Hey!
Yes I've just come out of it, and still wander in/out of the classes through the semester *chuckles*
From what i have heard, it involved stuff like html, css, photoshop etc.
Its more focused on HTML/CSS and in third year Flash, though Steve the convenor, is trying to get more and more advanced stuff into it, so if you want to extend yourself, just talk to Steve (the coding god I) or John (the coding god II) to do extra stuff
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If you're looking for design theory however, like arty stuff, it might not be for you, UTS or COFA are probably better. The biggest problem, and adversely the reason its so popular, is that it caters for not just Media students but also those in a B International Communications, eBusiness and anyone else interested.
What are the assessments like, etc?
As explained above, the level of students in the course makes it hard to be 'hardcore' and so if you've got a good grasp of HTML already, you'll find a lot of the assignments set boring/easy and a waste of time. (I finished 2nd year websites on the day in a few hours and spent more time helping other people with theirs over the course of the week).
Now that doesn't mean you can't learn anything while doing this degree. As I stated before, its not an artsy degree, its not a practical degree, its probably more weighted towards theory (though you'll feel more theory because of the other subjects you're required to do with the production units ...ugh Postmodernism). The thing to remember here is if you want to learn something, then your most likely able to, going into this I had a very simple grasp of Flash and none of PHP/Mysql/real coding. I've since come out with a medium ability in coding and, at least I like to think, a fairly good knowledge of actionscript/flash. (Built 2 game engines from scratch, one side-scrolling shooter and one top-down 'RPG' game for third year).
It does sorely lack a more practical aspect and design theory aspect like those found in UTS/COFA, and its something that Steve and John are well aware, but alas bureaucracy is at play and hindering what they know the students would like to do. I would've loved to have done more desktop publishing/Photoshop as that is my forte, but overall the assignments concentrate on using Dreamweaver and handcoding and Flash for the most part.
The assignments range from making very basic websites, to a third year group project which is completely up to you. We had a range of a MQ Student database/class/location finder (which I would love to see implemented) built in PHP/mySQL, an old fashioned Zork like game, my prison-adventure game, and a point-and-click Carmen Sandiego-like Titanic game.
This year, I hear the projects are pretty boring, so you gotta be a bit lucky with your group/presentation I guess
Im at the stage where i need to start considering uni options and all... kinda stuck. lol.
I think the important question is what do you want/expect out of this? If you're looking to be a pro-Flash/3D animator, then I'd highly suggest UTS or COFA instead, if you're looking for a more general approach to the field of Media, with a focus on Multimedia theory, and perhaps want to do some research in the area, then MQ is for you.
Hit me up by PM if you want to know more or have any other questions!
