STREAMS

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY

Multimedia Technology I
(5 ECTS)

Multimedia Technology II
(5 ECTS)

Networks and Internet Technology
(5 ECTS)

Emerging Technologies & Trends in the Digital Media Industry
(5 ECTS)

Law Ethics & Copyright in the Digital Media Industry
(5 ECTS)

MULTIMEDIA APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT

Web Development I (5 ECTS)

Web Development II (5 ECTS)

Programming in Java Script
(5 ECTS)

Database Technology
(5 ECTS)

Introduction to Multimedia Programming
(5 ECTS)

Introduction to Server-Side Programming
(5 ECTS)

Intermediate Server-Side Programming
(5 ECTS)

Intermediate Multimedia Programming
(5 ECTS)

Rich Media Programming & Web Services
(5 ECTS)

Content Management
(5 ECTS)

Instructional Design
(5 ECTS)

XML Technologies
(5 ECTS)

Educational Technology
(5 ECTS)

CREATIVE MULTIMEDIA DESIGN & DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION

Graphic Design I
(5 ECTS)

Graphic Design II
(5 ECTS)

Audio I
(5 ECTS)

Digital Design& Animation I
(5 ECTS)

Video I
(5 ECTS)

Digital Photography
(5 ECTS)

Digital Design & Animation II
(5 ECTS)

Introduction to 3D Modelling & Digital Animation Production
(5 ECTS)

Audio II
(5 ECTS)

Video II
(5 ECTS)

Interaction Design
(5 ECTS)

Advanced 3D Modelling and Digital Animation Production
(10 ECTS)

COMMUNICATIONS

Media Writing
(5 ECTS)

Social Media
(5 ECTS)

Public Relations
(5 ECTS)

Web Analytics & Advertising
(5 ECTS)

Applied Communications
(5 ECTS)

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Interpersonal Development
(5 ECTS)

Effective Teamwork
(5 ECTS)

Portfolio
(5 ECTS)

Professional Development & Employment Placement
(10 ECTS)

Management of Multimedia Projects
(5 ECTS)

Portfolio & Exhibition
(5 ECTS)

Project
(10 ECTS)

Entrepreneurship in the Digital Media Industry
(5 ECTS)

Semester 1 (Year 1)

Multimedia Technology I

This module aims to give students a firm understanding of the fundamentals of computer architecture as commonly found in desktop computers, handheld devices and personal communicators and convergent devices. It also explores the technologies required to transfer and store large amounts of digital information.

Web
Development I

Web Development I aims to introduce the student to the World Wide Web and associated technologies. The module will enable the student to source information on various standards and specifications related to the World Wide Web. This will provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to create standards compliant (X)HTML web pages.

Graphic Design 1

Graphic Design 1 is concerned with introducing students to the fundamental elements of graphic design for multimedia. This subject will enable students to become visually aware and acquire a working knowledge of Colour Theory, Typography and the basic principles of Concept Development for graphic design.

Audio I

This module develops student’s technical and creative abilities to produce audio for new media by explaining digital audio and production and creating audio recordings for new media.

Media Writing

By developing media writing skills, students learn to produce content for print publications and digital media outlets. A selection of tasks, including press releases, feature story writing and technical reviews, help develop the necessary analytical skills to write critically. The best elements of production will contribute to a personal portfolio of work for potential employment as a creative developer.

Interpersonal Development

This module is designed to equip participants with an understanding of their own skills and capacities. It will include an exploration of learning styles, identifying and learning how to articulate their own strengths and capacities. The module allows participants the opportunity to develop their own interpersonal skills and capacities and the skills to articulate a message to others using effective presentation techniques.

 Semester 2 (Year 1)

Multimedia Technology II

This module explores the fundamental concepts of operating systems with a focus on the management of memory, peripheral devices, file systems, system security requirements and system administration.
Students will also be exposed to different types of operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Unix and OS X

Web
Development II

Web Development II aims to extend the student’s knowledge and skills in the area of web development. Students are introduced to the usage of cascading style sheets (CSS) for formatting, layout and presentation of content on various media devices. The module also aims to inform the student of web accessibility requirements, web usability and to the usage of visual editing tools and web based content management systems.

Programming in JavaScript

This module builds on previous Web Development modules and shows students how to add interactivity to web pages using a popular web programming language.   

Graphic Design II

Graphic Design II will place more emphasis on the use of technology as an additional medium with which to develop and produce graphic design. Through the use of design theory and practice students will engage in a number of different areas concerning the graphic design industry. A number of outside projects will be produced throughout the semester, enabling students to acquire an understanding of the design industry.

Digital Design
& Animation I

This course will introduce students to the concept of Identity Design and the design of Logos for digital media. Students will be introduced to the principles of drawing and perspective and to Disney’s 12 principles of animation. Students will produce a short 2D animation where they will design a cartoon character and create suitable backgrounds with convincing perspective.

Social Media

Blogging, podcasts, vidcasts -- these productions get top-to-bottom creative treatment along with perspectives about globalisation, development of genre, and media representation.

Semester 3 (Year 2)

Database Technology

The Databases and Information Retrieval (YD see above) module aims to give students an understanding of database technology and familiarise students with mainstream database platforms. Students learn how to design databases and use the SQL language to create, update and query databases. On completion of this module students will be able to build database backends that can service interactive websites and advanced multimedia applications.

Introduction to Multimedia Programming

This module introduces students to the ActionScript scripting language. The module aim is to build on the students knowledge of the Flash editing environment and the relationship between graphical objects and ActionScript programming. The student will learn how to use ActionScript to add interactivity and functionality to their Flash applications and to develop applications for mobile devices.

Video I

This module helps students gain an understanding and practice of the procedures involved in digital video pre-production, production and post production. It also introduces students to the necessary technical and creative skills required to produce original digital video material.

Public Relations

From traditional press releases to more engaging elements of social media, students produce content that fits broadsheets and broadcasts. Classroom discussion of essential readings explore important issues in the conduct of effective public relations, complemented by case studies that highlight ethical conduct.

Effective Teamwork

Effective teamwork introduces the basic principles and challenges of effective team working. It also explores critical and creative thinking techniques for problem solving and decision making in teams. The module will be primarily experiential and will make use of a variety of learning methods and activities. Participants will be encouraged to draw on their own experiences and will have opportunities to apply their learning throughout.

Semester 4 (Year 2)

Networks and Internet Technology

Introduces and explores the concepts in the areas of: digital communication; multimedia information representation. This course will provide students with fundamental networking skills so as to enable students to perform networking tasks that are relevant to the multimedia workplace.

Introduction to server-side programming

This module will introduce students to what is known as server-side programming. Many web sites today are actually programmes which, for example, allow you to order books, upload a photograph, send email messages, and much more. Such web sites are built using server-side programming, that is, the web site program is in a computer called a web server. This module teaches the student a programming language called PHP which can be used to write server-side programmes.

Digital Photography

This course will provide the student with both the creative framework to compose a photograph and the fundamental technical knowledge to edit, enhance and optimize images for the web or print environment. Digital photography will be combined with other media such as Macromedia Flash to create a simple frame by frame animation showing how versatile Digital Photography can be.

Digital Design & Animation II

This course develops two main areas: Digital Design and Animation. It creates an awareness and understanding of Corporate Design and Branding in digital media. It looks at areas such as Interface design, Logo design and Typography. It also, develops the student’s analytical drawing skills focusing on modelling, cross hatching and colour techniques.  These drawing skills will be integrated into the animation environment where students will use soundtracks, voiceovers and sound effects to enhance character development and create a sophisticated 2D animation.

Portfolio

Throughout this module students will engage in the production of a portfolio, with input from other modules in the programme. Areas covered are Planning, Design, Style, Oral Presentation, and Electronic Presentation. Work is will be analysed and put through various presentation methods to develop an entry level, industry standard portfolio.

Professional Development & Employment Placement

This module consists of both a taught and work experience element. In the work placement element participants will get relevant practical work experience in companies and organisations in Ireland and overseas over a three month period. The placement is a partnership between the employer, the student and the college, ensuring proper supervision, evaluation and relevancy to the degree programme.
The taught element of the programme is designed to improved the employability skills of participants through the developing an understanding of the skills required to be successful in the work environment including CV and interview preparation and  the skills of working effectively with others.

 Semester 5 (Year 3)

Intermediate server-side programming

This module will teaches students more advanced server-side programming techniques such as how to write a web site that allows users to upload a file or an image and how to write a web site that allows users to log into the site using a username and password. The module will also introduce students on how to write web sites that integrate with web services, which are web sites that provide a service such as manageing your photographs, allowing you to draw maps and selling your products. Popular web services are Flickr, Google Maps and Amazon.

Intermediate Multimedia Programming

This module builds on the students knowledge of ActionScript programming introducing established programming concepts such as Object Oriented Programming. The student will learn to dynamically load and use external media and assets such as images and other Flash files. The student will also learn how to control playback of audio and video using ActionScript.

Introduction to 3D Modelling and Digital Animation Production

3D modelling and animation has opened up new horizons for visual creativity by turning concepts into visual reality. The course introduces the participants to both theory and hands-on practice of 3D graphic and animation design. Upon course completion, participants will be able to produce professionally executed 3D graphics and animations using industry standard software.

Audio II

This module aims to develop students skills in digital audio production & mixing and gain further knowledge and expertise in professional audio software packages.

Web Analytics

Few college programmes incorporate as many timely elements of real-world online advertising as this module on Web Analytics. Classroom tutorials explain complex ideas about how a page earns its top ranking in search engines, how to mount an online web advertising campaign and how to detect click fraud.  All the proficiencies learned in the module stem from meeting milestones on a syllabus-directed client brief, just like in the real world.

Management of Multimedia Projects

Management of Multimedia Projects introduces the learner to project planning and management concepts and tools and identifies the key elements of a project and constraints thereon. The module will have a particular emphasises on team-based projects in the area of multimedia development.

Semester 6 (Year 3)

Rich Media  Programming and Web Services

Throughout this module the student will work with web services to create useful dynamic Flash animations. The student will learn how to integrate server-side technologies such as PHP and MySQL into their programmes, creating rich database driven applications for the  PC and for mobile devices using Flash Lite ActionScript.

Video II

This module builds upon Video I to further student abilities to produce quality digital video results. Studio Production, Motion Graphics and alternative methods of output are the focus of this module.

Interaction Design

This module aims to produce a creative designer with a speciality in Interface Design and Design for Devices. It will introduce students to information design and focus on giving students the ability to produce instructional animations for Computer Based Training Applications. Usability and accessibility will be central to the design process.

Portfolio and Exhibition

The overall aim of this module is to provide students with the ability to create and present a professional portfolio for entry to industry and to assemble an exhibition made up of work from across the programme. By working through a series of projects, students will assemble an exhibition of their work. The module provides students with an understanding of the industry standard of writing for visual media. It also aims to equip students with a working knowledge of the professional conventions and language of the industry.

Team Project

The Team Project module requires the student to work as part of a team to design and build a complex multimedia application that integrates various types of digital media.  This module also aims to develop the project planning and management capabilities of the student and provide the student with the experience of using project management and collaborative tools as part of a team based multimedia project.

Semester 7 (Year 4)

Emerging Technologies and Trends in the Digital Media Industry

This module explores new developments in mass communications and looks at connected technologies that affect our lifestyles. Guided discussions include work by thinkers, commentators and futurists who outline new challenges facing those who live online.

Content Management

The aim of this module is to provide a framework for the management and control of the full range of information types and formats and to create a fuller appreciation of real-time publishing.

Instructional Design

This module introduces instructional design principles and techniques, and it examines current learning theories and instructional development models.

Advanced 3D Modelling and Digital Animation Production

This module will advance students skills in 3D modelling and design techniques. The module will provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to Design and develop advanced computer generated scenes and objects for the every aspect of the Digital Media Sector.  Students will create an animated movie to showcase an original character creation, which will be enhanced by using advanced computer generated graphics

Entrepreneurship in the Digital Media Industry

The module provides students with an appreciation of entrepreneurial activity and behaviour, examines entrepreneurial theory and research, considers the entrepreneurial personality, hopes to encourage an enterprise mindset and looks at supports available to nascent entrepreneurs.

Multimedia Project

As part of the requirement for the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology (Creative Multimedia), each student must complete an individual multimedia project. The Multimedia Project module aims to develop the research capabilities of the student and their expertise in applying this research in the design and implementation of a complex multimedia project. The module also provides the student with an opportunity to complete a significant multimedia project in an area that they wish to specialise.

Semester 8 (Year 4)

Law, Ethics and Copyright in the Digital Media
Industry

This module allows learners to reflect upon issues of control and protection as they operate in a global electronic society.  In particular by considering issues such as regulation of virtual worlds, the interaction of ethics and intellectual property and matters of free speech, privacy and electronic surveillance learners will develop a process of logical and reasoned legal thought appropriate to digital mediums.

XML Technologies

This module focuses on XML (eXtendable Markup Language) and the supporting technologies of XML. It has an emphasis on developing dynamic, data-driven systems that deliver content in a variety of media types (HTML, text, PDF, and graphics) to a variety of devices (desktop and mobile devices) and audiences.

Educational Technology

This module introduces instructional design principles and techniques, and it examines current learning theories and instructional development models.

Applied Communications

By writing essays and producing podcasts for iTunes, students develop a sharper understanding of the historical philosophies affecting Ireland in the 21st century. This means approaching selected third level topics from three separate directions--language, technology and sociology.