Units / ATS2834
ATS2834 · Visual communications lab
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Communications
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Visual Communications Lab is a multi-disciplinary learning environment where students from the different specialisations in the Bachelor of Media Communication come together to explore new technologies, skills and practices in visual media and communications. In this unit, you will devise a research project that tests the capabilities of new visual technologies and explore applications. You will focus on fostering creativity and experimentation in media production while also developing professional skills in collaboration and adaptability. In the age of the image, visual communication is a critical aspect of media work. In this unit, you will be introduced to the communicative power of a range of image formats, including photographs, graphics and data visualisation. Drawing on cases studies and practical research from around the world, you will analyse how images are used by governments, industry and activism to frame issues and influence salience. You will also learn skills in designing and developing visual communication strategies using a range of tools to convey complex ideas to diverse stakeholders across a range of media.
Areas of study: Media Communication
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | First semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay | Written | 25% | — |
| 2 | Creative task | Exercise | 30% | — |
| 3 | Multimedia | Artefact | 35% | — |
| 4 | Exercise | Exercise | 10% | — |
Within semester assessment: 100%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- identify and critically evaluate the use of a range of image formats in media communications;
- dentify, explain and evaluate core unit concepts relating to the influence of images on representation and salience;
- design and develop effective visual communication strategies using a range of media;
- apply visual communication, research and analytical skills to meet defined creative briefs.
Workload
Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 hours |
| Workshops | 1 hours |
| Tutorials | 24 hours |
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