The Diploma of Interactive Design is for people who want to learn to use their artistic creativity for developing games. It’s for people who want to get involved in the growing business of gaming.

By completing this you will be eligible to enter into the second year of a two year level 7 Diploma of Game Design which is currently being developed and will be available in Christchurch later in 2013.

In this 41 week programme you will create games in teams in a studio style setting, develop your graphical style and express your stories through games. By the end of the programme you will have developed an interactive portfolio that will show off your creative works.

Courses you will study include:
•  Game development
•  Audio and video
•  Interactive communications
•  Digital design
•  Portfolio development
•  Web design

Class sizes are restricted with an average of 18 - 20 students per class.

Course Components

• Design - how to generate and develop ideas; learn design processes for interactive media design; develop your skills in digital imaging for interactive design using Photoshop and Illustrator
• Web design - design websites to a commercial standard, using current best-practice techniques
• Audio and video production - edit audio and video for interactive projects; compress and optimise audio and video content for a range of interactive applications
• Interactive communication design and production - design and produce interactive and animated components for use in websites, CD/DVD-ROMs, kiosks and installations
• Interactive game development - create story and characters, graphic, video and audio assets for interactive games; generate scripting to complete an interactive game using Flash
• Individual project - your own interactive multimedia project, produced to a commercial standard
• Portfolio - produce an interactive portfolio of your own work.

* Course content is subject to change to ensure continued industry relevance.

Note: classes run Monday to Friday.

Assessment

• Assessment is standards-based, which means you need to meet all the standards set for a particular task.
• There are no marks or examinations.
• All projects must be produced to a commercial standard.
• You are encouraged to develop technical skills and your own design style.
• Reassessment opportunities are available.
• Minimum 80% attendance requirements apply.

Equipment & Software

Equipment

• Apple Macintosh or PC computers
• Digital cameras
• Sound recording equipment
• Video production room with studio lighting and green screen
• HP touch capable workstation and Android Smartphone for app development

Software

• Photoshop
• Flash
• Dreamweaver
• Premiere Pro
• Soundbooth
• After Effects
• Illustrator

Entry Requirements

You are required to show us your creativity by submitting examples of your work in a medium of your choice. You need a working knowledge of digital imaging software such as Photoshop and illustration software such as FreeHand or Illustrator.

Course Fees & Related Costs

Course fees

Domestic students: $6,650
International students: $18,375

Domestic course fees are GST inclusive. Course fees could be subject to change.

Course costs

For some items the cost will vary depending on the brand of item purchased or on the student’s individual needs. Students are encouraged to discuss the items, especially recommended texts, with their tutor before purchasing.

Items provided by the College

• 1 visual diary
• Software manuals
• 300 print credits
• Monthly internet quota

Essential items to purchase

• External Firewire hard drive – up to $200
• 1 digital video tape –
  approx. $15
• Headphones – approx. $60

• Recommended textbooks – up to $400
• 8GB USB pen drive – approx. $50
• Extra print credits – up to $80 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Extra internet quota – up to $100 (if you exceed provided quota)
• Sundry stationery – up to $100

Industry Relevance

• YOOBEE @Natcoll liaises closely with the web and interactive industries to ensure the latest commercial practices are taught.
• YOOBEE @Natcoll encourages students to work on real industry projects.

These connections with industry mean you will have the skills needed to hit the ground running once you finish your course.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can enter the creative industries in a variety of roles, including:

• Web designer
• Interactive designer
• Interactive game designer/developer

Further learning

Extend yourself with further study with the Diploma of Web Development or Diploma of Computer Graphic Design, or broaden your skills with the Diploma of Digital Media (Advanced).

Starting Dates