Why study Digital Media and Design?
The backbone of the modern online and multimedia landscape
Tailored to those with basic to intermediate digital skills, this course equips you with foundational skills and hands-on experience vital for a career in the digital creative industry.
The NZQA Level 4 Certificate in Digital Media and Design (DMD) is your launchpad into the digital universe, encompassing a wide range of visual and interactive elements, including graphic design, animation, and more. During your studies, you’ll focus on crafting aesthetically pleasing and functional digital products, considering user experience and interface, along with content and channels used to share information online.
What is P-TECH?
P-TECH is a public education model designed by educators and the private sector to address the STEM skills gap. In New Zealand, P-TECH students complete a free programme that combines high school, tertiary university education, and tech workplace experience.
Upon completing the programme, you will have both your NCEA qualifications, and a New Zealand Diploma aligned to industry needs. Successful graduates of the P-TECH programme typically earn first-in-line consideration at affiliated industry partners when applying for jobs.
Course Outline
What you'll cover in this course
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Apply professional practices and creative processes of discovery, conceptualisation, review, iteration, prototyping and presentation to design digital solutions in response to a project brief
- Apply a range of technical skills and technologies to extend capabilities to design, produce and present digital media creative work.
- Apply knowledge of the elements and principles of digital media design practice to evaluate the quality of design solutions.
Component Name | Credits | Toggle |
---|---|---|
Graphic Design
|
15
|
|
Transform into a graphic design expert! Comprehend colour theory, design principles, typography, and layout techniques. Learn to use industry-standard tools like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign. Acquire skills beyond the classroom like project management and problem-solving. By the end, you'll not just be a proficient Graphic Designer but also be well-prepared for higher education and a successful career in the field.
Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a range of professional and creative processes from discovery and conceptualisation, in response to solving a design problem. 2. Using a series of technical skills and technologies, create a final digital media creative work. 3. Justify the elements and principles of design in response to a brief Level 4
DM100
|
||
Web Design
|
15
|
|
Master the art of web design! Delve into design principles, front-end web design, mark-up language, creative processes, and responsive design principles. Familiarise yourself with industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Develop skills beyond web design, including efficient project management. Enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Improve your language and number skills with basic web markup language. Grasp the workings of the professional world, from work ethics to legal responsibilities. You'll leave with a toolkit of skills that set you apart in the web design game.
Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a range of professional and creative processes from review and iteration, in response to solving a design problem. 2. Make use of a series of technical skills and technologies, to design digital media creative work. 3. Develop a presentation using a range of professional and creative processes in response to solving a design problem Level 4
DM200
|
||
Motion Design
|
15
|
|
Hone your motion graphics skills! Learn everything from planning and creating to polishing - the stages that breathe life into motion. Get comfortable with industry-standard tools like Adobe Effects and Media Encoder. Develop skills that go beyond motion graphics, focusing on project management and meeting deadlines like a pro. Strengthen your problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Boost your media and design literacy and even sharpen your numeracy skills. Immerse yourself in the professional world, learning the ropes from pre-production to production and post-production like a pro. By the time you're done, you won't just be a motion graphics whiz; you'll be a pro at handling the entire creative process. Ready to make things move?
Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a range of professional and creative processes from review and iteration, in response to solving a design problem. 2. Make use of a series of technical skills and technologies, to design digital media creative work. 3. Using a series of technical skills and technologies, create a final digital media creative work. Level 4
DM300
|
||
Portfolio Design
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15
|
|
Master the art of Portfolio Design! Understand design fundamentals, marketing yourself, and how to reach your audience. Showcase your skills through various practical assessments. Get comfortable with top-notch tools like Adobe InDesign. Develop skills that go beyond the portfolio - project and time management, understanding your audience, and getting a grip on industry know-how. Strengthen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Enhance your media and design literacy. Dive into the professional realm, learning how to approach your work like a pro and communicate effectively. When you finish, you won't just have a stunning portfolio; you'll be a pro at handling every aspect of design and self-promotion. Ready to make your mark?
Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a range of professional and creative processes from discovery and conceptualisation, in response to solving a design problem. 2. Using a series of technical skills and technologies, present digital media creative work. 3. Experiment with the elements and principles of design in response to solving a design problem. Level 4
DM400
|
Schedule
Deadline for applications: 30 January 2024
Start of classes: 14 February 2024
End of classes: 30 October 2024
Classes are on Wednesdays from 9am to 4.30pm at Media Design School’s campus, and punctuality is essential. It is important to note that classes will run during high school holiday periods, excluding the week following the boot camp, to ensure completion before NCEA exams (please refer to P-Tech Digital Media and Design calendar below).
Boot Camp Week: 15 April to 19 April, 9am to 4.30pm
Course Information
You are expected to allocate 7.5 hours each week for directed learning and an additional 7.5 hours for self-directed learning to complete assigned work and assessments.
Regular attendance is crucial for successful course completion. Attending classes ensures that you receive important information, engage with the content, and participate in discussions or activities. It's an opportunity to learn from the instructor, interact with fellow students, and stay up-to-date with course progress. Missing classes may result in gaps in understanding and could hinder your performance in assessments. You are required to maintain a 85% attendance rate to successfully complete this course.
This course is made up of four compulsory components which you must successfully complete to qualify for the certificate. Each component comprises of formative and summative assessments, which are compulsory to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter and achieving a passing grade. Neglecting compulsory assessments can significantly impact your successful completion of the course.
This course requires you to complete 7.5 hours of self directed learning each week. This involves taking initiative and responsibility for your learning. While class sessions provide guidance and structure, self-directed learning encourages you to explore beyond the classroom. It includes reading recommended materials, conducting research, practicing exercises, engaging in additional study, and completing assigned work. Being proactive in your learning enhances understanding, retention, and application of the course content, ultimately contributing to your success in the course.
Please refer to BYOD requirements below.
You can use a PC or Mac. It's important to have your own device to meet the Self-Directed Learning requirement of this course, which includes completing assessments and other course work. If you don't have a device, please reach out to your school to discuss access.
Hardware Requirements
PC
- 8 core CPU (i7 or Ryzen)
- 32gb RAM
- 512gb SSD
- NVIDIA 3000 series or higher GPU
- No older than 3 years
Mac
- macOS 13 or higher
- Apple Silicon M1 or M2 Chip
- 32gb RAM
- 512gb SSD
- No older than 3 years
Software Requirements
- Adobe Illustrator 2024
- Adobe InDesign 2024
- Adobe Photoshop 2024
- Adobe Acrobat 2024
- Adobe After Effects 2024
- Adobe Media Encoder 2024
- Adobe XD 2024
- Visual Studio Code
- Figma
Storage Requirements
- 2gb External Hard drive or,
- 2gb Cloud Storage (Drop-box, iCloud or Google Drive)
This course involves studio-based learning, where you will study with guidance and on your own (self-directed learning). The teaching and learning approach aims to support you to transition from foundation learning to undergraduate degrees. A diverse range of perspectives, including individual, group, and Māori and Pacific cultural practices, is adopted to support your academic success.
If you're facing challenges due to a disability/impairment, finding your studies difficulty or just require additional support, we suggest contacting your high school’s designated contact person, whose details are provided below. Additionally, you can contact the Digital Media and Design Course Programme Coordinator and your lecturers. Media Design School will work alongside your high school to support you as best we can with your academic success.
Eligibility
This course is only available to current students from one of our P-Tech partner high schools. Places in the course are limited, but we will endeavour to accommodate as many eligible students as possible.
Entry Requirements
- You need to be a student from one of Media Design School’s P-Tech partnership high schools
- Apart from that, all you have to do is let your school know you’re interested in enrolling, so they can send us your verified ID and a copy of your most recent end of year report.
If you wish to apply or learn more about the course, you can reach out to your school contacts listed below, or apply directly by completing the online application form.
Mangere College
Nalini Singh
n.singh@mangere.school.nz
Onehunga High School
Kristin Shaw
kshaw@ohs.school.nz
Useful Tips for Applying
If you already have a portfolio of work, that's great! Or maybe just some creative work – please feel free to upload it with your application or add a link to your awesome work – we’d love to see it!
What if I don't have a portfolio or project?
No worries if you don't have one yet! But we're keen to see your creative talents.
Useful Tips
- Show off different creative work to highlight your skills
- Balance technical know-how with creative expression
- Include personal projects that show your passion and collaborative work to highlight teamwork skills.