Digital Media Design

Course

In London

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Duration

    2 Years

The aim of the course is provide a rounded education in digital media design. Suitable for: Those interested in Digital Media Design

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
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59 Compton Road, Islington, N1 2YT

Start date

On request

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Course programme

Digital Media Design

YEAR 1 - SEMESTERS 1 & 2
Core Modules
Creative Process 1 [30 hours]
Focuses on the examination of the thinking process during idea generation. Introduces lateral and parallel thinking through a series of experiments in direct application to course subjects like graphic design, storyboarding, sound and video production, drawing, modeling and games development. Students from stage 1 and 2 work together to develop their creative and innovative mindset through a series of design projects. Encourages systematic and pervasive creativity and innovative demeanour. Highlights the importance of experiment and aims to help students in improvisation and creation.
Communications Skills 1 [45 hours]
Communication Skills 1 provides the foundation for the understanding of basic communication. Also equips the students with the essential writing skills, reading & note-taking skills, meeting skills, the knowledge and skills of technical writing and oral presentation skills.
Colour Theory [45 hours]
Introduces students to as wide a range of colors and color combinations as possible. This will sensitize them to the myriad choices they have when working with colour in any medium.
Design Fundamentals 1 [60 hours]
Teaches specularity, ambience, reflectivity, transparency, achieving desired visual results with different materials and analysis of basic forms as an assembly of geometric shapes. Perspective introduces linear perspective systems that enable designers and illustrators to
Simulate 3-D space on a 2-D plane.
Understanding Media [60 hours]
Introduces the history of media and its impact on society. Explores the development and diffusion of various media such as print, radio, television, cable, and Internet. Students will gain an understanding of the driving forces in media; technology, government, business, and the consumer.
Drawing 1 [60 hours]
Guides students to understand the basic fundamentals of drawing. Imparts skills and knowledge of drawing from observation and the standard steps in executing a drawing.
Digital Imaging 1 [60 hours]
Introduces illustration, image editing and enhancing techniques for video, the Internet and multimedia. Covers the principles of digital imaging and various digital image-editing effects.
Storyboard 1 [60 hours]
Imparts an understanding of the role and function of storyboarding in film creation, with a special emphasis on animation. Exposes students to the technical and creative aspects of storyboarding within the different contexts of animation, live action, commercials, documentaries and other film production.
Design Fundamentals 2 [60 hours]
Covers the principles of composition, basics of typography, colour interaction, 2-D and 3-D forms. Students are able to create their individual compositions with the knowledge and skills learnt in previous modules.
Animation 1 [60 hours]
Through a series of assignments, students acquire the skills required to create realistic illusions of a structure moving in space. This module covers the basic principles of classical animation, which deals with the concepts of motion and timing.
Studio Project 2 [120 hours]
This project unites the principles of classical animation, with the knowledge and skills learnt in all art modules. A well-designed illustration of the name slate (title page) using either water colour techniques, or pencil illustration, is to be incorporated in the project; and students are also required to submit their individual portfolios comprising their best work from the semester. Finally, a complete presentation is done individually at the end of the project.


YEAR 2 - SEMESTER 1 & 2
Core Modules
Digital Sound and Video [60 hours]
Introduces the principles of digital sound and video with focus on the fundamentals of sound, video digitization and editing on a desktop computer. The different formats and optimization issues for storage and playback will be discussed.
Modeling and Rendering [60 hours]
This subject module covers the theory and practice of computer modeling & rendering. It covers two aspects of 3D animation: modeling and rendering. Students will also learn the fundamentals of 3D and they will get to visualize and create simple 3D rendered models at the end of the module. The importance of implementing own creativity is also emphasized.

Web Design 1 [60 hours]
Introduces the basic structure of the Internet and its wide range of information services: FTP, Gopher and the World Wide Web. Covers key concepts and structure of the World Wide Web and the information development process for designing and creating it. Also teaches the different publishing tools and utilities for the design and creation of web documents.
Animation 2 [60 hours]
Builds on the fundamentals of animation with additional principles and techniques of animation. Focuses mainly on fine-tuning the concepts of timing and emotion. Students will apply advanced animation skills in an animation assignment incorporating basic character design and development.
Graphical User Interface Design [60 hours]
Focuses on 3-D graphical user interface of a system for effective user support. Also teaches human factor considerations with respect to design, implementation and evaluation of the interface.
Principles of Games Design [60 hours]
Introduces the game industry, game development team composition, games design process, real time 3-D games, development of the game walking paper and non-linear interactive script writing.
Games Design Project 1 [120 hours]
Working in teams, students are expected to plan, design, develop and deliver an interactive game prototype CD-ROM title applying the principles and theories they have learnt in Games Design, Electronic Music, 3-D Modeling and Animation, and other relevant modules.

Cinematography 1 [60 hours]
Introduce students to the theories and practices of digital video production. Students will learn the aesthetics and technical aspects of lighting and camerawork. They will be required to design and implement a lighting scheme and camerawork for a given scene.
Scriptwriting 1 [60 hours]
The scriptwriting module will guide the students through the intricacies and craft of writing for the different visual mediums (film, television, game, animation). Students will familiarize themselves with the techniques and specialist skills used in writing creatively for the eye and ear rather than writing to be read, in both linear (e.g. film scripts) and non-linear (e.g. game scripts) formats.
Broadcast Graphics [60 hours]
Introduces the theory and practice of design for broadcast television. Students will understand the design issue pertaining to interlace, colour, resolution, and emerging digital formats.

Digital Film & Video 1 [120 hours]
Provides students with an understanding of the working of a television studio. Students will learn through role-play in a simulated multi-camera studio production. This is a 3-week full time module.
Audio Video Production [60 hours]
Introduction to the basics of audio-video production, including terms and practices used in professional video making, from pre to postproduction. Assignments will help students integrate into the professional workplace. This module requires students to work on nonlinear digital editing systems.
Digital Imaging 2 [60 hours]
Students will apply knowledge acquired in both GUI and Interface Design, and create visuals and metaphors that facilitate interaction between user and content. Students will develop a series of visual works and create a finished portfolio presentation. The course will cover both screen presentation and basic print production.
Real Time 3D Animation [60 hours]
The Internet presents new and difficult challenges for the 3D animator. Limited bandwidth, file size and low-resolution 2D images/3D objects are some of the issues that need to be handled properly for implementation into a web site. Considerable emphasis will be placed on low-polygon modeling techniques, texture optimization, on-line aesthetics and maintaining an overall professional production. Through a series of practical assignments, students will obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to produce real-time animation
Directing [60 hours]
Introduces the theory and technique of directing dramatic form. It will specifically analyze the works of renowned directors in world cinema.
Producing [60 hours]
Introduces students to producing for both the studio and independent production from conceptualization, budgeting, financing, production management, distribution, through to marketing.
Editing 1 [60 hours]
Introduces editing theories, technique, equipment, and procedures for both narrative and non-narrative film and video.

Optional Electives Modules
Animation Project 1 [120 hours]
Covers most, if not all, of the principles of classical animation, which deal with the concepts of motion and timing, and the principles of anticipation, action and recovery essential to character animation. Students are required to apply their knowledge and skills in their design of the characters, and create an animated interaction between two characters in a short animation clip, complete with simple sound, and/or music. Students at this stage should be proficient in drawing and creativity; this should reflect in the animation storyboard, considerable entertainment values, and editing skills. Students are also required to submit their individual portfolios comprising their best work from the semester.
2D Animation [60 hours]
Extends and explores further some of the animation characterization covered in module IT2304 along with additional techniques in animation, synchronization of sound effects, sounds and voice-overs. Also introduces the use of 2D animation software and moderate effects for the development of animation complete with backgrounds, multi-layering of digital cells and computer-aided frame-by-frame coloring.
3D Animation [60 hours]
Through a series of lectures and practical assignments, students will obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to produce 3-D computer animation.
Interactive Media Project 2 [120 hours]
Working in teams, students are expected to plan, design, develop and deliver interactive multimedia applications, with emphasis on interactivity design, applying the principles and theories they have learnt in Interactive Multimedia, Multimedia Authoring, and other relevant modules they have taken prior to doing this project. Project will be of greater complexity and industrial orientation.
Games Design Project 2 [120 hours]
Working in teams, students are expected to plan, design, develop and deliver an interactive game prototype CD-ROM title applying the principles and theories they have learnt in Games Design, Electronic Music, 3-D Modeling and Animation, and other relevant modules. Project will be of greater complexity and industrial orientation.
Digital Film & Video Project 2 [120 hours]
Provides students with the opportunity to develop and implement an independent film or video production from script to screen. They will be exposed to both the art and craft of movie-making in an independent production setting. This is a 3-week full time module.

YEAR 3 - SEMESTERS 1 & 2
Core Modules
Final Year Project [480 hours]
In this 8-month module, final year students are required to work on a project on campus. The project emphasizes self-learning with minimum supervision. The scope and nature of the project will provide students opportunities to integrate what they have learnt in their specializations, and are client-based and industrial in orientation. In addition to project, students are concurrently attending prescribed and complementary electives during this 8-month project phase.
Industrial Attachment Project [480 hours]
In this 12-week industrial attachment project, final year students are assigned to a real-life project. This attachment helps students to understand current industrial practices and the work environment. They will put into practice the knowledge and skills learned during the course. Students may also be sent overseas for industrial attachment.
Portfolio Project [60 hours]
This project requires the student to consolidate, some/all of their best works, and if necessary recreate or refine any work in both printed and softcopies version. At the end of the 3-year program, students are expected to exhibit their portfolio comprising of their best works showcasing their strengths in their area of specialization, as well as in multiple digital media competencies. Works will be arranged in a professionally designed and presented in a customized, creative and appropriate manner.
Digital Character Animation [60 hours]
Covers features such as inverse kinematics, constraints, deformation control, shape shifter and character builder. Instructions will focus on the efficient use of tools as well as the technical considerations necessary in the creative process.
Scriptwriting 2 [60 hours]
Scriptwriting for Television: This module will guide the students through the intricacies and craft of creating and writing for the exclusive mediums of Television sitcom, one-hour drama, soap, serials, tele-movie, variety and talk show, animated cartoon and live action children's program, and documentary. The emphasis will be on writing for sitcoms and one-hour dramas, the two most popular mediums in TV today. Students will familiarize themselves with the techniques and specialist skills used in writing creatively for the eye and ear rather than writing to be read, with convincing, flesh-out characters as their main players.
Advance Web [60 hours]
This module focuses on building and maintaining dynamic web sites. The students will be introduced to Web Development Methodology and tools. There will be practical lessons on integrating the backend database to the front end using Cold fusion MX, Flash and Shockwave. Dynamic HTML, Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Java applets will also be introduced. Students will concentrate on the retrieval and display of information from available databases.
Web-Based Games [60 hours]
This module provides the basic knowledge needed to prototype a simple game using Macromedia Director, basic principles of Game Design and Game Production Process as a tool to develop a 2D game as the final end product.
Motion-Capture 3D Animation [60 hours]
Provide an in-depth study of motion capture techniques in 3D animation. Through a series of lectures & hands-on practical, it will equips students with the knowledge in motion capture techniques, its setup, clean up, motion blending, and character mapping, and exporting the final realistic animation to different animation format.
Documentary Production [60 hours]
Explores the theory, history, and practices of documentary making. It will also cover the various techniques and styles of documentary production.
Asian Cinema [60 hours]
Through the viewing and analysis of a selection of feature films from predominately East Asian countries, students will develop an understanding of some of the filmmaking styles and techniques that exist in the region. Students will also examine the storytelling skills of specific filmmakers and how they can use this knowledge to inform their own filmmaking.
Broadcast Graphics [60 hours]
This module is designed to give students a comprehensive overview of the motion graphic production process using industry standard applications. In this module, considerable emphasis will be placed on fundamental concepts of digital media, motion design, editing techniques and art direction. Through a series of practical assignments students will obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to produce broadcast graphics, which embedded with audio sound track, digital images, video footage and typographic elements.
Editing 1 [60 hours]
Students learn the principles and aesthetics of picture and sound editing and how these can be utilized to enhance storytelling. Using industry standard non-linear editing systems, students will apply the many editing tools to assist them in cutting together narrative and non-narrative programs.
Complementary Electives Modules
Digital Photography [30 hours]
This module will introduce students to the theory and practice of still photography. Students will have a firm grounding on photographic technology, visual aesthetics and how to utilize these as visual designers.
Model-Making for Character Design [30 hours]
This module essentially introduces the students to the field of model making. Students are first orientated to the materials and techniques before being tasked with a specified project.
Model-Making for Film & Animation [30 hours]
This module essentially introduces the students to the techniques and materials used my model makers for stop-motion animation. They will learn how to design and create miniature sets and props for animation and film production.
Marketing 1 [30 hours]
Intro to Entrepreneurship [60 hours]

Digital Media Design

Price on request