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CQUni Handbook
CC26 - Associate Degree of Digital Media
Overview
Course Overview
The Associate Degree of Digital Media can prepare you for paraprofessional work within the media and communications industry by providing practical skills and relevant theory that can be applied in a variety of fields associated with design, technology and media.
The course's flexible structure allows you to focus on your individual strengths and interests by pursuing specialisations in Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Screen Production, Animation, or a combination of these areas.
Working within multimedia computer laboratories and production studios, you will learn how to create digital media works using industry-standard software tools and techniques. You will learn how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work independently and collaboratively in response to digital media project demands.
The course can be studied on-campus or online, providing maximum flexibility.
The Diploma of Digital Media is an optional exit / interim award within the Associate Degree of Digital Media and the Bachelor of Digital Media.
The Associate Degree of Digital Media is an optional exit / interim award within the Bachelor of Digital Media.
Graduates of the Diploma of Digital Media may articulate into the second year of either the Associate Degree of Digital Media or the Bachelor of Digital Media.
Graduates of the Associate Degree of Digital Media may articulate into the third year of the Bachelor of Digital Media.
Career Information
The digital revolution has dramatically changed the way we work, learn, play and communicate. It has created jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago and it has profoundly changed others. People who are skilled in the production and application of digital media are in demand. The Associate Degree of Digital Media prepares graduates for paraprofessional work within the digital media industries. Employment opportunities for graduates with relevant creative and technical expertise can be found in areas such as web design, graphic design, publishing, photography, illustration, animation, game development, software development, audio production, video production, film and television post-production, visual effects, advertising, marketing, journalism, corporate communications, education and training.
Course Details
| Duration | 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time |
|---|---|
| Credit Points that Must be Earned | 96 |
| Number of Units Required | CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24). |
| Expected Hours of Study | One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term. |
| Course Type | Undergraduate Award |
| Qualification (post nominal) | ADDigitalMedia |
| AQF Level | Level 6: Associate Degree |
| Course Fees |
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
|
Admission Codes
|
Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
|
|---|---|
|
International Students CRICOS Codes |
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.
Domestic Availability
Term 2 - 2025
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2025
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2024
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2024
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2023
On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2023
On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2022
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 1 - 2022
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2021
Online
Term 1 - 2021
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Term 2 - 2020
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2020
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Noosa
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2019
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Noosa
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2019
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Cairns
Mackay
Noosa
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2018
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2018
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2017
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2017
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2016
Bundaberg
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Noosa
Rockhampton
Sydney
Show All
International Availability
Term 2 - 2025
Online
Term 1 - 2025
Online
Term 2 - 2024
Brisbane
Online
Term 1 - 2024
Brisbane
Online
Term 2 - 2023
On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
Brisbane
Online
Term 1 - 2023
On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
Brisbane
Online
Term 2 - 2022
Brisbane
Online
Term 1 - 2022
Brisbane
Online
Term 2 - 2021
Brisbane
Online
Term 1 - 2021
Brisbane
Online
Term 2 - 2020
Brisbane
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2020
Brisbane
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2019
Brisbane
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2019
Brisbane
Mackay
Online
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2018
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2018
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2017
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 1 - 2017
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Rockhampton
Sydney
Term 2 - 2016
Brisbane
Distance
Mackay
Rockhampton
Sydney
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact
13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at
http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
| Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
Entry Requirements
English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent
English Language Proficiency Requirements
If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University.
Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:
- A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent); or
- An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification; or
- Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years full time with a minimum overall GPA 4.0
completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America.
If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:
- An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
- An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.
English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date the the date of commencement of study and must appear on a single result certificate.
International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.
Each student will be assessed individually.
Assumed Knowledge
Not applicable
Security Requirements
No information available at this time
Health Requirements
No information available at this time
Fees and Charges
Course Features
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | CC25 - Diploma of Digital Media |
|---|---|
| Exit Awards | CC25 - Diploma of Digital Media |
| Accreditation |
|
Residential School Requirements
No Residential School for this course.
Practicum/Work Placement
| Not applicable |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 20 |
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.
Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.
If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.
Examples are:
- Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity’s Student Charter, Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedure, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
- Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and professional practice.
Examples are:
- Reflecting on personal behaviour in relation to professional performance, and being receptive to constructive feedback or criticism from a supervisor or lecturer.
- Successfully processing and coping with your own emotions and behaviour when dealing with individuals in an educational or professional environment.
Examples are:
- Complying with the policies and practices of relevant professional bodies such as the Australian Computer Society, the Design Institute of Australia, the Australian Graphic Design Association, and the like.
- Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
Examples are:
- Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
- Participating in discussion activities related to the course.
- Delivering a presentation to a group.
- Using language that is appropriate to the context of the individual, group or workplace.
- Using appropriate facial expressions, eye contact, body movements and gestures, and being mindful of personal space boundaries.
- Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and responding appropriately.
- Being sufficiently aware of cultural differences to engage in culturally appropriate interpersonal communication.
- Competently using computer-mediated channels of communication such as online discussion forums, email, social media and video-conferencing.
- Producing written work with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation that clearly communicates the intended message.
- Accurately conveying and documenting information in a written form that meets professional standards.
Examples are:
- Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
- Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures in professional practice.
- Constructing written text proficiently, in English, using appropriate vocabulary and conventions of speech.
- Being able to paraphrase, summarise and reference in accordance with appropriate academic conventions.
- Competently reading, writing and interpreting information.
- Using numeracy skills to interpret and solve basic mathematical problems.
Examples are:
- Perceiving colours, tones, motion and depth.
- Perceiving fine detail on the screen of a computer or mobile device.
- Discerning an object from its background.
- Creating and editing visual designs, artworks, audio recordings, video recordings, animations, 3D models and motion graphics.
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as speech, buttons and a touchscreen.
- Operating digital media production equipment such as video cameras, still cameras, microphones, lighting kits, background kits, and the like.
- Drawing with a pencil, pen or graphics tablet.
Examples are:
- Interacting with a computer through input devices such as a mouse or keyboard.
- Interacting with mobile devices through inputs such as speech, buttons and a touchscreen.
- Operating digital media production equipment such as video cameras, still cameras, microphones, lighting kits, background kits, and the like.
- Drawing with a pencil, pen or graphics tablet.
Examples are:
- Competently using a computer operating system such as Microsoft Windows or macOS.
- Competently using a mobile operating system such as iOS or Android.
- Competently using digital media software tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
- Competently using productivity software such as Microsoft Office.
- Operating electronic devices such as video cameras, still cameras, audio recorders, graphics tablets, scanners, tablet computers or mobile phones.
Core Learning Outcomes
- 1. Demonstrate a broad range of skills and knowledge relating to theories, practices, languages, technologies and techniques in the field of digital media, with depth in selected areas
- 2. Identify, analyse, develop and evaluate ideas and information within a digital media context
- 3. Solve problems and exercise critical and creative thinking ability
- 4. Create digital media works using industry-standard software tools, with particular proficiency in selected areas of specialisation
- 5. Communicate effectively with a range of audiences using various media forms
- 6. Work independently and collaboratively in response to digital media project demands
- 7. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural and ethical issues in the field of digital media.
| Course Learning Outcomes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 1. KNOWLEDGE Have broad theoretical and technical knowledge with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines | |||||||
| 2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to identify, analyse and evaluate information and concepts from a range of sources | |||||||
| 3. SKILLS Have cognitive, technical and creative thinking skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge and ideas with some depth in a discipline | |||||||
| 4. SKILLS Have cognitive, communication and analytical skills to interpret and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems | |||||||
| 5. SKILLS Have communication skills to make a clear and coherent presentation of knowledge and ideas with some intellectual independence | |||||||
| 6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in paraprofessional practice | |||||||
| 7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt knowledge and skills in a range of contexts and/or for further studies in one or more disciplines | |||||||
| 8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Be able to adapt fundamental principles, concepts and techniques to known and unknown situations | |||||||
| 9. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work and in collaboration with others within broad parameters | |||||||
| APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity | |||||||
Animation Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Graphic Design Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Interactive Media Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Screen Production Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Course Structure
In order to complete this course, you must:
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 2 minors
Core Structure
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
|---|
Level 1 Units
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MMST11009 | Digital Video and Audio | |
| MMST11010 | Illustration and Visualisation | |
| DGTL11005 | Web Design | |
| BUSN11016 | Introduction to Study and Professional Practice | |
| MMST11003 | Visual Design Fundamentals | |
| DGTL11001 | Foundations of Animation | |
| DGTL11003 | User Experience Design | |
| DGTL11006 | Coding Fundamentals | |
Animation Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| DGTL12012 | Motion Graphics and Visual Effects | |
| MMST12019 | 3D Computer Graphics | |
| DGTL12016 | 3D Character Animation | |
| DGTL13009 | 3D Character Design | |
Graphic Design Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| DGTL12004 | Print Design | |
| DGTL12005 | Contemporary Photomedia | |
| DGTL12006 | Visual Communication Design | |
| DGTL13006 | Digital Communications Management | |
Interactive Media Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MMST12009 | Web Application Development | |
| MMST12017 | Game Design | |
| DGTL12008 | Mobile Application Development | |
| DGTL13007 | Game Development | |
Screen Production Minor
| Number of units: 4 | Total credit points: 24 |
|---|
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| DGTL12013 | Writing for the Screen | |
| DGTL12014 | Documentary Filmmaking | |
| DGTL12015 | Video Editing and Post-Production | |
| DGTL13008 | Visual Storytelling | |
More Details
Credit for Prior Learning
If you have studied previously, you might be eligible to receive credit for prior learning. Students are assessed for credit on an individual basis and are required to nominate the CQUniversity units they wish to be considered for exemption from. Applying for credit involves supplying documented evidence that your prior learning is equivalent to the expected learning outcomes of one or more units of study. There are limits to the maximum amount of credit that may be granted towards a course. Study that was completed more than 10 years ago is not considered for credit transfer. For information about how to apply for credit, please search the CQUniversity website for "prior learning".
Computing Requirements
Students who enrol in this course require access to a computer with an internet connection. Hardware and software requirements vary for individual units within the course. Details are normally provided in the relevant unit profile. On-campus students may use the computer hardware, software and production equipment that is available at their local campus.
Course Planner
Students in this course should complete a course planner to help with the organisation of their unit enrolments. When preparing a course planner it is important to check the availability of individual units by looking up their term of offer and location in this Handbook. Full-time students usually enrol in 4 units per term, and part-time students usually enrol in 2 units per term. Students can get assistance with the preparation of their course planner by contacting the Course Management team. For more information, please search the CQUniversity website for "course planners".
Exit and Interim Awards
The Associate Degree of Digital Media has an optional exit / interim award named the Diploma of Digital Media (8 units; 48 credit points). Students can ask to be awarded the Diploma of Digital Media as either an exit award or an interim award after successfully completing the 8 compulsory level 1 units from the core structure of the Associate Degree of Digital Media. The exit award is for students who want to exit the Associate Degree of Digital Media early. The interim award is for students who want to continue their studies in the Associate Degree of Digital Media. For more information about the rules governing this exit / interim award, please contact the Course Management team.
On-campus Classes
On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.