Associate Degree of Digital Media

Rank thresholdATAR: 60 SR: 60
Duration2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Location
Online and
Next start termTerm 1, 2025
Study modeOn Campus, Online
Course codeCC26
First-year fee
$13,554 (Indicative) (CSP)
Digital Media students filming a guitarist in front of a green screen.

Overview

CQUniversity's Associate Degree of Digital Media can prepare you for para-professional work in the digital media industries. This course will provide you with skills and knowledge that can be applied in a variety of fields associated with design, technology and media. The flexible course structure allows you to focus on your strengths and interests by pursuing minors in graphic design, interactive media, screen production, animation, or a combination of these areas.

The Associate Degree of Digital Media can prepare you for paraprofessional work within the media and communications industry by providing practical skills and relevant theory that can be applied in a variety of fields associated with design, technology and media.

The course's flexible structure allows you to focus on your individual strengths and interests by pursuing specialisations in Graphic Design, Interactive Media, Screen Production, Animation, or a combination of these areas.

Working within multimedia computer laboratories and production studios, you will learn how to create digital media works using industry-standard software tools and techniques. You will learn how to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work independently and collaboratively in response to digital media project demands.

The course can be studied on-campus or online, providing maximum flexibility.

The Diploma of Digital Media is an optional exit / interim award within the Associate Degree of Digital Media and the Bachelor of Digital Media.

The Associate Degree of Digital Media is an optional exit / interim award within the Bachelor of Digital Media.

Graduates of the Diploma of Digital Media may articulate into the second year of either the Associate Degree of Digital Media or the Bachelor of Digital Media.

Graduates of the Associate Degree of Digital Media may articulate into the third year of the Bachelor of Digital Media.

Study experience

Career Opportunities

The digital revolution has dramatically changed the way we work, learn, play and communicate. It has created jobs that didn’t exist a decade ago and it has profoundly changed others. People who are skilled in the production and application of digital media are in demand. Completion of the Associate Degree of Digital Media will prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in fields such as:

  • web design
  • graphic design
  • publishing
  • photography
  • illustration
  • animation
  • game development
  • software development
  • audio production
  • video production
  • film and television post-production
  • visual effects
  • advertising
  • marketing
  • education and training

Structure & Availability

Course structure

You are required to complete 16 units including eight core units and two four-unit minors in either graphic design, interactive media, screen production, animation.

Unit information

For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.

Credit transfer information

If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

On-Campus Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2025Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton
Term 2, 2025Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Rockhampton

Online Availability

IntakeLocations
Term 1, 2025Available Online
Term 2, 2025Available Online

Animation minor

Learn how to execute high-quality motion graphics and visual effects, 3D computer graphics, 3D character design and 3D animation using industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe After Effects. 

Graphic Design minor

Build your knowledge of key concepts within visual communication design, print design, contemporary photomedia, and digital communications management. Plus, develop skills and know-how with industry-standard software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. 

Interactive Media minor

Explore your curiosity within the revolutionary world of web application development, game development and design, and mobile application development. Plus, you'll learn to use technologies such as the Apache web server, the PHP scripting language, the MySQL database system, and the WordPress content management system.

Screen Production minor
Explore your creativity and storytelling ability with techniques in visual storytelling, video editing and post-production, audio production, writing for the screen, and documentary filmmaking in your minor studies. Plus, you'll develop skills and know-how with industry-standard software such as Adobe Premiere and Adobe Audition. 

This course has no residential schools.

Requirements

To be eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

Student and course profiles

View the student and course profiles for this course and learn about CQU's Undergraduate Profile for Term 1, 2024 via our Institute Profile. 

Institute Profile

During your study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative first-year fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.

Commonwealth Supported Places

This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

HECS-HELP Loan

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.

We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.

Explore scholarships.

How to apply

How to apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your application options

Extra admission information

Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.