Media Design (2023)

Media Design is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Design (BDes). Media Design may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Media Design as a single major for the BDes, students must gain 135 points from papers listed for Media Design, including 105 points above 100 level, and 60 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, MEDIA100, DSIGN242, MEDIA202, MEDIA220, either MEDIA301 or MEDIA309, MEDIA302, MEDIA305 and DSIGN360.

To complete Media Design as part of a second major, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Media Design, including 90 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete DSIGN141, MEDIA100, DSIGN242, MEDIA202, MEDIA220; and 45 points from MEDIA301 or MEDIA309, MEDIA302, MEDIA305 and DSIGN360.

To complete a minor in Media Design, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Media Design major, including at least 30 points above 100 level.

On this page

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(MedDes) and GradDip(MedDes)
• Prescriptions for the BDes(Hons)
• 100 Level
• 200 Level
• 300 Level
• 500 Level

• Prescriptions for the GradCert(MedDes) and GradDip(MedDes)

  A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Media Design at an advanced level in their first degree.

  For further details, contact the Division of Health, Engineering, Computing and Science Office.

• Prescriptions for the BDes(Hons)

  The qualification regulations define the subject requirements for the Bachelor of Design with Honours.

• 100 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  COMPX101	Introduction to Programming	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer. It also covers concepts such as the internals of the home computer, the history and future of computers, cyber security, computer gaming, databases, mobile computing and current researc...
  COMPX161	Introduction to the Web	15.0	23B (Hamilton), 23I (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design principles to produce effective web content.
  CSMAX170	Foundations in Computing and Mathematical Sciences	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
  The objective of this paper is to provide students with the academic foundations for computing and mathematical sciences. The paper will cover the following areas: -Effective academic reasoning and communication -Information literacy and research skills -Academic integrity -Techniques and tools in the computing and mathematical sci...
  DSIGN125	Introduction to Communication Design Production	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper enables students to perform basic computing operations and to operate software packages for the manipulation of visual images and text for use in print and screen-based applications. Students will be introduced to basic computing concepts and provided with software tutorials and related exercises.
  DSIGN141	Principles of Form and Design	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It explores topics related to 'thinking' and creativity with an emphasis on raising a student's creativity consciousness and attitude. The work will primarily be abstract in nature and wil...
  DSIGN142	Beyond the Basics of Design	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper develops the student's ability to put into graphic application the basic elements and principles of design. It will also provide an introduction to typography. The emphasis of the study is to apply these basics to 2D and 3D mediums. The work will be resolved in both traditional and computer technology.
  DSIGN151	Design History	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence the contemporary world.
  DSIGN161	Introduction to the Web	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper introduces the core Web technologies of HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Students will learn how to combine these technologies with design principles to produce effective web content.
  MEDIA100	Understanding Visual Culture	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Our lives are dominated by still and moving images and visual technologies. This paper will constitute an important first step in learning to understand how images variously work to convey ideas, their impact and influence on our behaviour, thinking and culture. It draws on a broad theoretical platform from aesthetics, art history,...
  MEDIA102	Film Production 1: Telling Stories	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  A hands-on practice paper in which students learn to apply film production theory to communicate ideas and tell stories. Students gain experience capturing, constructing and manipulating both audio and moving image in the process of designing, shooting and editing digital short films.

• 200 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  DSIGN242	Interactive Environments	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing interactive media environments of different types. The students are challenged to experiment beyond their previously acquired knowledge, designing for interactive computer screens and mobile devices.
  DSIGN251	Applied Computing Tools 1	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  This paper enables students to widen their experience of design relevant computer software using an intensive laboratory programme. Students select from a variety of themes, including video editing, website design, digital library development, computer game construction, animation and 3D modelling.
  DSIGN252	Cultural Perspectives for Design	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  The paper provides students with an understanding of culture-specific perspectives on design issues and the ability to apply these in diverse contexts.
  DSIGN271	Design Thinking	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  The paper presents the iterative process of design, used to understand users, challenge assumptions and redefine problems through empathising with users, defining their needs, ideating innovative solutions, prototyping and testing.
  DSIGN290	Directed Study	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.
  MEDIA202	Film Production 2: Experimentation and Creativity	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Students are challenged to extend their creative practice beyond the conventions of narrative film making. Working with moving image and sound, students work in teams to experiment with the affordances of the medium and extend their own creative thinking and strategies.
  MEDIA203	Digital Arts and Cultures	15.0	23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  The 21st century has seen a fundamental shift from analogue to digital media systems. This paper will discuss some major aesthetic approaches and theoretical perspectives that have been developed as a means of explaining what is distinctive about digital media and its artistic and cultural applications (aka creative practices using...
  MEDIA220	Creative Media Production	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper will engage students with a client-based approach to media production. Students will be asked to produce creative projects adhering to strict criteria in a variety of media formats including film, animation, podcasts, audio-visual installations, and studio-based productions.

• 300 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  CREAT301	Creative Technologies and Creative Practice Project	15.0	23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Students participate in a group creative project that will be audio-visual in nature, comprising of either a film, sound-installation, interactive screen-based media or animation from pre-production through to post-production.
  DSIGN350	Design Internship	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  This paper will induct the design student into the professional environment where the student applies design skills, research methodology and production skills to allocated projects or industry placement.
  DSIGN360	Capstone Project	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  In this paper students plan, develop and execute a small scale design project with relative independence alongside the guidance of a supervisor.
  DSIGN361	Portfolio Project	15.0	23B (Hamilton)
  This paper is an opportunity for students to develop and refine a professional portfolio showcasing their design work.
  DSIGN390	Directed Study	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  A directed study involving the design, implementation and testing of the solution to a creative industries problem and production of a formal report.
  DSIGN397	Work Integrated Learning Directed Study	15.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal report.
  DSIGN398	Work Integrated Learning Directed Study	30.0	23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Hamilton)
  A directed study undertaken in collaboration with an industry partner involving the development of a design project and the production of a formal report.
  MEDIA301	Animation	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  While providing a broad critical and historical context of animation and animated films, this paper introduces students to key principles, techniques, cultural expressions, aesthetic approaches and applications for animation. Students are encouraged to explore conceptual approaches, and apply these to innovative creative projects o...
  MEDIA302	Film Production 3: From Concept to Screen	15.0	23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Do you want to create a festival-ready short film? Develop your creative practice in filmmaking and challenge yourself with a hands-on practical paper that builds on the skills acquired in MEDIA102 and MEDIA202. Students hone their craft in several areas, including: cinematography, sound design, scriptwriting and directing to produ...
  MEDIA305	Interactive Media Design	15.0	23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China)
  Create your own interactive projects that expand your creative practice. Students will engage with contemporary arts practices to devise audio-visual installations, evaluate the rise of interactivity in gaming and VR, and create projects that blend different media formats.
  MEDIA309	Game, Play and Society	15.0	23G (Online)
  This paper examines interactive digital gaming as a technological, aesthetic and social phenomenon that constitutes a distinct form of expression and discrete category of cultural activity. Students will understand the affordances of games and explore key principles of game design.

• 500 Level

  Code	Paper Title	Points	Occurrence / Location
  DSIGN532	Information Visualisation	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding and ability to effectively design and apply information visualisations in a given context.
  DSIGN551	Studio Management	15.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper covers the management of design projects in the studio. It is intended for those aiming for a future senior position in a design studio, or those managing freelance teams.
  DSIGN581	Design Research Methods	30.0	23A (Hamilton)
  This paper aims to introduce students to the assumptions underlying the different methodologies and methods for performing research in design. The paper attempts to give students the conceptual and methodological resources needed to think and converse as researchers and to develop a certain level of competence in at least one resea...
  DSIGN589	Directed Study	15.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
  DSIGN590	Directed Study	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.
  DSIGN591	Design Dissertation	30.0	23X (Hamilton)
  Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
  DSIGN592	Design Dissertation	60.0	23X (Hamilton)
  Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
  DSIGN593	Design Thesis	90.0	23X (Hamilton)
  Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
  DSIGN594	Design Thesis	120.0	23X (Hamilton)
  Write a dissertation to present the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation, based on a research topic negotiated with a supervisor. Presentation of the findings may include a publicly exhibited design project.
  MEDIA501	Critical and Creative Approaches to Research	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  This paper identifies the constraints and freedoms of research methods, and places a strong emphasis on research as an intellectual, theoretical, and processual activity as well as the roles of interdisciplinary projects in creating unique methodological and conceptual media research.
  MEDIA504	Media Design and Aesthetics	30.0	23B (Hamilton)
  Audio-visual media are undergoing continual transformations that question the roles of makers and audiences alike. Students are encouraged to experiment with sensory perception in order to question current notions of aesthetics in relation to cultural practices and media creations. This process of reflection encourages critical per...
  MEDIA507	Theory and Research in Action	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  Have you got a topic you are passionate about to research? This supervised paper provides students the opportunity to engage with primary texts in preparation for writing their dissertation. You will explore research design frameworks which will support the completion of a robust dissertation.
  MEDIA508	Creative Practice Research	30.0	23A (Hamilton) & 23B (Hamilton)
  Are you a creative practitioner that wants to experiment with practice-led research? This supervised paper offers a site for experimentation and development of a practical project to be included in a final dissertation.