 2805 + Course abbreviation: BDes(MMDes) + Caulfield campus + Internal mode + Three years full-time + Course coordinator: Troy Innocent
The Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) is a three-year, full-time degree program of education in multimedia design. This degree consists of core units and a range of electives compatible with the course and its objectives. Units in drawing, design studio and art and design theory give students a solid grounding in visual communication, while a sequence of specialised digital imaging units cover aspects of time-based media and interactivity. These skills are applied to set projects in the multimedia design studio, which progresses through applications of multimedia design such as web design, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, virtual space, computer animation and other digital media. The course is also supported by units such as professional practice and project research.
Elective units allow students to specialise in specific areas of multimedia design. They may pursue units relevant to interior architecture, art and design theory, photomedia and animation. Electives from other faculties at Monash University are also available in areas such as communication studies, computer programming and media studies.

Structure of the course

The pass degree

This three-year degree contains mandatory units together with a broad range of electives. The degree structure is formed out of a sequence of units which are closely linked -- the core program of multimedia design studio is supported by studio specialisations and theory units as well as ancillary units directed towards contemporary professional methods and skills. The course is structured to give students the following areas of study.

Multimedia design studios (51 credit points)

This is the major study of the course and there are studios at each level. Units commence at a basic level of understanding and progress to a high level of competency in multimedia design. The knowledge gained in other parts of the course is progressively incorporated into the studio practice; developing problem-solving skills relevant to time-based media. Assigned projects are approached within the context of the unique properties and opportunities of multimedia design.
The multimedia design studio unit combines lectures and participation in a group studio environment involving design activities on both paper and the computer. Practical examples of multimedia design are used to demonstrate the area being explored in set project work.
The studio involves:

• participation in group discussion of unit material
• briefings on specific design problems
• application of skills/ ideas developed in digital imaging units
• presentation of work to student group for feedback/review
• individual consultation with academic staff member
• development of project work.

Theory of art and design (21 credit points)

All students take five units on the theory, contextual and cultural aspects of art and design throughout the course. Two units specifically address the changing nature of society and communication occurring in the digital age.

Professional practice (9 credit points)

All students take three professional practice units throughout the course, including a specialised unit.

Visual communication studies (6 credit points)

Students take two visual communication units in the first year of the course, which cover areas of basic graphic design skills and provide for a fundamental understanding of typography.

Drawing and visual structures (6 credit points)

Students take one compulsory drawing unit in their first year of study. This unit is concerned with visual interpretation and perception of the known world. It deals with 2D and 3D concepts and structures in a sequential manner. Drawing may also be taken as a further elective study.

Digital imaging (27 credit points)

A number of core units in digital imaging and multimedia are included in all three levels of the course. These cover specific elements of multimedia design such as digital imaging, 3D computer animation, multimedia authoring, digital video and audio. These units provide the fundamental skills for project work developed in the multimedia design studio.
All of the specialised units are taught in a computer laboratory, combining the following methods:

• demonstrations of computer software
• participation in exercises and tutorials
• demonstrations of multimedia design methods and technique

Electives (24 credit points)

Students are encouraged to take electives in other disciplines of design, or areas such as information technology, communication and media studies. A range of electives from across the disciplines is available to suit individual study programs. Twenty-four credit points are available for elective studies, which are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art and Design, but units offered elsewhere in the university are also available. As well as the drawing and digital imaging electives, it is likely that many students may also wish to take photomedia and/or other studio studies. A typical elective program might include:

• Drawing or photomedia (6 credit points)
• Digital imaging (12 credit points)
• Other studio specialisation (6 credit points)

The honours degree*

An honours year will soon be introduced, allowing students the opportunity to specialise in an area of multimedia design. Students taking an honours year will be encouraged to contribute to the development of multimedia design through research into the evolving nature of the discipline.

Length of course/workload required

Pass

Three years of full-time study. The expected number of hours per week for a full-time student is 48 (contact and non-contact). An 80 per cent attendance record for studios, lectures, seminars etc is required before a student may present for assessment in any unit. Exceptions will be subject to the approval of the course coordinator.

Honours*

One additional year of full-time study.

Admission requirements

This course is offered through the VTAC system. Entry is by portfolio, interview and ENTER. Students must have a study score of at least 25 in units 3 and 4 English (any).

Honours*

Completion of the Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) pass degree at an average level of credit or higher. Depending upon the number of places available, students may also be required to submit a portfolio of studio work for selection into the honours program.

Advanced standing (credit provision)

Pass

Credit will be granted for equivalent studies completed elsewhere at approved institutions. Advanced standing in the course for students who have completed part of similar courses at Australian or international universities will be considered up to a maximum of two years and in accordance with other regulations of Monash University. Each application for credit or advanced standing will be considered on its own merits.

Honours*

No credit or advanced standing will be provided in this course.
SUBJECT TO UNIVERSITY APPROVAL.

Fee structure

For students with Australian residency, this course falls within the lowest band of HECS liability. The fee for international students will be set by the vice-chancellor from time to time (currently $14,500 per annum).

Note that all courses and units are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.
cps: credit points -- the total student workload per week including in and out-of-class work is normally obtained by doubling the credit points.
Course program

Note that all courses and units are subject to ongoing review and minor amendments to improve them.
cps: credit points -- the total student workload per week including in and out-of-class work is normally obtained by doubling the credit points.

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