Graduate Certificate in Digital Media

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Media is a 40 unit postgraduate degree. It is part of an integrated program consisting of the Graduate Certificate and the Masters program.

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

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.

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Media is the stepping stone to explore, develop and learn multiple skills. The innovative teaching and unique approach means you'll be able to critically analyse digital media design. The program focuses on hands-on practical work applied to real world projects as well as the latest software.

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.

Applicants for admission are initially assessed on the basis of a completed undergraduate degree. These applicants will be immediately eligible for admission into the Master of Digital Media, provided they meet English language proficiency requirements.

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.

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 software is provided as part of students' course materials. These materials include the Adobe Master Collection of programs. This software is compatible with both Mac and PC.

International students can only study this program online and must comply with the University's English Language proficiency requirements before an application is accepted.

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.

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.

The program can be completed in two trimesters of full time study or equivalent part-time. Courses are offered online 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 40 units of courses from either Group A or Group B courses.

Students who wish to proceed to the Master of Digital Media should ensure that their course selection will conform to the requirements of that degree (ie they should not do more than 20 units from Group B courses).

This program 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 on 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.