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Bachelor of Creative Media

Bachelor of Creative Media

Level 7

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Develop skills as a creative image maker in UCOL's Bachelor of Creative Media. Combine a range of digital technologies and arts - covering illustration, videography/filmmaking, 3D/animation, photography and design.

  • UCOL Bachelor of Creative Media studentUCOL Bachelor of Creative Media student
  • Ryan Meta - Woman and SkeletonsRyan Meta - Woman and Skeletons
  • Animation illustration - Yi LinAnimation illustration - Yi Lin
  • Group t-shirt project by second year creative studentsGroup t-shirt project by second year creative students
  • Second year illustration studentsSecond year illustration students
  • Art by third year creative student James ScottArt by third year creative student James Scott
  • Swimming pool - first year creative student Reuben ParrSwimming pool - first year creative student Reuben Parr
  • Sea - second year creative student Shae GroveSea - second year creative student Shae Grove
  • Book design by second year creative student Sharlene LucasBook design by second year creative student Sharlene Lucas
  • Sleeping - first year creative student Tyler SiglySleeping - first year creative student Tyler Sigly
  • Infographics - third year creative student Susanna ChowInfographics - third year creative student Susanna Chow
  • Web design - second year creative student Sophie DouglasWeb design - second year creative student Sophie Douglas
  • Church - second year creative student Sarah McFadyenChurch - second year creative student Sarah McFadyen
  • Book design - second year creative student Sarah McFadyenBook design - second year creative student Sarah McFadyen
  • Tea - second year creative student Ori BismarkTea - second year creative student Ori Bismark
  • Warrior - second year creative student Michael CarterWarrior - second year creative student Michael Carter
  • Fruit - third year creative Jeff CliffordFruit - third year creative Jeff Clifford
  • House - third year creative student Evan McKayHouse - third year creative student Evan McKay
  • Fire fighter - first year creative student Emily SmithFire fighter - first year creative student Emily Smith
  • Album cover - third year creative student Chris StoneAlbum cover - third year creative student Chris Stone
  • Album covers - third year creative student Chris PercyAlbum covers - third year creative student Chris Percy
  • Baking book design - second year creative studentsBaking book design - second year creative students
  • Wine - third year creative student Alisha RitsonWine - third year creative student Alisha Ritson
Quick info

Level: 7

Locations: UCOL Manawatū in Palmerston North

Duration: 3 years, full-time (part-time options are available)

Dates:
08 Mar 2021 - 26 Nov 2021

Domestic Fees: *
$7,591.00Scholarship info

Find out if you're eligible for fees-free study

International Fees:*
$21,500.00

Additional Fees
Compulsory course costs may apply.

* Fees are indicative only, and are inclusive of the student services levy and GST (goods and services tax). The fee shown is for one year of study.

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Equip yourself with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and expertise for working and contributing to the growing global creative industries with UCOL's Bachelor of Creative Media. Mix and match a range of subjects within this multi-discipline degree - 3D/animation, design, photography, illustration & video/filmmaking.

The creative industries represent specialities across a range of digital technologies, arts and design-based disciplines. The knowledge and skills associated with these specialities are now an integral part of many employment opportunities driving innovation, solution sourcing and business.

Work-integrated learning
Complete the third year of your degree by immersing in the “workhub” with real clients - getting truly ready for industry. This work-integrated learning component comprises 380 hours of work experience. You'll learn how to apply concept creation, logic, imagination, intuition, critical thought and reasoning to the creation of meaningful outcomes for clients in the workplace. You'll develop a multidisciplinary approach in context of cultural and ethical influences, enabling you to contribute to the creative industry solutions and outputs in New Zealand and around the world.

 

Keen to know more? Check out this video made by the class of 2017 and staff.

 

 Career & Study Outcomes

 
UCOL's Bachelor of Creative Media prepares students for professional careers within creative industries that contribute to contemporary visual culture. Potential employment pathways include:
  • Photography (commercial, portrait, wedding, architectural & many more) 
  • Graphic design/illustration (design app graphics, marketing resources, web sites, user inter- phasing, concept development)
  • 3D/animation (storyboard artist, illustrator)
  • Visual journalism (photo journalist, documentary maker, infographics designer)
  • Video (television producer, television director, documentary maker)
To find out more about possible job prospects and salaries, see Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Occupation Outlook for Designers and Artists and Photographers.

 Course Information

Why do you study at UCOL and this programme? Because we are here to help achieve your dream!
 
You have lecturers available to give face to face feedback making sure you are on the right track for improvement. When critiquing your work, we can read your expressions and see your body language to help us understand what is being perceived. We are focused on getting you to be the best you can be - by having lecturers and leaders that care about your progress forward at all times with those smaller classes. Additionally, excellent wellbeing and educational support systems, community and Industry connections enable you to engage with real-world experiences before you are on the job. Have a look through the content here and see what suits you and how the multimedia can mix for you. A person is more employable with dual skill sets.

Year one

Semester one: To start with, you are able to explore each creative area – illustration, photography, filmmaking, design and 3D/animation. Alongside this, you will explore a range of digital technologies required in these areas. Learning occurs through projects and exploring a way to communicate in regards to the arts, through design and digital technologies.

Semester two: Choose your three specialist areas – from illustration, photography, video/filmmaking, design and 3D/animation. Create projects that use these subjects through individualised workshops whilst learning more ways to communicate about arts and with others. A community of arts-focused people starts to develop.


Visual Language (Semester 1) (15 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of composition within visual practice, through the principles of gestalt, colour theory, colour psychology and terminology.

Digital Technologies (Semester 1) (15 credits)
Learn appropriate selection and application of processes and techniques associated with current digital technologies.

Creative Media 1 & 2 (Semester 1 & 2) (30 credits each)
Gain introductory skills in a range of practices such as design, photography, video/filmmaking, illustration, 3D/animation and visual journalism. Start by exploring each specialisation and then choose three workshops a week (or more). Start developing a professional persona within the creative industry.

Visual Communication (Semester 2) (15 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of visual communication, including the development of conceptually based compositions with a consideration of the relationships between author, intent, image, audience and context.

Contextual Studies (Semester 2) (15 credits)
Gain an introduction to a range of theories and issues that are relevant to contemporary creative media industry, learn the conventions of academic writing and be able to present information formally by essay and verbal delivery.

Year two

Semester one: Now choose two specialist areas – from illustration, photography, filmmaking, design and 3D/animation. Create projects that use these subjects through the workshops as co-ordinated multimedia or specialised subjects, whilst completing a whole-semester personal project and implementing communication strategies.

Semester two: Hone a strong skill set in your specialisation areas. This is the first stage you are gently introduced to the “Workhub” and start working with real clients. Slowly and steadily, you work on business skillsets and understanding how to be a freelancer, employee or business owner. Also, this year you are learning the soft skills needed out there in regards to communication and managing self to succeed. 


Digital Technologies 2 (Semester 1) (15 credits)
Learn how to apply high quality visual techniques and processes, supported by research, critical development and experimentation to communicate and present your ideas.

Creative Media 3 & 4 (Semester 1 & 2) (30 credits each)
Workshop based skill development with exploration in problem solving. Apply informed problem solving and critical reflection to the creation and production of creative media outputs. Gain knowledge of current professional creative industry techniques, standards, practice, protocols and responsibilities. Develop advanced conceptual and perceptual skills, problem solving techniques and learn how to justify your creative media choices, from ideation through to final resolution.

Critical Studies 1 (Semester 1 & 2) (30 credits)
Further your understanding of the relationships between theory, research and professional creative practice, by exploring research concepts and methodologies that support an appreciation of cultural and historical influences surrounding contemporary creative media practices.  

Industry Practice (Semester 2) (15 credits)
Explore and understand what business looks like in the creative industries and how you can use your skill set to enhance your employment prospects. Undertake 80 hours of work experience to develop skills and attributes associated with professional business and marketing practices in the creative industries.

Year three

This is the hardest and the best year. You are concentrating on significant projects now. Your skill sets are becoming very refined and your communication and problem solving are getting stronger. You're learning to negotiate with clients in the workhub, think in a solution based manner, and creating seriously cool work in the commercial industry of arts, with nonprofit organisations, UCOL and partnerships that support UCOL and our students.

You also work all year on a project for you that is well researched and is for your portfolio. Being a year-long project enables you to explore and grow. The work forms an exhibit at the end of the year. Family and friends join in and celebrate your degree success. Next year you are off to gain employment in areas you love. What a better career could there be? Of course, we are biased..

 

Critical Studies 2 (Semester 1 & 2) (30 credits)
Produce a resolved multidisciplinary creative media project, underpinned by a sound research process that addresses current and developing industry trends. 

Industry Immersion 1 & 2 (Semester 1 - 30 credits, Semester 2 - 45 credits)
This is where all your study and work comes together. Work as teams and individuals in "The Workhub" with real clients on real jobs - 120 hours of work experience.

Professional Portfolio and Exhibition (Semester 1 & 2) (15 credits)
Using your research from Critical Studies 2 to create a portfolio to show future clients or employers. At the end of this course you will be work-ready with a graduate exhibition at a curated gallery.


Previous Related Programme

The Bachelor of Creative Media has merged the best from the Bachelor in Applied visual Imaging  and integrated it with industry immersion to enhance a students employability - ensuring we continue to be industry focused for our students.
  • Bachelor of Applied Visual Imaging (no longer offered)

 

 Student & Staff Profiles

  • Tricia Falkner

    Tricia Falkner

    Programme Leader for Creative Industries

    Tricia Falkner is the Programme Leader of the Creative Industries.

    Meet Tricia
  • Steve Leurink

    Steve Leurink

    Illustration Lecturer

    Steve Leurink is a creative, an artist, a designer and an illustrator. It is as though it has been embedded in his DNA.

    Meet Steve

 Domestic Entry Requirements

Applicants under the age of 20 years must have University Entrance

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

OR 
Provisional enrolment (defined by NZQA as being Discretionary Entrance and includes the following clauses:

Discretionary enrolment may be granted to those applicants under the age of 20 who:
  • Are New Zealand or Australian citizens and Permanent Residents under 20 years of age
  • Must have a minimum of 14 credits in an approved subject at Level 2 towards NCEA
  • Must also have met the literacy and numeracy standards required for University Entrance
Students accepted under the provisional admission requirements must pass all Year one courses before progressing to Year two.)

 

For more information about NCEA Credits see UCOL's NCEA explained page.

 International Entry Requirements

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international students.

English Proficiency Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for international students is IELTS Academic score of 6 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent, including TOEFL).  IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.      

Under 20 years of age
For international applicants under 20 years of age who do not hold NCEA, International Academic Qualifications Entry Criteria apply.

 

 Advice & Guidance

UCOL's Bachelor of Creative Media is a three-year programme comprising 360 credits.

Prospective students should understand that the Bachelor of Creative Media requires a high level of motivation, commitment and attendance.  You need good organisational skills and a high level of initiative in order to be able to generate ideas and complete project work. If there are any health issues, it is important that these are declared in order for us to provide guidance and support for academic success.

Work experience
There are 380 work integrated learning hours for this programme. This is excellent for when you finish your studies and start looking for work. You can inform your future employer that you have industry experience.

 

Timetable
Your personalised timetable will be available just prior to classes starting, and will comprise a weekly commitment of:
  • 20 hours of lecturer supported learning in class
  • 20 hours of self-directed learning (your own time spent working to complete your assignments)

Classes run from Monday to Friday and there may be one evening class. If you need a timetable before arriving, please contact UCOL. Students sometimes need to earn an income to support their study. We recommend a maximum of 10 hours per week. 

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

  • National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
  • Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
  • Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
  • Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.

Recognition of prior learning
Up to two-thirds of the qualification may be credited via recognition of prior learning.  In exceptional circumstances, this amount may be increased by the Faculty Board of Educational Improvement. Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes they can demonstrate specified competencies.

 

 Additional Costs

Compulsory Course Costs 2019 - Year One

UCOL's Bachelor of Creative Media is a multidisciplinary degree. In your first year you'll choose a minimum of three workshops per week from video, design, photography, illustration and 3D. You'll need to allocate money for project assessment completion and necessary equipment of up to $1,000.00 as follows:
   
Memory cards
To use DSLR cameras at UCOL you'll need a memory card. In your first year, you'll use a Canon 700D.
  • 8GB SD card - $50
Hard drive
Creative Media requires a lot of storage – a minimum 1TB hard drive is required. Note that many students prefer to purchase a 2TB hard drive.
  • 1TB hard drive - $110
Pen drives/USB flash drives
  • Two 8GB pen drives - $13 each ($26 total)
Equipment Bond
To use equipment out of class time, a bond for the use of cameras, tripods, Wacom tablets and other equipment must be paid. All students are required to pay this, which is refundable at the end of the year, if no damage to equipment has occurred.
  • Equipment bond - $80
Additional Printing
You will be supplied with a $50 print credit at the beginning of the year. However, in order to complete the programme, additional print credits will be required. Please note that this is a minimum guide.
  • Video - $40
  • Photography - $120
  • Illustration - $50
  • 3D - $20
  • Design - $50
Mounting Boards/foam core (front or back)
  • Video - $20
  • Photography - $80
  • Illustration - $50
  • 3D - $40
  • Design - $50
Glues
One can of 3M spray mount glue (product defined, as we have found this is the best one and is industry standard) and double-sided tape.
  • 3M spray mount glue and double-sided tape - Up to $40
Visual Diaries
A minimum of two A4 books for use as a visual diary (may be digital)
  • Two A4 books - $30

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: A loan for course-related costs is available from StudyLink of up to $1000. 

 Accreditation

The programme is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the provisions of the Education Act 1989, and Universal College of Learning (UCOL) Trading as Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is accredited to teach it.

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