Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Master of Digital Media

Back to topDescription

There is a rapidly growing worldwide investment in digital content for an expanding variety of delivery platforms, ranging from interactive and digital TV to personal mobile devices including phones and game consoles. Consequently, there is a growing need for professional with the knowledge and skills to create this content.

The Master of Digital Media is an 80 unit coursework program designed for students with a degree in any field who wish to obtain an understanding of the production and distribution of such media content via a number of digital platforms. The program allows individuals to choose courses according to their needs and background.

This innovative program explores pathways into a range of careers across digital media technology, from web and interactive media development, digital media industries, computer games and CGI effects development to consultancy, education and more.

Back to topWhy study with us?

What sets this program apart is the opportunity to study across both the technical and design aspects of Digital Media. With the opportunity to explore, develop and learn multiple skills, the innovative teaching and unique approach means you'll be able to critically analyse digital media design. Drawing on the creative approach that you learn, you'll have the knowledge and flexibility to apply your study to technologies or programs used across various work environments.

The program focuses on hands-on practical work applied to real world projects as well as the latest software. Recognised internationally, this program will give you the chance to change or rapidly progress you career.

Back to topCareer Opportunities

Website design, Animation, Digital Post-production, Digital visual effects production, Post-production supervision.

Students can also expect to graduate from the program with a comprehensive portfolio (or "show-reel") of works that they have created throughout their studies. This portfolio will allow the student to actively promote themselves and their skills within the employment market.

Back to topAdmission Requirements

Applications for admission are initially assessed on the basis of a completed undergraduate degree. These applicants will be immediately eligible for admission provided they meet English language proficiency requirements.

Back to topSelection Criteria

Additional Selection Criteria:
  • Alternative entry will be assessed on the basis of the admission points scheme as described below.

    • An incomplete undergraduate degree or equivalent from an approved institution (with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or greater): Up to 50 points depending on number of units successfully completed.
    • An AQF approved diploma or Associate Diploma or equivalent from an approved institution: Up to 50 points (50 points for a relevant area; 30 points for a non-relevant area).
    • Approved professional qualifications: Up to 50 points.
    • Relevant work experience:20 points per year (maximum 60 points).
    • Related area of research or management project completed with appropriate documentation: Up to 50 points.
    • Statement of professional aims and achievements and/or interview: Up to 20 points.

    An overseas qualification from an approved institution equivalent to an undergraduate degree, Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma will be allocated the appropriate admission points as specified above.

Back to topCredit Transfer

Credit may be granted for coursework courses if they can be demonstrated to be directly equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the corresponding courses in the Digital Media program, and they were completed within the previous 5 years. Credit will be granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and IT in accordance with the Rules Governing Postgraduate Coursework Programs.

Back to topPractical Experience

On-line students also receive a range of the most current versions of software tools that are used within the teaching of the program. All of this software is provided as part of the students' course materials. These materials include the Adobe Master Collection of programs. This software is compatible with both Mac and PC.

Back to topInternational Students

International students can only study this program online and must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements.

Back to topSpecial Needs

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School officers will work together to ensure reasonably adjustments are provided in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

Back to topAdditional Information

All students can access additional learning development mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/centre-for-teaching-and-learning/learning-development/

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

Back to topRequirements and Structure

The program can be completed over three trimesters of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Most courses are offered on-line on a trimester basis.

Students may commence studies in January, May or September. Please refer to the Term dates on the University website at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/dates/

The program requires the completion of 80 units of courses consisting of 60 units of Group A courses and 20 units of Group B courses.

Back to topTransition Arrangements

This program revision is effective from Trimester 3, 2010. Continuing students in the on campus mode of this program will be offered a direct equivalent in the on-line mode as the courses within the program exist as both online and campus mode and are offered simultaneously in both modes.

For further information, you are advised to contact your Program Officer or Program Convenor to discuss individual transition arrangements.

Back to topCourse Information

Back to topDirected Courses
Choose 60 units from Group A - Directed Courses (minimum).
CMNS6040Digital Video
Trimester 1 (Callaghan)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
10 units
CMNS6050Digital Production Project
This course is not available on-line.
Not offered in 2010
10 units
CMNS6070Narrative and Interactive Design
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
10 units
DESN6350Design for Digital Media
Trimester 2 (Callaghan)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
10 units
DESN6410Usability and Interaction Design
Trimester 2 (Callaghan)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
10 units
INFT6300Computer Games Design
Trimester 1 (Callaghan)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Trimester 1 (Callaghan)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
10 units
INFT63023D Modelling Animation and Rendering
Trimester 3 (Callaghan)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (Callaghan)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
10 units
INFT6304Project Planning and Management
Trimester 2 (Callaghan)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Trimester 2 (Callaghan)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
10 units
Choose 20 units from Group B - Directed Courses (maximum).
CMNS6060eCulture and Audiences
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
10 units
COMP6050Internet Communications
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Semester 2 (Callaghan)
Semester 2 (Callaghan)
10 units
GSBS6010Foundations of Marketing Theory
Trimester 1 (Singapore)
Trimester 1 (City Precinct)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Block 3 (Hong Kong)
Trimester 2 (Hong Kong)
Trimester 2 (City Precinct)
Trimester 2 (Sydney CBD)
Trimester 3 (City Precinct)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Block 6 (Hong Kong)
Trimester 1 (Singapore)
Trimester 1 (City Precinct)
Trimester 1 (Sydney CBD)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Block 3 (Hong Kong)
Trimester 2 (City Precinct)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (City Precinct)
Trimester 3 (Sydney CBD)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Block 6 (Hong Kong)
10 units
GSBS6021Consumer Decision Making and Behaviour
Trimester 2 (City Precinct)
Trimester 2 (GradSchool)
Trimester 1 (City Precinct)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (City Precinct)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
10 units
INFT6303Computer Games Production
Trimester 3 (Callaghan)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
Trimester 3 (Callaghan)
Trimester 3 (GradSchool)
10 units
MTEC6707Music and the Internet
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
10 units
SENG6110Introduction to Software Engineering 1
Trimester 1 (GradSchool)
Semester 1 (Callaghan)
Semester 1 (Callaghan)
10 units

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