Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Interactive Digital Media
Course Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Digital Media is at the intersection of design, computing and content.
This multidisciplinary course enables students to develop a cutting-edge skillset using the most up to date, industry-standard technology and challenges its students to innovate and develop ground-breaking new interactive digital technologies and experiences.
Why Study Interactive Digital Media at Griffith College?
Designed specifically to address a growing need in the industry, the Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Digital Media at Griffith College is a one-year, part-time programme delivered over two evenings and Saturdays. Aiming to build upon students' knowledge of digital for an exciting career in a growing media industry, as a graduate of this course, you will:
- Plan, design and build interactive digital products and experiences.
- Challenge the history of design with a deep-dive on design theory and project to the future to anticipate the interactive needs of future generations.
- Get exposure to programming languages, platforms, design and content that will enable them to develop interactive digital creations to solve real-life problems.
- Develop a team player attitude necessary to communicate problems, ideas and solutions to all levels of the industrial team.
- Fantastic job prospects with a 100% employment record from a sample of graduates
Course Highlights
- No final dissertation required
- Small class sizes
- Access to state of the art facilities
- A dedicated experienced lecturing Team
- Industry guest speakers
Intake Dates
We run two intakes for this course, commencing in Autumn and Spring.
- September*
- February*
*subject to sufficient numbers
What our students say
I found the course to be both challenging and rewarding as it gave me the opportunity to acquire a valuable accreditation whilst enhancing my computer expertise. The modules on the course are extremely interesting and beneficial, knowledge of which will prove useful in the IT marketplace.
MSC in Computing
Course Details
Full-time students will complete the two taught stages over two semesters.
Part-time students will complete the two taught stages over three semesters.
All students choose two elective modules in addition to the core modules.
Stage One
The World Wide Web is one of the most dominant mediums through which digital media is delivered. This module will introduce students to the theories and methods behind building modern websites, which includes planning, researching, designing and coding. You will learn how to build robust web solutions using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, along with developing bespoke interfaces using Content Management Systems.
Visual communication is the transmission of information and ideas using symbols and imagery. It uses a variety of media to creatively communicate ideas and concepts that can inform, challenge, educate and transform lives. This module will equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate across different mediums and platforms while also looking into the psychology of visual communication and how people receive visual messaging.
By examining theories from sociological, cultural, and communication perspective, our learners will have the ability to conceptualise and contextualise the impact digital media has on society, its products, and services. The module seeks to develop a questioning culture amongst the learners who develop a holistic view of how technology shapes the world we live in and the world they live in shapes the technology we develop.
This core module serves to significantly deepen the learners’ research skills, both in relation to their module related assignments and later in the completion of their major dissertation/dissertation by practice. Specifically, it extends their abilities as self-directed learners by equipping them with the appropriate vocabulary for reflecting on, critiquing and evaluating their own work and that of others.
Stage Two
Interaction Design will firstly teach students how to ascertain user needs by gaining an understanding of theories and concepts of user experience design. Students will then delve into integrating design principles, processes and patterns. They will gain practical experience in designing a compelling and user-friendly digital media experience.
This module introduces learners to the fundamental programming concepts, with a focus on creating interactive, media-driven applications. The module will cover core concepts, such as variables, functions, loops, objects, and combine them with user-interfaces and graphics processing to build interactive experiences, both web-based and mobile.
This module will give students a grounding in the business of operating within the creative and communicative industries. Learners will delve into theories and practice of advertising, marketing, and finance, along with gaining an understanding of regulatory issues and government policy.
Modern digital media is delivered across a range of medium and platforms and understanding and analysing these platforms is vital to successful communication in a digital age. In this module, learners will explore a range of technologies, medium and distribution channels and discover how to most effectively disseminate digital content and run effective digital media campaigns.
Elective Modules
This module focuses on the design and development of digital games using a standard games development environment. The module has a strong practical element focussed on developing skills in game development. The learner also covers the core elements of game design and engagement with the user.
The aim of the module is to introduce learners to the fundamental theories and principles of animation and to teach the learner how to acquire the knowledge and skills that enable the production of vector-based animations. The objective of the module is to examine the conceptualisation, design, and creation of animation. Learners gain practical experience in 2D animation and begin to explore the possibilities of 3D animation.
This module introduces learners to the craft and disciplines of writing multimedia scripts. Learners learn the formatting and style requirements of writing fiction and non-fiction scripts. This module provides learners with an introduction to oral storytelling, the traditional structure of narratives, multi-story narratives, non-linear structures and unusual narrative structures.
This module deepens the learners’ understanding of 3D modelling and rendering principles. The module fosters awareness of applications of 3D and critical evaluation of existing 3D products. It encourages the exploration of creative possibilities for the integration of 3D to multimedia products.
The aim of the module is for learners to gain the necessary skills required to initiate, research and produce a design product from concept to completion. This will involve learners developing technically using relevant industry-standard software and an understanding of the principles of design theory. Learners develop an understanding of the design theory and technical skills needed in gaining practical experience in graphic design. The module explores theories and principles relating to design processes. Learners will learn the software in order to implement design ideas. Learners are continually assessed on their ability to come up with innovative ideas and how they develop these ideas and deliver work of a professional standard to an agreed deadline.
The module provides learners with an understanding of programming and information architecture principles required for the development of database-driven websites. The emphasis in the module is on server-side functionality and database access.
This module develops competency in the design and deployment of e-learning materials that facilitate learning. Learners come to understand e-learning methodology and learn how to design a formalized teaching system specifically designed to be carried out remotely. They demonstrate the ability to apply learning principles in the design of e-learning materials.
This practical module aims to equip the learner with the ability to conceive ideas and develop original material that is suitable to approach the production of a short factual item for multiplatform distribution. Learners make informed logical and creative decisions at every stage. This is a practical module, intended to equip the learners with a range of specialised video production skills such as scheduling shoots, scripting ideas, location filming, and varied editing techniques.
Course Contacts
Waseem Akhtar
Timetables
Provisionally, the course will be held on three evenings during the week.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information, please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Applicants over 23 years of age (Mature students):
Applicants over 23 years of age on 1st January 2018 must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Tuition Fees
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
EUR 7,500.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin
EUR 7,500.00
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: [email protected]
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Interactive Digital Media course have the option to continue their studies in Griffith College by progressing to the MSc in Interactive Digital Media.
Career Progression
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Interactive Digital Media students will be qualified to work as designers and creative directors in a variety of cross-disciplinary industries (e.g. publishing and the creative arts). They will be able to work effectively as team leaders/managers in the creative media industry, as well as for innovative multimedia projects that involve cross-media content and platforms.
Other careers include content/information managers, industrial and academic research, multimedia systems developers, innovative media practitioners, and as entrepreneurs capable of developing an innovative idea into a full development opportunity.
