The Diploma runs for two years full time?
2. Can you study part-time?
At the moment, no - but we are hoping to offer a part-time mode in 2010. Watch this space.
3. How many days (or hours) am I expected to attend per week?
This varies from Semester to Semester. But generally speaking the Diploma of Illustration requires students to attend at least four full days a week (usually, from 9am until 12am and 1pm until 4pm). Basically, we brag that we have more contact hours between staff and students than our university counterparts. It's a very practical, hands-on course. The expectation is that you should also spend at least 15 hours a week working at home (or in a studio) outside of the course.
4. How much does it cost?
Very good question. At the moment the course 'fees and charges' are based on eligibility, age and previous qualifications. You MUST be an Australian resident to apply.
ELIGIBLE applicants pay approx: $2,435
INELIGIBLE applicants pay approx: $5,381
To establish if you are ELIGIBLE for a Government subsidised place (cheaper) please contact the Visual Arts Department by phone: 9269 1231 or by email: visualarts-info@nmit.vic.edu.au
ELIGIBLE applicants pay approx: $2,435
INELIGIBLE applicants pay approx: $5,381
To establish if you are ELIGIBLE for a Government subsidised place (cheaper) please contact the Visual Arts Department by phone: 9269 1231 or by email: visualarts-info@nmit.vic.edu.au
5. Are there any other charges?
Like all visual arts courses, you will be required to purchase some essential materials, equipment and tools. It really depends what you already have at home. If you didn't have any art materials at all you can purchase our complete Illustration Art Kit from our main supplier Eckersleys for around $640. Most students just order the stuff they don't already own. You will also find that you will have to top up on supplies from time to time. As far as paper stock goes, we will supply most of the paper or surface stock required throughout the course.6. Is there a lot of theory in the course?
Look I know that art and design students generally don't like the theory subjects but you have to do it. The good news is that the course is mostly practical and there is only about 20 percent theory involved. For example, you learn about Health and Safety, setting up an exhibition, self promotion, running a business, dealing with clients, legal issues, customer relations, communication and even history of art and illustration. Very important stuff to know.7. How important is drawing or knowing how to draw?
With a course like this - it's pretty important. But having said that, many of our students start this course with such low self-esteem about their creative ability and have basic drawing skills but by the time they graduate they are pretty damn good. Very good in fact. So yes, some drawing ability is important but you will learn to improve and do so much better by the time you leave.8. What about digital skills?
What about them? No seriously, like most courses in the 21st century, digital skills are important. Although we will teach you how to use industry standard software such as the Adobe suite of PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign, DreamWeaver and Flash there is no pressure on you to shift entirely into the digital domain. In fact we find most of our graduates leave with a rich mix of both traditional benchtop methods and digital skills. Also, before you enrol, we recommend that you have a basic understanding of how to use a computer (you know, navigating and house keeping). We use Apple Macintosh computers and Adobe CS4.9. Do students get a lot of contact with the industry?
Absolutely - as much as we can and as often as we can (within time constraints and the availablity of our industry representatives). Throughout the two years of the course you will be invited to attend various industry-based forums, seminars, workshops, etc. On top of that, there are always exhibitions to see and people to meet. We have a policy to always invite industry experts to come and meet and talk to our students. These can include children's book illustrators, publishers, animators, print / editorial illustrators, digital artists, textile, graphic or fashion designers, and other relevant people.
