Bachelor of Creative Media (Major in Graphic Design)
Students undertaking this program will be working in a studio based environment where they will apply their knowledge and skills in the design and development of a range of graphic design projects.
Using industry standard software applications, students will explore print and screen based media and will learn creative and flexible design skills for further development or employment. A distinct focus on encouraging visual exploration and enhancing visual literacy is maintained throughout the program.
The program covers design communication, typography, page layout, computer illustration, reprographics, cartooning, image manipulation, web design and 2D animation. The main objective of this program is to create a high level of design competency in print and screen based software.
Students will also gain technical knowledge in pre-press and print. Various design projects will be delivered throughout the graphic design program, each will contribute to an electronic or print based portfolio of work.
As with all other courses offered by Qantm College, the graphic design study program is complemented with business, copyright and project management subjects to ensure our students are fully equipped and ready for the commercial world. In addition students can partake in a 13- week internship where they will get hands-on work experience and valuable industry contacts.
Qualification
- Bachelor of Creative Media (Major in Graphic Design)
Sector
- Higher Education (Australian government accredited)
Duration
- 24 months, full-time program
Entry Requirements
- Completion of the Australian year 12 high school certificate (HSC) or its equivalent
and - Pass in Senior English
Available at
- Brisbane - QLD
- Sydney - NSW
Career Options:
Some of the diverse and rewarding job roles associated with a career in graphic design are:
- Graphic Designer
- Graphic Illustrator
- Image Re-toucher
- Pre-press Productioner
- Creative Director
- Typographer
- Web Designer
Course Content
1st Year Bachelor of Creative Media (Major in Graphic Design)
Trimester 1
DES101: Principles of Design
A foundation course in the application of design principles and elements that is fundamental to all design activities. Students will enhance their knowledge and skills to effectively apply these principles and elements as well as critically evaluate their design processes.
DES102: Communication Design
This course introduces the key elements of communication that facilitate effective communication on a personal and professional basis. Students will examine communication theories and apply these practically for effective communication particularly within the multimedia and interactive entertainment environments.
MED101: Digital Audio and Video Production
In this course, the theoretical and practical implications of the use of digital video and audio are examined. Students will be provided with a range of skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for the production of digital video and audio.
DEV101: Developing Interactive Media I
In this course, students are introduced to authoring fundamentals. Students will study the core elements of authoring multimedia and the factors that effect multimedia product development. Topics include working with timelines, creating reusable objects, working to constraints of media and creating a variety of output formats.
Trimester 2
MED104: Fundamentals of Drawing
Students are introduced to the concepts and methodologies of drawing using a variety of media and concentrating on drawing from life, character design and construction.
GRD103: Digital Typography
This unit prepares students to develop a critical understanding of typographic design in social and cultural contexts.
GRD102: Design and Layout
This course builds on design and typography concepts introduced in DES101 Principles of Design. Students will reflect and critically analyse design in relation to layout, colour, concept and typography. A major consideration will be given towards layout techniques and strategies needed for print and screen design.
INT201: Narrative and Character Development
A course focused on the development of character and narrative flow for films and games. Students will study how narrative is structured in many media and explore the basic principles of character development and the strategies to implement characters into an entertainment narrative.
Trimester 3
GRD201: Cartooning and illustration
This unit builds on MED104 Fundamentals of Drawing. It will undertake basic illustration and cartooning techniques incorporating an emphasis on development and exploration of various illustration styles from realism, to stylisation and caricature. Digital exploration of various effects and rendering will be a major aspect throughout this unit. The cartoondrawing component will utilize basic construction techniques and rendering styles to create quality humorous illustrations. Particular emphasis in regards to facial expression, body language, action poses and squash and stretch will be studied.
GRD202: Design for Print Media
This unit builds on GRD101 Design in Context. It will enhance problem-solving skills by developing a methodology for the print design process. The students will be introduced to the areas of prepress, print duplication and printing theories.
MED103: Principles of 3D Modelling
MED103 is an introductory course in 3D modelling. In this course, students will be exposed to a wide range of tools used in 3D modelling, and will develop skills in the construction and manipulation of 3D models.
INT202: Scripting & Storyboarding
This course will introduce students to the concepts and practices of developing and actualising scripts and storyboards for projects in many media. The use of scripts, storyboards and animatics for different purposes and outcomes will also be examined and applied.
2nd Year Bachelor of Creative Media (Major in Graphic Design)
Trimester 4
MED102: Principles of 2D Animation
This is an introductory course in 2D animation. Students will study the historical context of 2D animation, its current applications, animation principles, and styles and methods of animation – with emphasis on 2D digital animation.
AMM204: Digital Marketing
Students are required to understand the concepts and key theories of advertising, e-Marketing and merchandising. The students will study the principles of marketing to enhance their ability to successfully promote a product or service.
NEM201: Managing New Media Projects
Examines a range of theories, concepts and methodologies for the effective project management of large-scale New Media projects. Students will be exposed to a range of industry standard tools available for the planning, tracking and overall management of such projects.
NEM204: New Media Business Compliance
With increasing global and local competition, new media businesses are required to meet various and complex standards of compliance. This course will inform students in the strategic areas of legal compliance and quality compliance. This course gives students the skills needed to:
- Understand the wide range of legal issues affecting the New Media industry including information security, copyright, intellectual property and application development.
- Critically review and evaluate New Media projects to ensure a quality product and a quality process. Testing and the implementation of standards will be addressed as well as quality assurance models.
Trimester 5
GRD401: Digital Art
This unit will extend the students’ design literacy by exploring the aesthetic and technical aspects of design. Students will explore advanced techniques in design by critically analysing, evaluating and developing a series of design concepts that will be integrated and prepared using a diverse range of formats into cohesive designs.
AMM303: Digital Project: Design and Pre-production
Requires students to complete the design of a client-driven project in the field of multimedia incorporating the key elements of their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report on, and presentation of, their design activities.
Elective Unit - Students can choose 1 Elective.
Trimester 6
Choice from Group A or Group B:
Group A
Elective Unit - Students can choose 1 Elective.
AMM304: Digital Project Production
Requires students to complete the production of a client-driven multimedia project, incorporating the key elements from their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report and presentation of their production outcomes.
NEM302: The Business of New Media
Ensures students gain an understanding of the concepts that underlie successful business and marketing strategies, with particular emphasis placed on professional practice and the financial and logistical requirements for establishing a small business in the new media industry.
Group B
AMM304: Digital Project Production
Requires students to complete the production of a client-driven multimedia project, incorporating the key elements from their field of study. Students are to maintain a record of their work and produce a report and presentation of their production outcomes.
NEM305: New Media Internship
Enables students to examine and analyse first-hand the business methodologies, communication models, production work-flows and design strategies used specifically in the New Media industry. Students will also gain an understanding of the concepts that underlie successful business and marketing strategies, with a particular emphasis placed on professional practice.
Note: entry into NEM305: New Media Internship is dependent upon industry placements and will be based on overall student performance.
