Creative ComputingBA Hons / BSc Hons

Create impressive artistic works using the latest technology on our Creative Computing degree course. 

Learn the latest computer programming concepts and techniques – including electronics and interface design – to create applications and artefacts across a range of creative platforms such as games, graphic design, audio and animation. As your skills grow, you'll study artificial intelligence (AI) and contribute to revolutionary research in using AI to develop production solutions for the creative industries.

You'll gain professional experience before completing your degree by taking part in staff projects, working with clients on live briefs, and completing an optional placement in industry.

You can graduate with a BA or BSc, depending on which modules you select in years 2 and 3 and your choice of final-year project, with the option to transfer between both awards until the second half of your final year.

As coding skills become established as creative media in their own right, traditional lines between creative artists and programmers are dissolving. Innovative technologies are increasingly being used across industries, and employers are looking for employees who combine up-to-date, advanced IT and software knowledge with entrepreneurial, technical, and creative skills.

You'll graduate from this course with that perfect combination of creative talent, technical expertise, technological awareness and project management that employers look for.

Ongoing careers support

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience. You can also venture into freelancing, or set up and run your own business with help from the University Startup Team.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

Placement year (optional)

Between your second and third year, you can complete an optional work placement to gain professional experience and enhance your skills. It's also a great incentive for employers once you graduate.

You can work for a company, organisation or agency, or you can go self-employed and start your own business with fellow students or by yourself.

Whatever you decide – or even if you just want some employability advice – our exclusive Creative Careers team can support you every step of the way.

Creative Careers

Our in-faculty Creative Careers team has extensive recruitment experience and knows the creative sector well, making it easier for students to find placements within the creative industries.

They can guide you through every step of the application process, including:

• Searching for the ideal job through their database of vacancies
• Giving tips on how to write an interesting CV that will catch employers' attention, no matter the role
• Organising mock interviews, so you can hone your technique and familiarise yourself with the recruitment environment
• Writing your startup business proposal – if you're going down the self-employment route

The team will continue to give you support throughout your placement year.

Each module on this course is worth 20, 40 or 60 credits.

In each year (apart from the optional placement year), you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

Whether you graduate with a BA or BSc depends which modules you choose in year 2 onwards. We'll help you choose the modules that reflect your interests and ambitions.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry.

How you're assessed

You’ll be assessed through:

• Practical output, including interactive digital installations, creative software projects, and web and mobile apps
• Video and in-person presentations
• Written report
• Online exams
• Exhibition

You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.

Teaching

Teaching methods on this course includes:

• Lectures
• Group and individual practical experimentation
• One-to-one tuition with project supervisors

You'll be taught by staff who have professional experience in the industry, who demonstrate concepts using practical examples.

Many teaching staff are engaged in research, which means you learn about the latest theories and concepts.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Creative Computing degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes and workshops for about 8–10 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Tuition fees (2023 start)

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International (non-EU) students – £17,900 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees (2024 start)

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
• EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
• International (non-EU) students – £18,800 per year (subject to annual increase)

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.