What is Visual Media?
Visual Media is the study of the use of visual elements to convey information and entertainment such as signs, typography, drawing, graphic design, etc. Students pursuing careers in Visual Media will study the creation and distribution of visual content through design, content development, and marketing.
What 3rd Level Courses are Available?
- Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in the following subject areas:
- Creative Digital Media – the study of digital design, and technological and programming skills.
- Culture & Communication – the study of human communication and interaction
- Graphic Design – the study of creating marketable graphics for use in signs, advertisements, and television.
Studying Visual Media in College
Most first year study involves an overview of the subject. This will offer students an introduction to the foundational principles of Visual Media, including content creation, production, and distribution.
Depending on the focus of their Visual Media studies, students will likely move from exam-based modules to more hands-on production modules. Most media studies courses will combine lectures, exams, production projects, and written practical work as benchmark assessments for students.
Most undergraduate Visual Media courses in Ireland run for three or four years. In some cases universities will facilitate work or internship experience as a facet of their program.
It is common that all media-based courses will require students to complete long-term research or production projects including a final Capstone project. This will ensure the completion of a rigorous curriculum and prepare students for postgraduate studies or for their careers in Visual Media.
A bachelor’s degree in media studies is adequate for many careers in Visual Media. For example, graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start working in app development, graphic design, or animation.
Career Options
Graduating from college with a degree in Visual Media will serve you well as it equips you with a unique and marketable skill set in an increasingly digitized job market. A media degree teaches students how to think both logically and creatively as well as equipping them with invaluable production and communication skills.
Many recent graduates have entered into ‘entry-level’ careers in Visual Media working as video game and app developers, digital designers and animators, and as social media managers.
Other jobs that require a higher degree of responsibility will typically require further education, training, and/or experience to qualify for.
Related Jobs Include:
- Fine Artist
- Video Producer / Animator
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Video Game and VR Developer
- Copy Writer/Editor
- Social Media Manager
- Coding and Development Agent
- Creative Content Manager
- Digital Marketing Executive
Further Study
An undergraduate degree in Visual Media studies is often the first step towards further postgraduate study. Postgraduate students will often specialize in their choice of Visual Media format, be it typography, graphic design, commissioned artist, etc.
Visit postgrad.ie for more information.
FAQ
- What points do I need to study Visual Media?
- Different courses and different colleges will have different entry requirements. It’s always best that you check with the individual higher education institution which is available on their websites. As a general rule Leaving Cert students should have a minimum of six subjects which should include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or Four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, English, Irish or another language.
- Are there any particular qualities you need to study Visual Media?
- Students interested in careers in Visual Media will need to enjoy media and culture as well as have a desire to work creatively in a challenging job market. You will need to be collaborative, innovative, perceptive and curious as well as being able to successfully communicate your own ideas and opinions.
- Where can I study Visual Media?
- Explore your options here.
Did You Know?
- Visuals, like signs and pictures, are processed 60,000 times faster than text by the human brain!
- News and entertainment articles can generate 94% more views if they incorporate some sort of visual media element!
- 93% of all human communication is purely visual!
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