Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Graduate Certificate in Digital Media

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Back to topDescription

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 high definition 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.

Back to topWhy study with us?

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 and our purpose-built state-of-the-art centre allows you unlimited access to some of the best technologies in the country, as well as the latest software.

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

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.

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

For on-campus will have the opportunity to work with Audio and Visual studios that are totally digital and can be set-up to be used in High Definition mode.

On-line students also receive a range of software tools that are used within the teaching of the course. All of this software is the most current versions and is provided as part of their course materials. These materials include Adobe suite of programs (Premier, Cinema 4-D, After effects). This software is compatible with both Mac and PC.

Back to topInternational Students

The program is to be offered in online and on-campus modes which will make the program accessible to international students. The Deputy Head of Faculty, Faculty of Science and Information Technology has special responsibility for the progress of international students. International students must comply with the University's English Language proficiency requirements before an application is accepted. Consequently no additional strategies in relation to English language beyond those provided by the University should be required.

Back to topSpecial Needs

The support structures of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will draw on the assistance and support provided by the Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit.

Back to topRequirements and Structure

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).

Back to topCourse Information

Back to topDirected Courses
Choose 40 units from Group A Directed Courses or Group B Directed Courses.
CMNS6040Digital Video
Group A Directed Course		10 units
CMNS6060eCulture and Audiences
Group B Directed Course		10 units
CMNS6070Narrative and Interactive Design
Group A Directed Course		10 units
DESN6350Design for Digital Media
Group A Directed Course		10 units
DESN6410Usability and Interaction Design
Group A Directed Course		10 units
INFT6300Computer Games Design
Group A Directed Course		10 units
INFT63023D Modelling Animation and Rendering
Group A Directed Course		10 units
INFT6303Computer Games Production
Group B Directed Course		10 units
INFT6304Project Planning and Management
Group A Directed Course		10 units
MTEC6707Music and the Internet
Group B Directed Course		10 units