Handbook

The Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication course has been designed for those who want to develop a strategic and critical understanding of the role of mediated communication in society, and the new dynamics introduced by the internet and digital media. This course starts with the premise that communication processes are integral to human society and culture. From the introduction of writing, through printing, the industrial developments of the 19th century, and the more recent introduction of information technology, media technologies have had profound impacts on developments in social, political, cultural and economic fields of human endeavour. In the 21st century, the impact of media technologies is expanding to all spheres of life, from interpersonal communication to professional practice, and enabling global networks of shared interests and spearheading new industrial and economic developments.

This specialist course focuses on the role of digital media in society, and prepares you for professional environments where the production and distribution of digital media content are integral to the workplace. There are two strands of instruction. The digital media production and web design units will introduce you to the basics of image and video production and editing, website and social media design, and website analytics. The digital society units will introduce you to internet studies and the analysis of digital screen content. These strands come together in the final capstone unit which requires you to reflect on the role of digital technologies in society, and work in teams to develop an online platform that advocates awareness of social, cultural and/or political issues related to the use of the internet and digital media.

This course explores the workings of the media and will develop your skills in describing and analysing the organisation, processes, uses and effects of traditional and new communications technologies such as print, television, film, electronic and digital media, and the complex relationships between audiences, producers and policy-makers. You will learn to critically analyse the media, the structure of communications industries, and the relations between media, culture and power in global and local contexts.

You will develop your knowledge of the unprecedented change occurring in communication and media content, forms, technology and policy with wide-ranging implications for business, politics, public administration and everyday life globally. To sharpen this expertise, you will take specialised units that introduce digital and online production skills, and develop in-depth awareness of the interrelated dynamics of the internet and digital media, industry and society.

You will participate in a range of activities that develop key capabilities: creativity, teamwork, cross-cultural understanding, digital literacy, critical thinking, self-directed learning, researching and analytical writing skills.

When you graduate, you will be ready to work in areas that require a detailed understanding of the processes and contexts of digital media production and distribution.