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. In the second semester the focus moves to dynamic and data-driven Web applications, game studios and cross-disciplinary design. 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.
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
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.
