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Master of Multimedia

Postgraduate course

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Overview

The Master of Multimedia is intended for graduates seeking to utilise the potential of multimedia to enhance their professional skills (particularly those in the teaching, training or media professions), or those wishing to pursue a career in the exciting and dynamic multimedia industry. No prior multimedia or IT experience is required.  Prospective students may also wish to consider the Master of Multimedia Technology,  Graduate Diploma of Multimedia and Graduate Certificate of Multimedia.
Duration1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1, Semester 2
Study modeFull-time
Part-time (evening)
Course codeJ096
Fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Career opportunities

At graduate certificate level you can expect to have developed multimedia authoring skills and a knowledge of the interactive communication process that will enhance your employability in a range of professions.
At graduate diploma level you will be equipped to create multimedia projects using a variety of multimedia authoring tools and modalities, opening up employment prospects as a multimedia developer.
At master level, you will display a high level of competency in the multimedia development and production process and be in a position to work as an independent multimedia producer or as part of a team.
Upon completion of the appropriate program, you can pursue employment opportunities in areas such as:
  • multimedia producer/developer/programmer/network administrator
  • website developer/programmer
  • project management
  • running a multimedia business
  • instructional designer
  • interactive content creator
  • 2D/3D modeller/animator
  • multimedia advertising
  • digital media production – particularly streaming media and webcasting
  • digital signals and image processing
  • database developer
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Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Master of Multimedia is intended for graduates seeking to utilise the potential of multimedia to enhance their professional skills (particularly those in the teaching, training or media professions), or those wishing to pursue a career in the exciting and dynamic multimedia industry. No prior multimedia or IT experience is required.  Prospective students may also wish to consider the Master of Multimedia Technology,  Graduate Diploma of Multimedia and Graduate Certificate of Multimedia.

Course structure

Program Structure for students commencing in 2011
The Master of Multimedia is a nested program incorporating the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia and the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia. Students will normally be enrolled in the recommended study sequence (see below) and must successfully complete a minimum of 150 credit points (CP). In all cases, students must choose units of study according to the following rules, subject to timetable constraints and prerequisite studies being met.
Students choose units of study from four groups:
* Group 1 – Multimedia Core units of study;
* Group 2 – Multimedia Elective units of study;
* Group 3 – Co-elective units of study; and
* Group 4 – Multimedia Project units of study.
According to the rules listed below, students must successfully complete a minimum of 150 credit points (CP):
* 100 credit points from Group 1, and
* 25 credit points from Groups 2 and/or 3, and
* 25 credit points from Group 4.
Students who wish to exit the program before completing the requirement of 150 CP for the Master of Multimedia may apply for the award of Graduate Certificate of Multimedia after 50 CP or Graduate Diploma of Multimedia after 100 CP, on the condition that all requirements of the other award have been met. With prior approval, students may extend their studies by undertaking the 200 CP Master of Multimedia Technology program.
Program Structure - pre-2011
The Master of Multimedia is a nested program incorporating the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia and the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia. Students will normally be enrolled in the recommended study sequence (see below) and must successfully complete a minimum of 150 credit points (CP). In all cases, students must choose units of study according to the following rules, subject to timetable constraints and prerequisite studies being met.
Students choose units of study from four groups:
  • Group 1 – Multimedia Core units of study;
  • Group 2 – Multimedia Elective units of study; 
  • Group 3 – Co-elective units of study; and
  • Group 4 – Multimedia Project units of study.
According to the rules listed below, students must successfully complete a minimum of 150 credit points:
  • 50 credit points from Group 1, and
  • 25 credit points from Group 2, and
  • 50 credit points from Groups 2 and/or 3, and
  • 25 credit points from Group 4.
Students who wish to exit the program before completing the requirement of 150 CP for the Master of Multimedia may apply for the award of Graduate Certificate of Multimedia after 50 CP or Graduate Diploma of Multimedia after 100 CP, on the condition that all requirements of the other award have been fulfilled.

Units of study

Units of Study commencing 2011 (All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise specified.)
Group 1 - Multimedia core units of study HET743 User Experience Design
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1
HET728 3D Modelling & Animation
HET737 Multimedia Project Management
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HAM713 Professional Communication Practice
Group 2 - Multimedia elective units of study HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET732 Multimedia Development
HET748 Advanced 3D Animation and Rendering
HET824 Media Theory, DVD and Compositing 
Group 3 - Co-elective units of study (subject to availability)
HAM405 The Media in Australia
HAJM400 Journalism Practice I
HAM402 Radio Production and Criticism A
HAM411 Globalisation: Media and Telecommunications (prereq. HAM405 The Media in Australia)
HAM420 Online and Convergent Journalism (prereq. HAJM400 Journalism Practice 1)
HAM426 Communication Environments (prereq. HAM405 The Media in Australia)
HAM427 Media Public Policy (prereq. HAM405 The Media in Australia)
HAM431 Network Cultures (prereq. HAM405 The Media in Australia)
HAM433 Broadcast Journalism (prereq. HAJM400 Journalism Practice 1)
HAM434 Media Arts  (prereq. HAM405 The Media in Australia)
HBM522 Customer Relationship Management 
HBM523 eMarketing
HBN500 New Venture Development
HDG518 Information Design
HGM505 Opportunity Evaluation
HIT6402 Database Analysis and Design
HIT7420 Database Management Systems (prereq. HIT6402) Database Analysis and Design)
HIT5404 Introduction to Programming in .NET
HIT7425 Business Systems Programming in .NET (prereq HIT5404 Introduction to Programming in .NET)
HIT8324 Web Application Development #
Group 4 - Multimedia project units of study  HET811 Multimedia Project **(25CP)
HET910 Multimedia Project Design **
HET911 Multimedia Project Development **
 
Notes:
Not all units are offered in all semesters. Some units may be only offered subject to sufficient enrolments. ** HET811 may not be taken with HET910 or HET911
# Multimedia students will require a Distinction (D) grade in HET723 to be eligible to undertake this unit.
Recommended study sequence for students commencing from 2011:
First semester of enrolment
HAM713 Professional Communication Practice
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1

Exit with the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia or progress to the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia.
Second semester of enrolment HET737 Multimedia Project Management
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET743 User Experience Design
Choose one elective from Group 2 or 3
Exit with the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia or progress to the Master of Multimedia or with prior approval, Master of Multimedia Technology.
Third semester of enrolment
HET811 Multimedia Project (25CP)
HET728 3D Modelling & Animation
Choose one elective from Group 2 or 3
Exit with the Master of Multimedia  

Units of Study pre-2011  (All units of study are 12.5 credit points unless otherwise specified.)

Group 1
Multimedia core units of study
HET732 Multimedia Development
HET743 User Experience Design
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
Group 2
Multimedia elective units of study
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET728 3D Modelling & Animation
HET737 Multimedia Project Management
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
HET748 Advanced 3D Animation and Rendering
HET824 Media Theory, DVD and Compositing
Group 3
Co-elective units of study
HAL401 Cultural Convergence*
HAM411 Globalisation: Media and Telecommunications
HAM420 Online and Convergent Journalism
HAM422 Creative Writing and New Media
HAM415 Media Arts in Australia
HAM436 Remix Culture
HATC410 Effective Communication
HATC411 Developing Technical Documents
HBM522 Customer Relationship Management
HBM523 eMarketing
HBSG500 New Venture Development and Management
HDMM521 Time and Sequence Using Video ***
HDG518 Information Design***
HET706 Networks and Routing%
HET708 Internetworking Technologies %
HGM505 Opportunity Evaluation
HIT6402 Database Analysis and Design
HIT5404 Introduction to Programming in .NET
HIT7425 Business Systems Programming in .NET
HIT8324 Web Application Development#
Group 4
Multimedia project units of study 
HET811 Multimedia Project **(25 CP)
HET910 Multimedia Project Design **
HET911 Multimedia Project Development **
Note:
  • Not all units of study are offered all semesters. Some units of study may be only offered subject to sufficient enrolments. 
  • * It is recommended that HAM411 Globalisation: Media and Telecommunications be undertaken before HAL401 Cultural Convergence.
  • % Places in this subject are limited. Exemptions are not permitted.
  • ** HET811 may not be taken with HET910 or HET911.
  • #Available to Multimedia students from 2008 only. Multimedia students will require a Distinction (D) grade in HET723 to be eligible to undertake this unit.
    *** Subject to interview approval by National Institute of Design and available places.
Recommended Study Sequence
First semester of enrolment
HET737 Multimedia Project Management
HET745 Multimedia Imaging
HET746 Multimedia Authoring
HET773 The Internet and World Wide Web 1
Exit with the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia or progress to the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia. 
Second semester of enrolment 
HET732 Multimedia Development
HET743 User Experience Design
Choose two of:
HET723 The Internet and World Wide Web 2
HET728 3D Modelling & Animation
HET742 Digital Video and Audio
Group 2 or 3 elective
Exit with the Graduate Diploma of Multimedia or progress to the Master of Multimedia.
Third semester of enrolment
HET811 Multimedia Project (25 CP)
Choose two of:
Group 2 or 3 elective
Exit with the Master of Multimedia.
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives and career opportunities.

Aims and objectives

The Master of Multimedia aims to produce graduates with a broad range of multimedia production skills, in addition to an in-depth understanding of how multimedia and the Internet is revolutionising the current industry. A graduate of the Master of Multimedia 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;
  • a thorough understanding of the way end-to-end enterprise-wide technologies are changing the way business is conducted;
  • the means to participate in and understand the development of sophisticated methods of customer data management, with corresponding improvements in business efficiency and potential customer satisfaction;
  • 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.

Career opportunities

At graduate certificate level you can expect to have developed multimedia authoring skills and a knowledge of the interactive communication process that will enhance your employability in a range of professions.
At graduate diploma level you will be equipped to create multimedia projects using a variety of multimedia authoring tools and modalities, opening up employment prospects as a multimedia developer.
At master level, you will display a high level of competency in the multimedia development and production process and be in a position to work as an independent multimedia producer or as part of a team.
Upon completion of the appropriate program, you can pursue employment opportunities in areas such as:
  • multimedia producer/developer/programmer/network administrator
  • website developer/programmer
  • project management
  • running a multimedia business
  • instructional designer
  • interactive content creator
  • 2D/3D modeller/animator
  • multimedia advertising
  • digital media production – particularly streaming media and webcasting
  • digital signals and image processing
  • database developer
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Course experience

Jeanie Beh

Student testimonial - Jeanie Beh

Master of Multimedia

I went to Study Abroad Expos and spoke to representatives from various Australian universities about my interest to pursue multimedia at a tertiary level and was advised that Swinburne should be my top choice. I also heard that Swinburne has a really fantastic reputation in design and multimedia recognised both locally and internationally. Swinburne also provides students with practical skills in the courses, preparing students for the industry after they have graduated. Most importantly, the staff are very helpful and knowledgeable in their chosen fields.

There wasn't a tertiary course for multimedia in Singapore in early 2000, so my parents decided to send me to Australia to pursue my interest. Upon completing my Bachelor degree, I enrolled in IT for my Master degree, but soon realised it wasn't for me. The course was too theory based and I couldn't use any of my creativity, so after a semester, I enrolled in multimedia and have not looked back since.

I have completed my Master of Multimedia and am currently learning the ropes of running my own home-based multimedia and design studio. I have designed and developed websites for businesses such as Latte Cartelle and also not-for-profit organizations such as Victorian Music Library Inc. and GovTeen Inc. I am working with Hawthorn Community Education Centre (HCEC) to develop a promotional DVD. I am also designing and developing new websites for Morrison House and The Avenue Neighbourhood House as well as working for Swinburne's Department of Foundation Studies as a graphic designer on a casual basis.

By doing this course, I have gained the confidence to pitch my ideas to clients, to be able to provide them with professional and technical advice and to know that I have the skills and abilities to design and develop an end product that will exceed their expectations. My favourite aspect of the course was working in a team environment for our major projects - group assignments were something I looked forward to every time. I also enjoyed developing skills such as leadership and communication with team members and working with real clients/organisations on real projects. I enjoyed discussions with lecturers and supervisors as well as the sharing of knowledge with students from different educational background, and the friendships formed.

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On this page: entry requirements and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

A recognised tertiary qualification at Bachelor level (or approved equivalent). Applicants not holding a tertiary qualification, but with substantial relevant multimedia industry experience may be admitted to the Master of Multimedia course, subject to the approval of the course panel. The course panel may instead choose to permit enrolment in the Graduate Certificate of Multimedia, as an alternative option.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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.

Applicants with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be granted 'credit'. University policies apply and applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. All applications for subject exemptions should be submitted on the appropriate form at the time of enrolment. An Application for Exemption Form must be completed and handed in to the Graduate Administration Office, Faculty of Life and Social Sciences together with proof of successful completion of the previous subject(s) or evidence of uncredentialled prior learning.

Exemptions:
From 2011, commencing postgraduate Master of Multimedia students may be eligible for up to a maximum of 50 credit points (CP) of unit exemptions in accordance with the following rules:
• A 50 CP set limit for exemptions may not be exceeded.
• Exemption from Group 2 or 3 electives according to this policy does not entail a credit point award for the exempted unit. Instead, a substitute unit from Groups 2 or 3 must be taken in place of the exempted unit.
• CP from substitute units are considered equivalent to CP for exempted units in order to fulfil credit point completion rules for Unit of Study Groups.
• No exemptions may be awarded for Group 4 units.
• Exemptions are awarded for: 
  *  Equivalent Postgraduate Studies: this is granted on the basis of units successfully completed at postgraduate level. The units must have a close match in both content and academic level, and the passing score must be at least 65%.
  * Recognition of Prior Learning: this is granted on the basis of advanced standing due to authenticated, industry experience, subject to the approval of the Course Panel.
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Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees and find out more.

How to apply

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/
 

Course fees

The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Find out more

Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
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