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Course Overview
The Associate Degree of Digital Media aims to prepare students for paraprofessional work within the digital media industries 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 students to focus on their individual strengths and interests by pursuing specialisations in Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Video and Animation, Journalism, or a combination of those areas.
Working within multimedia computer laboratories and production studios, students learn how to create digital media works using industry-standard software development tools and techniques. They learn how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively and work independently in response to digital media project demands.
The course can be studied on-campus or off-campus, providing maximum flexibility for students.
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.
| 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 - 2026
Indicative Year - 2025
Indicative Year - 2024
Indicative Year - 2023
Indicative Year - 2022
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
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.
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Domestic Availability
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
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Term 1 - 2023On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
International Availability
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Term 2 - 2026
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Term 1 - 2026
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Term 2 - 2025
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Term 1 - 2025
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Term 2 - 2024
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Term 1 - 2024
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Term 2 - 2023On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
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Term 1 - 2023On-campus classes with small enrolments may be taught by cross-campus video-conference rather than face-to-face delivery.
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Term 2 - 2022
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Term 1 - 2022
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Term 2 - 2021
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Term 1 - 2021
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Term 2 - 2020
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Term 1 - 2020
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Term 2 - 2019
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Term 1 - 2019
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Term 2 - 2018
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Term 1 - 2018
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Term 2 - 2017
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Term 1 - 2017
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Term 2 - 2016
| Rank Threshold | SR 60 | ATAR 60 |
Domestic students. P - Senior English (4, Sound Achievement) or equivalent
International students. P - Students are required to have an acceptable level of competence in writing, reading, speaking and understanding English.
Refer to the international student section
Not applicable
Awards and Accreditation
| Interim Awards | CC25 - Diploma of Digital Media |
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| Exit Awards | CC25 - Diploma of Digital Media |
| Accreditation |
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Residential School Requirements
No Residential School for this course.
Practicum/Work Placement
| Not applicable |
Previous and Current Enrolments
| Year | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2023 | 11 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 16 |
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 Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, Student Conduct Policy and 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.
- 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 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 | |||||||
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| 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 | |||||||
- Complete the core structure
- Complete 2 minors
- Complete electives
| Number of units: 8 | Total credit points: 48 |
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Level 1 Units
| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MMST11003 | Visual Design Fundamentals | |
| MMST11009 | Digital Video and Audio | |
| MMST11010 | Illustration and Visualisation | |
| COMM11003 | Career Communications | |
| DGTL11001 | Foundations of Animation | |
| DGTL11003 | User Experience Design | |
| MMST11002 | Web Design | |
| COMM11007 | Media Writing | |
| Number of units: 3 | Total credit points: 18 |
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| Available units | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| COMM12030 | Desktop Publishing | |
| COMM12116 | Contemporary Photomedia | |
| DGTL11004 | Digital Design and Communication | |
| Number of units: 3 | Total credit points: 18 |
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| Available units | ||
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| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MMST12009 | Web Application Development | |
| DGTL13002 | Mobile Application Development | |
| MMST12017 | Game Design | |
| Number of units: 3 | Total credit points: 18 |
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| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| JOUR11005 | Introduction to Journalism | |
| COMM12016 | News Production and Consumption | |
| DGTL12002 | Working with Social Media | |
| Number of units: 3 | Total credit points: 18 |
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| Available units | ||
|---|---|---|
| Students must complete the following compulsory units: | ||
| MMST12019 | 3D Computer Graphics | |
| DGTL13004 | Advanced 3D Animation and Character Development | |
| DGTL13003 | Advanced Media Production | |
| Number of units: 2 | Total credit points: 12 |
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Students must complete 2 elective units, which may be selected from any CQUniversity undergraduate course, provided prerequisite and corequisite requirements are met.
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.