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Bachelor of Multimedia (Media Studies) 

J055     


Campus Availability Study Mode Study Level Duration
Hawthorn Full-time, Part-time (day) Undergraduate Three years full-time or equivalent part-time.

This double-major course provides the best of both worlds - theory and practice - by combining the study of media and communications policies, influences and practices with the applied and creative aspects of multimedia production - including web, 3D animation and digital video/audio. The course provides the broad coverage of a media/arts degree in conjunction with a hands-on approach to learning practical skills; the combination of both content and production. 

This course is also offered through the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Program. Successful applicants are awarded HECS waiver scholarships and will be funded for the duration of their course. Note that this program is not available to international students. For further information visit the website at: http://www.swin.edu.au/scholarships

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The Bachelor of Multimedia (Media Studies) aims to produce graduates with a broad range of multimedia production skills combined with an appreciation of the emerging possibilities of the new media. The course will equip graduates with an understanding of how the media works and to recognise the place it occupies within the broader social context.

 
A graduate of the Bachelor of Multimedia (Media Studies) should have:
  • A sound and broad knowledge of the design of multimedia applications and an appreciation of the various skills required;
  • Skills in the application of learning and instructional design principles to structured multimedia applications;
  • The ability to function effectively as an individual and in project teams, whether as manager, leader or team member;
  • The communication and management skills required to successfully manage multimedia development projects;
  • Been prepared for the rapidly evolving multimedia industry by developing their life-long learning skills and flexibility of mind;
  • An appreciation of texts in context: the various ways in which we make sense of film and media materials (TV, radio, print, new media);
  • An understanding of the political economy of media and telecommunications - including issues such as ownership, control of the media and the cultural impact of new technologies, and
  • An understanding of the changing face of multimedia, in relation to both acceleration in the use and development of technology, and its impact on society.

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This course will operate under a student workload model based on 100 credit points for a full-time academic year. One credit point is deemed to be equivalent to one hour of student work per week over a semester, whether in contact with staff or in private study. Four unit of study, each worth 12.5 credit points, will generally be taken each semester. The typical student's average weekly workload during semester is therefore expected to be fifty hours. Total student contact hours, including lectures, classes, tutorials, flexible learning and laboratory and field sessions will vary in different semesters.
 
Students choose units of study from five Study Groups:
  • Core Multimedia Studies
  • Further Multimedia Studies
  • Co-major Studies Group A
  • Co-major Studies Group B
  • Elective Studies
According to the following rules, students complete at least 300 credit points made up of:
  • 87.5 credit points from Core Multimedia Studies,
  • 62.5 credit points from Further Multimedia Studies,
  • 50 credit points from Co-major Studies Group A,
  • 62.5 credit points from Co-major Studies Group B,
  • 12.5 credit points from Elective Studies, plus
  • 25 credit points from Co-major Studies Group B and/or Elective Studies.  
Careers in the Curriculum (CIC)
In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree. Careers in the Curriculum (CIC) is an innovative unit designed to assist Swinburne students to enhance their employability and career prospects. It is usually undertaken in the second year of your course and is compulsory for all undergraduate students who commence their course from 2007 onwards. Students studying CIC will not incur a HECS or fee debt as the cost will be met by the university as part of an initiative to enhance students' career skills.
 
Final Year Experience - Major Projects
As part of the Swinburne Model for Professional Learning, all incoming undergraduates from 2007 will undertake 25 credit points of
professionally focused final year major projects within their programs of study. Entry with advanced standing may require alternate study sequences to be undertaken.

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Any Electives Plus Sequence
 
* Students may complete only one of HAM211 or HAM315
 
Note:
  • Not all units of study are offered all semesters. Some may be only offered subject to sufficient enrolments.
  • The course panel has the authority to approve additional elective studies for particular students. Such approvals will be advised to the Faculty of Life and Social Science Academic Committee.

Recommended Study Sequence

Electives Plus Sequence #2

Semester 6
HET402 Multimedia Project 2
Media Studies elective (at least Stage 2)
Arts elective (at least Stage 2)
Electives Plus Sequence #3
 
Note: 
  • In addition to the above, students must complete a compulsory unit of study HAC0001 Careers in the Curriculum to be awarded the degree.   
  • Electives will be offered subject to a sufficient number of enrolments.

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Industry-Based Learning is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree. Industry-Based Learning gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies, and is a proven advantage in the graduate job market. All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability of places. For further information visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/spl/ibl/  

The optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is currently not available to international students. However international students may be able to participate in IBL in another country, subject to the approval of the relevant Swinburne IBL Manager and appropriate immigration approval.

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Swinburne offers International Exchange Programs as well as other Education Abroad Programs to help internationalise your degree. International Exchange is an academic program allowing you to study at a Swinburne Partner Institution for one or two semesters during your degree. Swinburne's Partner Institutions offer many relevant subjects as well as a secure base to explore a different culture. Your studies whilst on exchange can be credited towards your Swinburne degree, provided they are relevant and approved by Swinburne. For further information visit the Swinburne Abroad website.

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Graduates of this program are expected to be in high demand as the media industry continues to shift its delivery to the newer multimedia platforms. Examples include: interactive content creation, journalism, public relations, communications research, advertising, information architecture, digital media production, web design, video production, animation, and architectural visualisation.

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Students and graduates will be eligible for membership of the Australasian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA).

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Successful completion of an appropriate Victorian Year 12 or its equivalent.

2009 VCE Prerequisites: Units 3 & 4 - a study score of at least 20 in English (any).

Selection mode: CY12: ENTER and two-stage process with a middle-band of approximately 20%. 

All Non-Year 12 students (NONY12) should refer to the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au 

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2008 Round 1 Clearly-In ENTER: 76.90

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Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted ‘credit’ and/or entry into the course with ‘advanced standing’. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further information refer to ‘Swinburne Pathways: Credit Transfer Guide’ at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/marketing/pathways//

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An advanced credit transfer system, known as the Pathways program, is in place at Swinburne. Through Pathways, students with one or more of a wide range of post-secondary qualifications (both local and international) can gain entry into this course with advanced standing. Certain subject requirements must be met and an acceptable standard of results achieved in order to gain admission and for maximum credit to be granted. Pathways will exist from the Diploma of Multimedia but credit has not yet been determined. For further information contact the Faculty of Life and Social Sciences.

Note: Eligibility for credit does not guarantee a place in the course; acceptance depends on the number of applicants and available places.

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Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Further details for students considering Higher Education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm

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Swinburne offers domestic undergraduate studentsCommonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or holders of an Australian permanent resident visa are classified as domestic students. All other students are considered international students.

HELP

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. HELP consists of:

  • HECS-HELP (previously HECS) – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students. It provides students with a loan to cover their student contribution amount. Students are eligible for a 20% discount if they choose to pay all, or at least $500, of their student contribution up-front.
  • FEE-HELP (previously PELS) – is available to eligible fee paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $81,600 from 1 January 2008). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.
  • OS-HELP – is available to eligible Commonwealth supported students, who wish to study overseas, with a loan to cover expenses such as accommodation and travel.

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

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Australian applicants who believe they will receive an ENTER of at least 97.00, have an opportunity to undertake this course through the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Program. For further information visit the website at: http://www.swin.edu.au/scholarships
 
Note that this program is not available to international students.

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Applications must be made through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

VTAC code: 34081 (CSP), 34083 (Int. Fee)

For further information, visit the VTAC website at: http://www.vtac.edu.au

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Tel: 1300 368 777
Email: study@swinburne.edu.au
 

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