F.A.Q.
Course
What is "Digital design"?
In this course the term "digital" simply means the use of multiple media elements used in conjunction, such as images, sounds, text, animation, and interactivity. The design of multimedia is the significant part of your learning in this course. This does not just mean the production of media, but more importantly, deciding on what sort of media to use for what sort of content. The process of working out and making the most effective combination for the specific solution is what we call "Digital Design". It is essentially about problem-solving.
Digital design is all around us: computer games, television commercials, information kiosks, movie special effects, architectural fly-thus, animation and music video clips are all Digital design. Then, there are all the things that nobody has thought of yet!
Will I learn software in this course?
Yes, computer software is an important tool in your toolkit in this course. We use software that is, as far as practical, international industry standard. But you should also bear in mind that software standards change very quickly, so rather than spending a lot of time focusing on specific software packages or versions, you 'learn how to learn'. That is: the understanding of the fundamentals of computer tools, the ability to apply knowledge of one software system to another, how to manage the learning curve and the learning process. In other words, you will acquire the conceptual skills necessary to learning any other software you may come across in your future.
It is also important to remember that computer software is only one of the skills you will learn in the course. As part of design education, you will learn other practical skills such as layout, composition, colour schemes, usability, typography, editing, drawing, and so on. You will learn all these and more in combination with the application of computer software. All these are part of the critical creative processes that actually make a difference to how well your work communicates to people.
Will I have to do programming?
A small amount of programming is introduced to students in the course as a general tool. This will be with using simple scripting languages such as, JavaScript, Actionscript, Lingo and Web markup. After that, it is up to you. There are options to do more programming, or to do none at all. In other words, you can decide what will be best as part of your learning process.
Applying
Why have an application process?
Our course requires a lot of commitment on the part of the students. People who have passion and enthusiasm in pursuing a professional practice in the design area are best suited to this degree program. Our application process allows us to find these applicants and ensure that they have the ability to successfully undertake this three year degree course.
Why don't you show examples of a good application portfolio?
We want to see your best works and we don't want you to feel that these have to conform to a particular style or form. We want to follow through the development of your working process, your thoughts, your rationale, and how these lead to your final execution.
Remember: this application process is not an "exam" with a "correct" answer.
I don't feel very confident about my work. I haven't studied any of this stuff at school. Should I apply?
If you feel you have passion for this area, you should definitely apply. We want to see what you have. Remember: just by applying, you will be developing your skills and getting a better understanding of your own interests.
Do I have to like computers?
No. However, you have to be willing and able to use computers as an important tool in the production of modern design. Digital processes open up a huge range of exciting possibilities in the design fields like interactive design and networked communication. Having said this however, you should also bear in mind that you can use a range of more traditional media like drawing, painting, printing, and photography to enhance your use of computers in your design.
I really like fixing computers/programming/playing video games. Is this the course for me?
If you like fixing computers or serious programming, you should probably look into computer science and engineering. Curtin also offers courses in this area.
If you like making games you may consider applying for this course. But if you only like playing games, then this course may not be what you are looking for. Remember: not everyone who likes eating has the qualities of a chef.
This Digital Design course is for people who are passionate about designing and producing works, be they interactive games, experimental animation, or beautiful designs. You should also bear in mind that you need to be well-versed in all aspects of design to become a digital designer, just being good in one area (like gaming) will not help you to become a good designer.
Misc
Can I get "advanced standing" or "recognition of prior learning"?
It is possible to obtain "advanced standing" or "recognition of prior learning" (RPL), but we do not offer this automatically to any previous study or work experience you may have.
Experienced industry practitioners or students who have completed part or all of another degree or diploma program, are welcome to request for advanced standing/ RPL be considered. The granting of RPL depends on the application process and the applicant's rationale in joining the course.
Why is there a different Application Kit for International applicants and Australian applicants?
The Essay and Portfolio part of both the Australian and International Application Kit are identical, and there is no difference in the standards set or applied.
The reasons for different application kits for International and Australia applicants are:
1: Australian applicants must apply both to Curtin University directly, AND through Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC). This process is more complicated process and there are many more deadlines.
2: Australian applicants are competing for Australian government sponsored (Commonwealth subsidised) places. This means that we need to have an additional step in the application process.
The Australian Application Kit is therefore longer, in order to describe these processes.
