Bachelor’s programs in media arts offer students an education in the theory, practices and approaches of media design, and many programs offer students opportunities to critique and interpret art in a variety of forms. Students may specialize in a focus area of media arts, such as advertising or video production, allowing them to gain hands-on experience with specific technical applications. These and other specialization options allow students to develop skills in areas such as computer animation and graphics. Some of these 4-year programs may require a portfolio for graduation.

The vision of this bachelor of Visual Multimedia Arts at University of South Africa (UNISA), aligned to that of the university, is to become the African college of excellence in the social and human sciences by making a continuous and positive contribution in the service of humanity.

Bachelor’s Degree in Media Arts

Media arts bachelor’s programs generally focus their coursework around design processes and techniques, social issues in media, communication methods and tools, theories and ethics. Students in a media arts program may learn to create and design logos, video games, advertisements, webpages and films or commercials using current technologies. Many students produce digital portfolios that demonstrate their practical and technical abilities in media arts. Common courses include:

• Graphic design
• 3-D media
• Video games
• Web design
• Aesthetics
• Digital imaging

Popular Career Options

Graduates from bachelor’s programs in media arts may find entry-level careers in television or filmmaking, or in new media, such as multimedia, web or videogame related professions. Individuals may pursue positions as:

• Graphic designers
• Media production specialists
• Interactive designers

Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of graphic designers should decrease by 4% between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). A 4% increase is projected for multimedia artists and animators during the same decade. The BLS reported that graphic designers earned a median yearly salary of $53,380 in 2018, while multimedia artists earned a median salary of $77,700.

Continuing Education

Individuals who want to increase their knowledge and advance their positions in the professional field may choose to pursue a master’s degree or even a doctorate in media art. Graduate degrees may allow students to focus on narrower segments of the profession, such as production, engineering, software, design, technologies, media forms or research.

Students interested in art and design can earn a bachelor’s degree in media arts to prepare for careers as graphic designers or multimedia artists and animators. Graduates can expect positive job growth in the field and may choose to pursue advanced degrees to further their careers.

Department of Multimedia Arts

Level One

Semester 01

Rotation Period

Semester 02

1. Introduction to Visual Art & Multimedia
2. Life Drawing
3. Multimedia Creations

Level Two

1. Projects & Portfolio Development (Concept Development Production Technology)
2. Life Drawing
3. Web Designing & Development
4. Digital art & Typography
5. 3D Animation
6. 2D Animation
7. Illustration & Story board
8. Work shop & Field Studies

Level Three

1. History of Multimedia Art
2. Projects & Portfolio Development
3. Drawing & Creativity for Multi Media Art
4. Marketing for Creative Industry
5. Digital Painting & New Media Arts
6. Advance 3D Modeling & Animation
7. Internship (Production Environment & Field Studies)
8. Digital Video Editing Compositing
9. Multimedia Workshop

Level Four

1. Evolution of Cinema & Advertising
2. Project & Portfolio Development
3. Advance Life Drawing
4. Web Development
5. Advance Computer Graphics
6. Advance 3D Technologies
7. Production &Video/ Audio Compositing
8. Research Methodology
9. Dissertation

What is Multimedia Arts?

Multimedia Arts uses new disciplines of media to unify various art forms—such as text, graphics, sound, animation, pictures, and videos—to produce fresh concepts. With that, artists can produce quality contents such as digital arts, movies and TV programs. With the combined art and new media technologies, they redefine the meaning of art throughout the years.

Why do You Need to Get a Multimedia Arts Degree?

Anybody can become a multimedia artist, editor, or graphic artist. They can also become a cartoonist, graphic designer, and do a lot more jobs related to arts. But more than having these fulfilling careers, studying Multimedia Arts aids you more than you know. Below are the reasons why you should get a Multimedia Arts degree.

1. It boosts your overall artistic skills.

Multimedia Arts involves subjects related to video editing, animation, motion design, and graphic design. You’ll be learning these as you progress through the entire course. Thus, no matter what career you choose, you surely got the edge as a Multimedia Arts student!

2. It can help you reach a worldwide market easier.

This course also studies the different forms of media and its technology. Meaning, you can master how you can make them work to your advantage. For instance, you can use social media to make your artworks go viral. Hence, helping you build a better portfolio and gain networks.

3. It teaches diligence.

Your work may not be as good as your classmates. That said, this will make you strive harder and give more time into improving your skills. Art isn’t a natural talent, it’s a skill you can learn over time.

4. It opens a myriad of career opportunities.

If you have a Multimedia Arts degree, then you’re bound to have endless career opportunities. Today’s lifestyle is more visual than ever. With that, your skills will be needed in every business and career fields.

What Jobs Can You Get with Multimedia Arts?

Multimedia Arts degree graduates are qualified in almost every job that involves arts and design. These said, you have more career posts to choose from. You also have a greater chance of earning a high income. Who wouldn’t want to earn while doing the job they love? Check our infographic below and see the list of multimedia arts jobs that waits for you.

Telltale Signs That Multimedia Arts Degree is the Right Course for You

Now that you learned multimedia arts’ definition, it’s time for you to find out whether you’re fit for the course. Here are the common signs that will convince you to take a multimedia arts program!

1. You sketch, paint, and doodle a lot.

What’s a more obvious sign you’re into art? If you enjoy sketching, painting, and doodling, there’s a high chance you will enjoy Multimedia Arts! This degree includes digital art, computer graphics and illustration, and 3D animation, among others. With these, you’ll see your creations come to life!

2. Your room’s a mess because of your “inspirations.”

Is your room littered with posters, paintings, comic books, and everything in between? Well, it’s a clear sign you’re fit for a Multimedia Arts degree! Your room may look like a complete mess to your parents, but we know you keep them for it could inspire you or because you might need them for a project.

3. You judge books, brochures, and magazines based on their cover.

While your friends read books and magazines, you secretly assess their covers and examine every graphics, icons, and color schemes used. Plus, you enjoy flipping through pages to look for illustrations and pictures.

4. You’re a big fan of anime, cartoons, and graphic novels.

Other than being a fan of a specific series, you’re also fascinated with how they’re pieced together. You know how hard it is to create a single frame of movement, let alone a whole episode. Likewise, you love learning through watching these shows. With that, you’re hitting two birds with one stone!

5. You’re a movie junkie.

Are you one of those who look at the technical side of the movie more than focusing on the plot alone? Your friends might even find you annoying. But you just can’t seem to keep your thoughts to yourself. Most of the time, your final verdict of the movie comes along with your comments about its framing, camera angles, color schemes, and symbolism, among others.

6. You love taking photos.

What screams “I’m a Multimedia Artist!” more than your love for photography? Your thirst for making new content keeps your creative juices flowing. Sometimes, you even look for potential models to serve as your subjects for your photo shoots. Likewise, you can make almost everything look beautiful in your photos. May it be the sunset, or even a leaf.

7. Video editing and directing is your passion.

Are you always assigned to be your group’s director or video editor? It doesn’t matter, though for you wouldn’t want any other role, anyway. You’d be the happiest with your editor or director role and everybody knows it. These said, you’re perfect for a Multimedia Arts degree!