Certificate in Digital Media Design
Course Summary
This fully online course (funded by Springboard+) will give students extensive knowledge, understanding and competencies across a wide range of digital media design principles and practices including: digital media design theory, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, digital marketing and digital animation.
Important notice about this course
COURSE NOW FULL AND CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS
This course is supported by Springboard+. You can find more information on Springboard by clicking here.
Digital designers use creativity and computer skills to produce design visuals that are viewed on screen and print based media. Target mediums for digital design include social media platforms, web based services, digital billboards, multimedia presentations, pitch decks, advertising, digital marketing bulletins, and other specialised design services.
The aim of the Certificate in Digital Design course is to provide students with a strong balance of technical knowledge and theory in current digital, graphical, editorial and digital marketing design. The student will have an understanding of various design principles and visual communication theories. This theoretical grounding will compliment their practical skill-set, in turn benefitting their overall capabilities as a creative practitioner. This course will also provide the student with a solid grounding in researching their target audience, and understanding the role of user research in the design process and for the creation of design across divergent digital mediums. The digital design course will encourage enterprise and the development of entrepreneurial skills, behaviours and attitudes. Throughout the course students will be challenged to consider design and media production issues from a variety of cultural perspectives.
Digital Visual Communication - View Module Descriptor
Employ and manipulate materials and practical skills to successfully communicate ideas.
Motion Graphic Fundamentals - View Module Descriptor
Show an understanding of various animation principles and build on visual communication theory in motion.
Branding & Editorial Design Fundamentals - View Module Descriptor
Demonstrate the ability to use Industry standard image editing, vector editing and desktop publishing packages.
Digital Marketing Design Concepts - View Module Descriptor
Synthesize broader multimedia knowledge with advertising theory in order to create effective cross-media advertising campaigns.
Entrepreneurship for Digital Industries - View Module Descriptor
Identify the key skills and abilities necessary for successful entrepreneurship.
Work placement for Digital Industries - View Module Descriptor
Assess personal growth and professional performance in the work environment through reflective practice.
(Please note: If you are employed, you can complete the work placement module with your current employer. If you are unemployed, DKiT will endeavour to find a suitable placement for you).
The programme comprises five taught modules over two semesters followed by a four-week work placement within the web/digital sector.
- Semester 1 (Spring: January to May)
- Semester 2 (Autumn: September - January)
The online classes will be roughly 15hrs a week. The course will be taught using an online learning approach, providing a balanced learning experience that is both a structured and flexible learner experience for students. This will accommodate students in active employment.
At the beginning of the programme students will attend a one-evening face-to-face (F2F) induction on the Institute campus, for students to acquaint themselves with each other. There will be a four-week part time work placement at the end of the programme.
Graduates of the programme will have a detailed knowledge and understanding of both the creative and developmental strands within the Digital Media Design discipline and will be skilled in the use of a range of digital media. They will be equipped to follow career paths in the following broad categories:
- Digital media designer - providing information architecture, high-quality designs, graphics, mock-ups, prototypes, and layouts for social media platforms, web-based services, digital billboards, multimedia presentations, pitch decks, advertising, digital marketing bulletins, and other specialised design services.
- Graphic/digital designer designs graphic content and layout for both print and digital platforms.
- Web designer / front end developer – integrating visual elements into web pages.
- Digital marketing designer- Develop creative designs for marketing and advertising.
A fee of €385 (subsidised by Springboard+) applies to employed/self-employed applicants.
It is FREE to unemployed people via the Springboard scheme. Find out more on springboard eligibility criteria here: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
This programme is designed for anyone who wishes to develop their design skills for Digital Media Design, they will also gain an understanding of current and emerging industry work practices in digital media marketing, web design and other design services.
The entry requirements for the programme are as follows:
The standard minimum entry requirement for first year admission to Level 7 courses at DkIT is:
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
→ INCLUDING At least one H5 Grade, OR Minimum Points Score of 200
→ AND Mathematics Grade F2, O6 or H7
→ AND English Grade O6 or H7 OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements but who have significant relevant experience in the technology or media sectors can apply under the Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy that allows for the recognition of both formal and informal learning, non-accredited personal and professional education and work-based learning.
The RPL Application process would include an appraisal of a relevant ‘online’ portfolio of digital web/visual work.
RPL Applicants who are applying with a portfolio will be short listed for a subsequent interview.
To apply for this programme via the Springboard+ scheme, you must meet the eligibility criteria (click to read) in addition to the minimum entry criteria listed above.
This course is designed to cater for potential applications with a keen interest in the creative industries and who wish to gain knowledge in Digital Design and Digital Media related industries. They will gain an understanding of current and emerging industry work practices in digital design, digital media marketing, web design and other design services
Sebastian Gates (Lecturer and Course Academic Co-ordinator)
Email: sebastian.gates@dkit.ie
Sara Farrell (Springboard Administrator)
Phone: +353 (0)42 9370291
Email: springboard@dkit.ie
| Course ID | DK_IMDIG_7 |
| Course Type | Flexible & Professional, Springboard |
| Study Mode | Part-Time |
| Level | 7 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Fees | FREE to those in receipt of an eligible DSP/Springboard payment | A FEE OF €385 APPLIES TO EMPLOYED / SELF-EMPLOYED APPLICANTS |
| Starting Date | Week commencing Monday 23rd January 2023 |
| School | School of Informatics & Creative Arts |
| Department | Creative Arts, Media and Music |
| Credits | 40 |
| Awarding Body | DkIT |
| Apply to | Springboard+ |
| Delivery Method | Online |
How to Apply
Please remember to upload required documentation (scanned copies of your existing qualification(s) and your CV) with your online application to expedite academic assessment.
