Programme: |
Digital Design (2022/2023) |
Study Cycle: | First Cycle (Undergraduate) |
Faculty: | Contemporary Sciences and Technologies |
Programme Code: | DD-240 |
Academic year: | 2024 / 2025 |
Title: | Bachelor of Science in Digital Design |
ECTS: | 240 (4 years) Accrediation |
Decision: | Decision for starting of the program |
The study program of the first cycle in Digital Design is a modern program, with a practical approach that combines digital technology with creative design. The content and subject structure of the study program will enable students to acquire knowledge and practical skills to create, design and develop interactive and engaging digital products, services and experiences, as well as 2D/3D graphic content. Students will also have the opportunity to develop the professional skills needed to work in the digital industries, and especially their role would be very creative in the rapidly evolving digital media industry. The aim of the study program is for students to get acquainted with creative technologies and motion design, to master UX design and development for the web, digital graphic design and video production, digital photography, 3D design and 3D animation. Through this study program, students will advance their skills in designing and developing more complex digital artifacts for current and future mobile, web, and IoT applications that include 3D design and animation, media aesthetics, graphic motion, and comprehensive augmented reality.
High-level graphic designers and rich media artists who can use computer skills to create imaginative designs are in high demand. Expertise in graphic design is important for entry into and advancement in publishing companies, in-house design departments, graphics, advertising, public relations, sales and other visual arts occupations. Rich media artists are in demand as the internet continues to gain acceptance as a primary channel of communication. Persons skilled in digital designing can expect to be in increasing demand and earn good salaries.
Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding in the field of study that builds on general secondary education and qualifications for entry into higher education.
Demonstrates the knowledge and understanding needed to analyse the demand in digital design at local or global level problems and to synthesize innovative design solutions for varying degrees of complexity.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of digital culture and related design processes.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of digital tools and computer language.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of creative digital design solutions of various natures, graphics, audio, video, websites, and other multimedia projects.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of computer programs, algorithms, and data, and will be used to create new innovative design solutions.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding to encourage creativity in order to upgrade existing skills.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the entire digital media industry, knowledge that is expected to enable them to explore the market and develop a thriving career in the digital design industry.
Applying knowledge and understanding
The acquired knowledge and understanding of professional problems can be applied in the preparation of basic or other types of detailed projects or documentation, from all domains of digital design.
Applies knowledge and understanding based on knowledge of various concepts from the theory and history of digital design and contemporary theory and practice in the process of creative digital design solutions, taking into account aesthetic requirements and societal needs.
Making judgement
Demonstrates the ability to retrieve, analyse, evaluate, and present information, ideas and concepts from complete, incomplete or limited relevant data, for key areas in the digital design process.
Demonstrates the ability to select appropriate methods, tools and skills applied to specific conditions and varying degrees of complexity, scale, and type of digital designs.
Communication skills
Demonstrates the ability for communication and the ability to use graphic, written and oral communications in the service of conveying their own ideas and needs of the user in the process of creating and implementing projects in the field of digital design.
Demonstrates the ability to participate in expert discussions, uses consultations on specific issues in complementary areas, and is able to assume professional responsibility in the team.
Learning skills
Demonstrates the ability to self-identify their needs for continuing education and professional development, engage in modern forms of learning and introduction to digital design innovations, and can critically evaluate the appropriateness of learning methods, their impact on knowledge, skills, competence, and practice relevant to professional development.
Semester 1
-
[C2222]
[6 ECTS]
Fundamentals of Programming
The course offers an introduction to programming and covers concepts such as basic data types, arithmetic, operators, input-output commands, conditional structures, loop structures, functions, recursion, algorithms dealing with arrays and matrices, search and sorting algorithms, pointers and pointer operations, declaration of custom data structures.
-
[C2221]
[6 ECTS]
Introduction to Digital Content
The aim of Introduction to Digital Content course is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge of the "new media" or digital content and the revolution it has created in communications, commerce, and entertainment. To understand and master the various types of digital content that is uses today such as: text, graphics, sound, video, and animation. Understand the computer hardware and computer software to create digital content. Students will gain knowledge about various types of digital content, the multimedia development and identify issues in multimedia development.
-
[C2224]
[6 ECTS]
Visual Expression
In this course, students will learn to use drawing as an expressive and communication method. From sketching a character to designing an environment with perspective or defining a storyboard to explain the cinematic of a game.
-
[C2223]
[6 ECTS]
Linear Algebra
This course is designed to train students with the concepts and methods that form the basis of the linear algebra. Linear algebra occurs everywhere. Concepts of the subject are used continuously used anywhere without being named as such. The integral is linear, the derivative is linear and so on. Most of the applications of mathematics in "real life" comes to expression through the linear part. This is very important knowledge that will always be important for students in this direction. After completing this course students will be able to use and apply linear equalities and their resolution. Algebra for matrices. Linear transformations and how they are used for the application. Vector spaces. Inherent values and vectors of the real matrix. Determinants and orthogonality. The important goal is to link linear algebra with other areas with or without the use of mathematics.
-
[3 ECTS]
Albanian/Macedonian Language
- [BAM1010] Albanian Language for Beginners 1
- [BAM2010] Albanian Language for Beginners 2
- [BS018] Macedonian Language for Beginners 1
- [BS152] Macedonian Language for Beginners 2
- [MLIL-01] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 1
- [MLIL-02] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 2
- [MAPP1010] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 1
- [MAPP1020] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 2
- [3 ECTS] English Language
Semester 2
-
[C2226]
[6 ECTS]
Image Editing and Manipulation
Aims of the course program: Identify terminology, advantages and limitations of image editing software; use digital editing tools; manipulate, create, and edit digital images for print or web.
-
[ACS-104]
[6 ECTS]
Internet Technologies
The main objective of the course is to give students a practical knowledge of basic mechanisms, services, and protocols of the global network - Internet. The course provides mastering of the overall architecture of an effective, scalable, and secured web page. The students will acquire deep technical knowledge of XML, XHTML (lists, tables, figures, multimedia, and forms), CSS (formatting, styles and layouts), and JavaScript (variables, conditions, loops and functions).
-
[C2225]
[6 ECTS]
Creative Thinking
Aims of the course program: Personal creativity is a valuable resource for individuals and teams involved in all industries. It is useful for artists, writers, and students, but also in business and science. This course is designed to serve the interest and needs of all these endeavours and more. This course offers several creative tools with explanations of how to utilize them. Creativity is an elusive concept, but it can be nurtured and developed. These eleven lessons look at creativity from every possible angle. Prompts to inspire creative ideas are included along with exploration of broader concepts central to creative work. Naturally creative people will be assisted in reaching their full potential and anyone at any level of creativity can develop the skills to generate more and better ideas. Vertical and lateral thinking are explained including many useful applications for both. The lessons detail the skills needed to utilize observation, imagination, and abstracting. The process of forming patterns, using analogies, and accessing body thinking are laid out in ways that are easy to understand and use. Mental tools are fully explored, but also emotional tools such as aesthetics and empathizing. These concepts are combined in ways that make for the best possible uses for all types of people in all professions. The course also looks at logic and reason from the standpoint of incorporating creative ventures. After these eleven lessons, users will have a vast resource of tools and processes for developing personal creativity. Each lesson also has brief quizzes to assist with recalling and reviewing key points of the lessons before moving on. There is no other course or resource that takes as extensive of a look at creativity and its uses as this one.
-
[3 ECTS]
Albanian/Macedonian Language
- [BAM1010] Albanian Language for Beginners 1
- [BAM2010] Albanian Language for Beginners 2
- [BS018] Macedonian Language for Beginners 1
- [BS152] Macedonian Language for Beginners 2
- [MLIL-01] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 1
- [MLIL-02] Macedonian Language Intermediate Level 2
- [MAPP1010] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 1
- [MAPP1020] Macedonian Language for Professional Purposes 2
- [3 ECTS] English Language
- [6 ECTS] Elective/Digital Competencies
Semester 3
-
[C2227]
[6 ECTS]
Visual Design Fundamentals
The goal of Visual Design is to communicate a specific message to a targeted audience. This course will teach you the purpose of visual design, the theory behind design and also how it relates to UX design. You'll learn the basic elements of Visual Design, including typography, colour, contrast, gestalt principles of perception, etc. You'll leave with an understanding of the fundamentals of Visual Design, and the knowledge to go on and create work of your own, building on your learning in the workshop.
-
[C2228]
[6 ECTS]
Audio Context and Practice
In this course students will be able to record and edit audio material using DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software. Edit with audio and MIDI recording techniques. Import sampled sounds using virtual instrument technology. Mix and master raw audio tracks. Create good sound and balance, using tracks, busses, and effects such as compression and EQ.
-
[C2229]
[6 ECTS]
Photography Context and Practice
Students will create digital images, applying concepts relating to digital photographic processes, colour theory and the history and process of photomontage. Will assess and evaluate the creative work of their peers through both written and verbal critique. Will choose and develop proposals for two photography portfolios, which they will create.
-
[C2230]
[6 ECTS]
Vector Illustration
This course is designed to add higher-level thinking of a theoretical and practical nature for students that is not covered in any of the other courses in the program.
-
[C2231]
[6 ECTS]
Descriptive Geometry
As a basic discipline, drawing geometry has the main goal to develop students' ability to perceive three-dimensional spatial forms and their interrelationships as well as their representation of two-dimensional drawing, in accordance with international standards of universal language of technical drawing. On the other hand, this discipline provides a clear presentation of their own ideas for the organization of spatial forms by creating their own technical drawing, as a basic premise for the existence and existence of any engineering discipline.
Semester 4
-
[C2234]
[6 ECTS]
Web Publishing
Developing even a simple web page according to current standards requires knowledge of Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Most of the websites also use images, whether in the form of banners, buttons, logos, photos, or scans. Adobe Fireworks is built as a tool to create and manipulate images from the web and to allow the makers to optimize these images in order to reduce the file size. Firework also provides an excellent integration with Dreamweaver. This series provides a comprehensive introduction to XHTML, CSS and creating web graphics.
-
[ECS-402]
[6 ECTS]
Human Computer Interaction
The goal of this course is to learn the principles of designing the user interface of desktop, web, and mobile applications. More specifically, students will get knowledge on the basic rules that need to be followed in order to develop applications with high level of user usability. Through appropriate theories and practical examples, students will learn how to design the software interface; they will be acquainted with various interface design strategies and will be able to evaluate the quality of a user interface.
-
[C2232]
[6 ECTS]
Digital Print and Lay-outing
This course aims to help students to: Develop vocabulary of printmaking terms and techniques, develop an understanding of the principles of design and composition in relation to the printmaking process, identify printmaking processes, effectively experiment with a variety of materials and techniques in printmaking.
-
[C2374]
[6 ECTS]
Databases
Aims of the course program: ● Presentation of conceptual model and model based on entities and relationship, conceptual modelling, E-R diagram; ● Presentation of relational model, relational databases; ● Introduction to SQL language; ● Normalization of the database schema; ● Introduction to database management systems, tools for defining, using and maintaining the database, tools for forms and reports creation.
-
[C2233]
[6 ECTS]
Principles of Animation
Animation can bring characters, objects, and graphics to life. It’s the backbone of the computer graphics industry and plays an important role in film, visual effects, games, and motion graphics. This course is an introduction to the principles of animation for 2D and 3D systems. Students will use various techniques to convey a sense of weight, emotion, and story for simple and complex objects in both 2D and 3D.
Semester 5
-
[C2235]
[6 ECTS]
3D Modeling and Rendering
A studio course in the theory and technique of three-dimensional (3D) modelling utilizing appropriate software. Topics include the creation and modification of 3D geometric shapes; and rendering techniques; and use of camera light sources, texture, and surface mapping.
-
[EBE-408]
[6 ECTS]
Project Management
The aim of the course is for students to be involved in the world of modern projects and to confront them with the opportunities and challenges of real economic life in creating projects suitable for real needs. The specific objectives of the course include how to define a given project (using several phases) and emphasize the important role of the project manager (to understand the need, scope, implementation activities, complexity of modern design, etc.). Students should be trained on how to apply modern tools and techniques of modern design management when transforming a need or creative idea into a real and documented project that will make them more inventive and competitive in the competitive labour market.
-
[C2236]
[6 ECTS]
Video Editing and Manipulation
After successful completion of this course the student should: Better understand techniques, editors use to construct stories. Have a thorough working knowledge of non-linear editing software. Be able to do professional style colour correction. Know how to create high quality motion graphics. Understand video formats and principles.
-
[C2237]
[6 ECTS]
Fundamentals of UI/UX Design
Aims of the course program: - Defining the concepts of UX and UI Design; - Becoming familiar with the Design Thinking Process and fundamentals of UX Design; - Introduction to the Principles of UI Design (Basics in understanding layer management, colour theory, typography, consistent Styling, Intro to Ben Scheiderman’s “Eight Golden Rules of Interface Design”); - Understanding the basics and fundamental of Figma design software (Understanding the Figma Layout – Tools, Layer Board, Canvas, Inspector and Options, basics of creating design elements and components, as well as the basics of prototyping); - Basics of Accessibility and user-friendliness.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective course
- [E2680] History of Art
- [E2681] Leadership, Teamwork and Diversity
- [E2682] Game Programming
- [E2683] Brand Identity Design
- [E2684] Fashion Design
- [E2685] Creative Writing
- [E2686] Advanced Concept Design
- [EFB-03] Personal Finance
- [C2247] Advanced 3D Modeling and Rendering
- [E2688] Digital Painting
- [E2689] Creative Drawing
- [E2690] Advanced Visual Expression
- [E2691] Illustration
- [E2692] Studying of Human Figure
- [E2693] Conceptual Art
Semester 6
-
[C2240]
[6 ECTS]
Digital Storytelling
The goal of the course is for the student to develop the ability to capture great video images and audio, and to be able to edit those elements together to tell a story.
-
[C2239]
[6 ECTS]
Motion Graphics and Visual Effects
Motion Graphics and Visual Effects is an intermediate course aimed at Motion Graphics majors or others with a video background. This is a technical course that teaches students the basics of proper compositing and special effects within common video tools.
-
[E2592]
[6 ECTS]
Digital Marketing
Developing digital design and video games, as well as in other creative and cultural industries usually happens, means designing and the application of technical capabilities, but also the need to think on them as products and services that need to be distributed and sold out. Making digital design and video games profitable in an increasingly competitive and changing market means to turn that passion into a way to live. The subject addresses this exciting professional field as an art and science - without losing sight of the fact that it is a piece of something bigger called "business". The knowledge and skills covered by the subject are acquired from the different master sessions, teamwork, group discussions, research, etc.
-
[C2243]
[6 ECTS]
Advanced UI/UX Design
Aims of the course program: - Describe, analyse, compare, and contrast user research best practices – exploring different research methods to understand user needs; - Learn and apply advanced methods for Defining and Ideation; - Creation of more advanced flowcharts and wireframes; - Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics for UI Design - Understanding what Nielsen’s heuristic evaluation rules are and how we can use them as basis for our own evaluation; - Creating complex design systems and interactive prototypes in Figma.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective course
- [E2680] History of Art
- [E2681] Leadership, Teamwork and Diversity
- [E2682] Game Programming
- [E2683] Brand Identity Design
- [E2684] Fashion Design
- [E2685] Creative Writing
- [E2686] Advanced Concept Design
- [EFB-03] Personal Finance
- [C2247] Advanced 3D Modeling and Rendering
- [E2688] Digital Painting
- [E2689] Creative Drawing
- [E2690] Advanced Visual Expression
- [E2691] Illustration
- [E2692] Studying of Human Figure
- [E2693] Conceptual Art
Semester 7
-
[C2241]
[6 ECTS]
VR/AR Technologies
This is an introductory course on VR and AR technologies. Students will learn about VR / AR basics, differences, hardware, software and implementations of these technologies. We will cover hardware from mobile devices to VR / AR headsets. Furthermore, students will learn how to evaluate, test, and create their VR / AR content using Unity as a main tool.
-
[C2238]
[6 ECTS]
3D Animation and Production
This subject aims that the students obtain the basic knowledge of animation applied to the three dimensions and know how to use them correctly in the creation of a videogame and digital design.
-
[C2142]
[6 ECTS]
Entrepreneurship
This course treats the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and its practical implementation. The course will focus on the development of entrepreneurship and small business management, characteristics of entrepreneurs, differences between entrepreneurs and managers, identifying opportunities and generating ideas, identifying traditional and alternative sources of SMEs financing, analysing legal forms of organization and preparation of a business plan. The course is also designed to provide essential entrepreneurial skills and instil students’ capability to examine, analyse and evaluate various leadership models.
-
[C2242]
[6 ECTS]
Digital Content Copyright
The aim of Digital Content Copyright is to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge related to the importance of the copyright for the digital content. To understand the basics of the digital copyright, the digital database law and the internet, digital moral rights, competition laws and copyright in software, e-commerce, web and blockchain.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective course
- [E2680] History of Art
- [E2681] Leadership, Teamwork and Diversity
- [E2682] Game Programming
- [E2683] Brand Identity Design
- [E2684] Fashion Design
- [E2685] Creative Writing
- [E2686] Advanced Concept Design
- [EFB-03] Personal Finance
- [C2247] Advanced 3D Modeling and Rendering
- [E2688] Digital Painting
- [E2689] Creative Drawing
- [E2690] Advanced Visual Expression
- [E2691] Illustration
- [E2692] Studying of Human Figure
- [E2693] Conceptual Art
Semester 8
-
[C2244]
[6 ECTS]
Immersive Technologies
The objective of the course is to establish and cultivate a broad and comprehensive understanding of this rapidly evolving and commercially viable field of Computer Science and prepare the student for participating in the production of highly integrative immersive applications, immersive social platforms, academic research projects and leading developments in Medical, Industrial and Manufacturing.
-
[C2245]
[6 ECTS]
Game Design
This course provides students with a theoretical and conceptual understanding of the field of game design, along with practical exposure to the process of creating a game. Topics covered include iteration, rapid prototyping, mechanics, dynamics, flow theory, the nature of fun, game balance, and user interface design.
-
[C2246]
[12 ECTS]
Digital Design Project (Internship)
In this course, students will work on completing an applied project. The aim of the course is to enable students to integrate the knowledge gained from the courses across the curriculum, in order to deliver a product, while working for industry where they have to spend 30 days. The students will have opportunity to gain experience in designing, programming, and evaluating a digital design project. At the end, students document their works in form of written reports and oral presentations, which are evaluated by a faculty committee.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective course
- [E2680] History of Art
- [E2681] Leadership, Teamwork and Diversity
- [E2682] Game Programming
- [E2683] Brand Identity Design
- [E2684] Fashion Design
- [E2685] Creative Writing
- [E2686] Advanced Concept Design
- [EFB-03] Personal Finance
- [C2247] Advanced 3D Modeling and Rendering
- [E2688] Digital Painting
- [E2689] Creative Drawing
- [E2690] Advanced Visual Expression
- [E2691] Illustration
- [E2692] Studying of Human Figure
- [E2693] Conceptual Art