What time of year does the degree run?

We run on an Australian academic calendar, which consists of two semesters:

UNSW 2009 Academic Calendar

Semester One: 2 March to 27 June

Semester Two: 20 Jul to 14 Nov

More detail can be found on the official UNSW calendar page here.

For more information about enrolment deadlines etc., please visit the How to Apply page.

How do I attend lectures and talk to other students?

You receive online lectures in text and image or video format, communicate with your lecturer and fellows students in message boards, and can upload almost any file types such as images, movies, sound or flash in online galleries and presentation areas for review and assessment.

Video from the course "Draw your world" by Dr. Paula Dawson.
The video quality has been reduced for display purposes.
Download QuickTime to view this video.

What does the online environment look like?

The interaction with fellow students and lecturers takes place in a very interactive, social and specially designed Omnium online environment.

You can quickly tell who is online at any time, and can invite others to instant chat sessions for collaborative work or just to socialise.

Students also have their own online portfolio area, where you can present and archive all of your work throughout your study.

Pin-up wall in the Omnium online learning environment

Image gallery in the Omnium online learning environment

How do I study a fully online degree?

Studying online means that you can complete this degree from any location in the world without having to relocate to Australia; eliminating the need for a student visa. You can participate in courses at any time of the day or night, allowing you time for the other important things in your busy life. As long as you log-on and participate in your online courses regularly each week - when you do so is up to you.

All courses within this Masters program comprise of coursework supported by online lectures, resources and other relevant reference materials. You will engage in both individual and group projects via a series of live chats and recorded message board interactions. Tutor facilitated group discussions will take place and you can also receive regular individual and group feedback throughout the course, in the form of peer and tutor reviews.

• - An interesting discussion will never be cut short by the end of the class
• - No one student will dominate a discussion
• - Everyone gets the chance to contribute equally
• - Shy students, or those who have English as a second language have time to reflect and fine tune
    their contributions can gain confidence to share their ideas

How is this degree relevant to current art and design practice?

Globally networked, collaborative and cross-disciplinary art and design practice is rapidly emerging in contemporary industry, due to the widespread integration of technology into our everyday lives. This degree aims to give you cross-disciplinary communication and collaboration skills needed to work effectively in a professional environment, and will also equip you with a range of relevant discipline specific knowledge.

Isn’t it lonely studying on a computer?

The Master of Cross-Disciplinary Art and Design has been designed to be an incredibly social and interactive study experience. You will meet and interact with many new students and lecturers from different locations worldwide.

This is not an isolating online experience where you just download ‘homework’ tasks and read information by yourself. You will never be alone throughout your learning in this degree.

Each course has a dedicated lecturer who is an expert in their field, giving you detailed feedback and support. You’ll also be studying, discussing ideas, giving and receiving peer feedback and making friends with other students from different backgrounds, cultures and even countries.

Students have reported that they have gotten to know their classmates better in their online study then they do in a face-to-face class.

What computer equipment do I need?

All you need is a computer with an Internet connection and a browser like the one you are using to view this page, and a digital camera or scanner. You do not need to download or install any special software. As long as you can successfully browse the Internet and upload images from a camera or scanner you have the technical know how you need.

For some courses, you may need some additional equipment, like drawing material etc, but you will be informed about this when you enrol in your courses.

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