Undergraduate - Course3115 - Bachelor of Multimedia and Digital Arts

This course offers a broad-based degree to students who wish to pursue studies in digital arts and multimedia design practices. It will be of particular interest to those seeking an art and design focus in digital and interactive media. Students will study integrated multimedia and digital arts studios, as well as units in digital imaging, theory, drawing, professional practice and a choice of electives. In third year, students will have a choice of majoring in either multimedia design or digital arts.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes. For more information refer to http://opvclt.monash.edu.au/curriculum-by-design/aligning-course-outcomes-with-aqf-bologna.html.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad knowledge and an understanding of multimedia communication and new media arts within their socio-economic, critical and cultural contexts
• critically assess contemporary discourse on multimedia and digital arts practices, speculative design theory and research both locally and internationally
• identify and evaluate relevant research concepts, strategies and methods, and apply them in multimedia and digital arts practice
• contextualise, generate and apply understanding of the aesthetic aspects of digital and interactive media and a high capability at aesthetic resolutions
• effectively engage and communicate with other professionals involved in the practice of digital and interactive media locally and internationally
• independently develop design strategies, form concepts, refine, detail and communicate design proposals, exercising imagination and innovation in the development of ideas relating to multimedia communication and new media arts
• recognise and contribute to project and business management practices particular to multimedia and digital arts

The course consists of the following areas of study:

(a.) Multimedia and digital arts major studios (42 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 competence in digital and interactive media. The knowledge gained in other parts of the course is progressively incorporated into the studio practice, developing problem-solving skills relevant to multimedia and digital arts. Assigned projects are approached within the context of the unique properties and opportunities of digital media. The multimedia and digital arts studio unit will combine lectures and participation in a group studio environment involving traditional design activities and those of a more digital nature.

(b.) Technical units (12 points)

These units will introduce the technicalities associated with creating digital media content and programming.

(c.) Complementary studies (42 points)

Studies including design studio, drawing, typography, photomedia and digital imaging.

(d.) Cultural and critical issues (theory) (18 points)

All students take three units on the theory, contextual and cultural aspects of art, design and new media throughout the course.

(e.) Professional practice

All students take one professional practice unit at third-year-level.

(f.) Electives (24 points)

Elective studies are selected in consultation with the course coordinator. Units will generally be taken from those available within the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, but units offered elsewhere in the University are also available. As well as choosing from the suite of digital imaging electives, it is likely that many students may also wish to undertake photomedia and/or other studio studies, such as drawing.

(g.) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

A compulsory health and safety unit which deals with issues relevant to art and design.

All units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

First year (48 points)

Semester one

• DGN1001 Design studio 1
• DIS1103 Digital processes for art and design 1
• DWG1201 Drawing 1
• OHS1000 Introduction to art and design health and safety (0 points)
• TAD1101 Introduction to visual culture in art design and architecture

Semester two

• DIS1911 3D design and visualisation
• FIT1012 Website authoring
• MMD1302 Multimedia and digital arts studio A
• VCO1302 Typography 1 or PHO1203 Photomedia imaging 1

Second year (48 points)

Semester one

• DIS2601 Digital audio/video
• FIT2012 Digital media authoring
• MMD2303 Multimedia and digital arts studio B
• elective

Semester two

• MMD2304 Multimedia and digital arts studio C
• MMD2306 Graphic user interface design
• theory of art and design (choice)
• elective

Third year (48 points)

Semester one

• MMD3305 Multimedia studio 5A (12 points) or MMD3307 Digital arts studio 5A (12 points)
• PPR3103 Professional practice for design and multimedia
• elective

Semester two

• MMD3306 Multimedia studio 6A (12 points) or MMD3308 Digital arts studio 6A (12 points)
• theory of art and design (choice)
• elective

Bachelor of Multimedia and Digital Arts