Digital media technology is at the heart of modern life. At work, in education, in leisure and entertainment, even in sport, digital tools and devices are everywhere. How we communicate, our social life, the core of our society, is now based on digital media.
Design, also, continually shapes contemporary experience. The products and services we use, the environment we inhabit, the information we use, or are presented or bombarded with, are all designed with specific intent. Things that are not themselves digital are commonly designed digitally. This programme deals with the complex relationships between design and digital media.
What you will study
If you aspire to design, manage, develop software, teach or research in or around creative design and digital industries, this programme could be for you.
In the first semester, the programme focuses on developing design thinking and digital skills, exploring approaches to interactive and animated 2D and 3D media, and discussion of cultural theories about living and working with digital media. Comprising two core courses, and a choice between courses in 3D Animation and Design or Interactive Visual Design, students advance through a series of lectures, demonstrations, practical project work, exercises and critique.
In the second semester, the focus moves to dynamic and data-driven Web applications, game studios and cross-disciplinary design. The two core courses include the popular Digital Media Studio Project, with students from other ECA programmes, and the application-focused Dynamic Web Design course. A further course is again based on options, including subjects offered by other Schools within ECA and across the wider University of Edinburgh.
The programme concludes with a self-directed but supervised final project over the summer period in areas including creative coding, 3D modelling, gaming, moving image, UI and UX design, data visualisation, augmented and virtual reality, mobile applications and interactive installations.
Find out more about how and what you will study
Studio culture
You will become part of a lively studio culture, developing techniques and skills in design of, for and with digital media through a series of intensive projects. Group work, peer learning and a strong team ethos are key.
Uniquely, we integrate this practice-based approach with examining the role and place of design in our culture and commerce and the ethics and legality of digital systems: providing a rigorous theoretical context for practical work. We also explore the artistic dimensions of design as creative practice.
Creative environment
The programme attracts students with a range of previous study and work experiences, from fine art and humanities to computer science, and modular options allow students the flexibility to tailor their studies to their own interests and career goals.
You will enjoy insights into many other practices and closely related degree programmes, sharing courses and activities in fields including design informatics, innovation and entrepreneurship, sound design, digital composition and performance, sustainable environmental design and urban design.
