Graduate Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Filmmaking)

The specific aims of this programme are:

• To provide a programme with specialist discipline areas that will promote and enhance the knowledge base, skills, and professionalism of creative media and digital film students.
• To produce dedicated, professional practitioners who hold a qualification which is highly regarded by employers.
• To prepare students for life-long learning, with the desire to constantly update their knowledge and skills within a changing work environment.
• To stimulate students to develop an inquiring and analytical approach to problems and issues, and to encourage independent judgment and creative thinking.
• To promote a wider understanding and appreciation of creative media and digital film.

Electives

Students may choose a maximum of 45 credits from the following Level 6 papers:

BDM202 Audio Techniques 

This paper is intended to further students’ understanding of the possibilities of digital audio and file based editing and collage. The paper also introduces an understanding of music as it relates to film, and students are given the tools necessary to communicate accurately with music professionals.  The paper deals with the recording and manipulation of digital sound. Using industry standard software, students learn to record directly to hard disk, improve poor recordings, create a sound montage as a background track, and edit sound to a digital video playout.  The paper introduces an understanding of sound design. Students have direct experience with creating and editing sound effects, ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), Foley and music as they relate to film. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of music composition using MIDI or similar means.

BDM204 Screenwriting II

The Hollywood screenplay is arguably one of the most important literary forms of the last century. Consequently, there is a wealth of material available on the writing and structuring of the Hollywood style screenplay. Although this paper deals with the conception, structure and writing and editing of a feature length screenplay, it is intended that the student is able to use the Hollywood screenplay as a model for the structuring of a story in any media form.

BDM207 Film Theory and Criticism

The aim of this paper is to further develop students' critical understanding of film theory and criticism.  Students will examine and debate topics and arguments surrounding Post-War cinema. 

BDM227 Motion Graphics and Compositing

Students will critically analyse and evaluate tools and techniques, design processes and production of integrated 2D and 3D motion graphics, resulting in the creation of a short film.

BDM233 Pre-production Techniques

In this paper students will learn advanced techniques in pre-production. As well as being able to schedule a professional project, students will examine the structure and involvement of departments involved in developments of a major film project. Students will develop documentation and artwork for a professional proposal for a short film project.

BDM234 Cinematography

The aims of this paper are to provide theoretical understanding and practical application of the lighting and camera tools and styles used in digital cinema production. Students will be expected to develop skills to an industry standard level for both location and studio situations.

Elective 1
An elective paper at Level 5 or 6 may be taken from the SIT Bachelor of Digital Media or another degree - to be approved by the programme manager. Prerequisites may apply.

Compulsory (Level 7 papers)

BDM331 Digital Video Project

In this paper, knowledge and skills gained in earlier papers are further developed. Students are required to operate within a deadline-driven studio production environment, producing a collaborative short film. Students will build critical time, leadership and management skills, while producing and directing a specialist film project. 

Elective 2
An elective paper at Level 7 may be taken from the SIT Bachelor of Digital Media or another degree - to be approved by the programme manager. Prerequisites may apply.

Graduates will be able to use industry standard digital filmmaking software to create a digital video project. They can apply knowledge of sound, screenwriting and video editing techniques that meet film industry requirements. This programme leads graduates to further study or employment in the digital media sector.

Application by Academic Qualification

Entry is open to degree graduates who have graduated successfully from a bachelor degree programme or can demonstrate equivalent, relevant, practical professional or educational experience in a related discipline.

Additional Criteria

In addition, the following requirements also apply to applicants in all admission categories.

• Applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence of having successfully completed English instruction to a level deemed appropriate by the head of faculty. Evidence may include official transcripts and/or recognised English test results, such as IELTS and TOEFL.
• The head of faculty will determine the maximum number of students permitted to enrol in the programme. All enrolments in the Graduate Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Filmmaking) are approved at the discretion of the Programme Manager in consultation with the Head of Faculty and teaching staff, as required.

Portfolio Requirements

All applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their work with their application. Requirements are as follows:

• Portfolio One: examples of films online e.g.  a playlist or collection on Youtube or Vimeo. This should showcase the applicant’s skills and experience in filming and editing regardless of whether a documentary, scripted or experimental approach is utilised.  
• Portfolio Two:  Students should also submit at least 10 examples of photographic work that illustrates their photographic skills. We will be looking at both the technical and artistic ability in the photographs, everything from exposure through to composition of the submitted images. 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Prior Learning: This course is designed for applicants who have already worked in the industry and need to hone their skills or already have a degree in a related field (fine arts, graphic design, film, 2D animation, gaming etc).
• Statement: hand written statement X 1 A4 page (outlining your interests and goals within the programme e.g. why are you choosing film as a career).
• Referees: two specific references/testimonials from previous employers/lecturers who know you well and are able to recommend you for postgraduate study. Please include contact details.
• Interview: a time will be arranged for you to meet with the programme manager or appropriate staff member following the assessment of your application.
• Established Skills, Motivation & Passion: We are looking for a high level of skill, competency and motivation. Applicants must be proficient at self-driven research and analysis. This is a very intensive year suited to those who are committed to excelling in this exciting industry.
• Links to on-line portfolios and showreel accepted.

Every candidate for the qualification of Graduate Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Filmmaking) is required to follow to the satisfaction of the Board of Studies, a programme of study for a minimum period of one year. Each year of study comprises two 17 week semesters.

The overall programme of study for every candidate requires 120 credits for successful completion of the qualification.

Individual papers may have specific pre-requisites or other knowledge/skill requirements, which may be required to be satisfied by students.

Candidates may withdraw without penalty, provided they do so before the approved withdrawal date for the programme. Refunds and other financial arrangements attached to the SIT Zero Fees Scheme are detailed on the application form, and in the SIT Student Handbook and Policies and Procedures Manual of the QMS.

In order to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Filmmaking), the student will have been credited with all required papers and electives as specified in the programme schedule.

A student completing the Graduate Diploma in Digital Media (Digital Filmmaking) will normally be expected to complete the one-year programme (full-time equivalent) within 3 years.

Notwithstanding the requirements set out above, the Head of Faculty with the approval and recommendation of the Board of Studies may allow a student a longer period to complete the programme.