Applied Digital Communication
Prepare for a dynamic career in applied digital communication, where you can play a role in creating high-impact websites, social media, and mobile apps. Hone your technical skills and showcase your flair for good web design.
In this highly practical subject, students will develop the applied communication, design and technical skills required to work on interactive websites, social media, and mobile apps. User-centred design associated with internet technologies is a key feature of this subject.
Graduates will be equipped to work in multidisciplinary teams that combine text, data, design and technology to address users' needs.
In the 100-level papers, you will be introduced to basic computer programming skills in C#, and learn about the principles of good web design using typography, images and forms.
Later, you'll take more advanced papers focused on creating interactive web pages using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP; and be able to produce a mobile phone app.
You'll also develop the skills to work with databases and content management systems (CMS), and be able to design infographics that enrich human understanding of patterns and trends.
Students will understand how to apply techniques that improve user-interface experiences, and gain a mastery of user-centred design through problem-solving exercises.
You’ll also be given the opportunity to design a visual brand identity for a fictional company; and apply it to create digital collateral (eg. posters) for a variety of situations.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Applied Digital Communication in these qualifications
Study Applied Digital Communication as a specialisation of
Career opportunities
- Web designer
- User experience designer
- Digital strategist
- Design director
- Social media designer
Papers
Available Applied Digital Communication papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX101 | Introduction to Programming | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Online), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Secondary School - Unistart) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper introduces computer programming in C# - the exciting challenge of creating software and designing artificial worlds within the computer. It also covers concepts such as the internals of the home computer, the history and future of computers, cyber security, computer gaming, databases, mobile computing and current researc... | |||
| DSIGN141 | Principles of Form and Design | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper develops the student's ability to recognise and utilise the basic elements and principles of design both two and three dimensionally. It explores topics related to 'thinking' and creativity with an emphasis on raising a student's creativity consciousness and attitude. The work will primarily be abstract in nature and wil... | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMPX222 | Web Development | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper provides a broad overview of the principles and technologies used in Web Applications, with practical experience of client-side and server-side programming. | |||
| DSIGN241 | Aspects of Web Design | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper presents the students with the challenge of designing, developing and publishing content for the World Wide Web, working with content management systems (CMS). The students are challenged to combine their typographic skills and their knowledge of design in order to practically solve communication design projects. | |||
| DSIGN243 | Visual Language and Information Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper offers students the possibility to explore the area of information design. By using their knowledge of principles of design, visual communication using typography and image, students will design information graphics (infographics): visual representations of information, working in the passage from data to information uti... | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMMS302 | Art for Social Change | 15.0 | 23B (Online) |
| This paper will explore how different forms of cultural and creative expression have been able to effect social change. Focus is given to effective ways and means creative arts have to challenge society's deepest assumptions and trigger perceptual change, action and civic responsibility. This paper encourages students to adopt arti... | |||
| COMPX324 | User Experience Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| An introduction to the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) where students develop skills and techniques for the design and evaluation of modern computer interfaces. | |||
| DSIGN341 | Design Systems | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper challenges students to design a visual identity system and apply it across multiple deliverables in different media. | |||
| DSIGN342 | User Centred Design | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper provides opportunity for students to develop skills in design methods. Students will solve visual design problems for diverse target audiences using theoretical and practical design methodologies. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships