About Multimedia Design

About this field of study

Multimedia Design is very much on the cutting edge of technological and industry developments. As the name suggests, designers working in the field of multimedia use imagery, typography, video, sound and computer computer-based interactivity to communicate. The field includes basic digital animation, computer graphics, storyboarding and digital interfaces for web design and design for interactivity.

As an academic learning programme, part of your studies will require focused research into visual culture and cultural theory as it becomes relevant in the field of multimedia design. This will enable you to position your own thinking as a designer in relation to a broader study of images and how they operate meaningfully in society today.

Areas of employment include interactive design consultancies, advertising agencies, marketing and promotional companies, and television and film production houses.

Programmes offered:

BA Multimedia Design
BA Honours Multimedia Design

What will I qualify with?

Programme Outline

BA Multimedia Design

1st Year. Because Multimedia and Graphic Design are closely related, the first year of study shares with Graphic Design the need to develop thinking and visualization skills which can drive technology in a creative and meaningful way. Research and drawing as a thinking as well as an observational tool are given as much emphasis in this course as in the graphics course. However, as students select electives, they are introduced to methods for depicting the movement of imagery and text through space and over time.

2nd Year. Year two extends effective design problem solving to consider more carefully the relationship between the client, the message and the audience or end-user.  Methods of conceptual planning related to visual and textual narrative become the focus for structuring meaning and engaging the audience. Illustration, photographic and computer skills are taught to assist this structuring of meaning in practical projects. The subject of Critical Studies will introduce the student to visual cultural theory as it pertains to a study of diverse imagery in design. The intention is to enable critical thinking through focused reading and discussion around theoretical discourse.

3rd Year. This year of study focuses on Multimedia as a new tool for creativity. You are given practical projects in which to apply the skills and knowledge learned in the previous years. The emphasis is on preparing you for the working world and the development of a professional portfolio. You will use specialized computer software packages for producing interactive design solutions and adding post production effects to video projects. The subject Critical Studies will give you the ability to form, create and rationalise design and theoretical arguments located within the scope of visual culture and provides you with a theoretical and practical foundation in visual communication, for further study.

Programme Outline

BA Honours Multimedia Design

This course is aimed at the future leaders in design. It equips you to adopt and develop a critical perspective on design and place an argument within current discourses addressing social, economical, political or cultural issues. Through a trans-disciplinary approach to design, you are able to critically engage with topics that are of personal interest and produce independent research material, whilst gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience through engaging with like-minded individuals and professionals from Graphic, Multimedia and Interior design related fields. Critical Studies is made up of two parts – both of which emphasise different skills. Part A is a course work programme in which you are required to read extensively and complete topic specific research to resolve prescribed briefs. Part B is a research report in which you demonstrate academic competency and enact a theoretical and analytical position in relation to selected case studies as well as your own work.

Programme Outline