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Master of Interactive and Digital Media

The Master of Interactive and Digital Media (MIDM) is a one year full-time course structured over two semesters and may be undertaken on a part-time basis. The MIDM is a professional development program designed to provide candidates with the conceptual and technical skills associated with the design, development and implementation of interactive websites and screen-based applications.

The course is intended for people with some knowledge of digital media who hold an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience and who wish to upgrade or consolidate their skills for personal and/or professional reasons.

Course objectives

The MIDM is a production-based program that provides candidates with an understanding and critical awareness of the methodologies and theoretical frameworks utilised in the design and implementation of screen-based interactive art and design works. Candidates learn the appropriate technologies, approaches and processes for the development and resolution of interactive-based art and design works.

The MIDM encourages the creative exploration of digital media through the use of video, sound, animation and interactivity. Students complete two major interactive-based projects over the course of study. Students are also provided with the skills of critical analysis, problem solving and professional presentation appropriate to new media practice.

Course structure and requirements

Within the MIDM candidates propose and develop self-initiated, creative projects using industry standard authoring technologies within the supportive environment of a studio-based program. The technical component of the coursework is delivered through a series of studio-based seminars that provide instruction in the use and implementation of relevant authoring programs and the development and exploration of media.

These seminars are lecture-based presentations of technical examples supported by in-class exercises. They provide comprehensive instruction in the use of current multimedia authoring tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Flash with a focus on exploring the possibilities of scripting for interactivity using ActionScript. A range of digital sound, video and image-based production techniques specific to the interactive environment are also explored

The theoretical component of the MIDM provides students with an understanding of new media forms in relation to networked space, the Internet, narrative and interactivity. The writings of key thinkers and commentators and a range of interactive and internet-based art and design projects are examined and discussed in relation to key concepts surrounding new media.

In support of the core units of the degree, MIDM students choose electives from a range offered by SCA, the Faculty of Arts, the School of Information Technology and the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning. The range of electives on offer allows students to customize the degree to suit their particular area of interest or specialisation.

In addition to the program of lectures and seminars students are provided with dedicated blocks of tutorial time to support the conceptual and technical development of their work. Students are also provided with access to studio facilities outside of class hours to develop their projects.

Academic Adviser

Candidates are supervised by the MIDM coordinator.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on the completion of all coursework for each unit of study, the completion of associated written work and meeting of attendance requirements. Please refer to Chapter 7 for SCA assessment criteria.

 

Master of Interactive and Digital Media


These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2000 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the Resolutions of the Faculty, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Course resolutions


Master of Interactive and Digital Media
1.
Course codes
Code Course title
VC033 Master of Interactive and Digital Media

2 Attendance pattern

The attendance pattern for this course is full time or part time according to candidate choice.

3 Master's type

The master's degree in these resolutions is a professional master's course, as defined by the Coursework Rule.

4 Admission to candidature

(1)
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants according to the following admissions criteria.
(2)
Admission to candidature requires:
(a)
the Bachelor of Visual Arts degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline, from the University of Sydney or equivalent institution; and
(b)
the presentation of a portfolio of creative work demonstrating the ability to undertake advanced art practise and coursework.
(3)
In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed to be equivalent and sufficient to undertake the award.
(4)
An applicant may be required to undertake preliminary or qualifying studies, and complete such preliminary examinations as the faculty may prescribe, before admission to candidature.

5 Requirements for award

(1)
The units of study that may be taken for the course are set out in:
(a)
Table A: Postgraduate core units of study; and
(b)
Table B: Postgraduate elective units of study.
(2)
To qualify for the award of the Master of Interactive and Digital Media a candidate must complete 48 credit points, including:
(a)
30 credit points from the core units of study as set out in Table A; and
(b)
18 credit points from the elective units of study as set out in Table B.
(3)
Candidates may apply to the course coordinator to substitute six credit points of Table B electives with any other postgraduate coursework unit of study in the University. Permission may also be required from the coordinator of the chosen unit.

6 Transitional provisions

(1)
These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2011 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2011 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2011 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January, 2016. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.