Creative Media TechnologiesBSc Hons

What you'll do

You'll develop your understanding of the digital culture we live in and the impact this has on the cultural and creative industries.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Understand and evaluate key principles and concepts in the field of digital culture
• Identify and explore the opportunities and challenges of a digital economy
• Identify and assess how digital technology changes the cultural and creative industries
• Evaluate the skills you need for a career in the cultural and creative industries and identify how to improve and enhance your personal weaknesses
• Research and plan how to achieve career goals and evaluate your progress

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Analyse, interpret and extend a brief, using animation
• Use appropriate software to produce basic computer animations

Additional content

What you'll do

You'll learn sound design, music composition, recording and audio editing techniques, and develop skills relevant to key professional roles in related industries.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Create appropriate original sound or music to accompany moving image, informed by relevant theory and analysis of existing techniques and works
• Record, edit, arrange and mix the various soundtrack elements for visual media
• Investigate and review the relationships between visual imagery and sound within a chosen context, with references to relevant theory, examples and aesthetic considerations
• Assess, reflect upon and evaluate the success of both the process and the end result

Additional content

What you'll do

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Understand fundamentals of film theory and essential attributes of motion pictures
• Describe the processes of video production practices and be familiar with the language of film and video production
• Evaluate the significance of digital technology and its application within digital video production
• Utilise appropriate technology to produce a digital video artefact with supporting written documentation

What you'll do

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Identify the fundamental stages of responsive content development from specification to publishing.
• Create responsive interfaces using HTML and CSS, and apply graphic design, usability and accessibility principles.
• Apply a scripting language (e.g. JavaScript) to develop web-based applications.
• Describe the major concepts of programming web front-end applications.
• Design, implement and test algorithms to solve problems using appropriate language, data types and control structures for a small scale project incorporating responsive content.
• Apply sound industry practices in each stage of the development and begin to appreciate the complexity of the issues.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Evidence appropriate contextual research methodologies (textual and visual) to facilitate, through critical engagement, innovative conceptual frameworks within an interactive design project
• Demonstrate an awareness of the importance between content and its graphical visualisation in relation to user interaction (and contextual design practice)
• Communicate research practice through interactive design
• Develop technical competency in appropriate software / technology that facilitates the implementation of concepts

What you'll do

You'll apply project management methods in order to produce a complex digital media product. You'll also develop practical experience and an in-depth understanding of how digital content is made.

What you'll learn

When you successfully complete this module, you'll be able to: 

• Understand creative workflows of creative producing for multimedia platforms

• Demonstrate practical skills at an advanced level in digital content design, development and production

• Recognise, identify and select appropriate design methods, tools and techniques to innovate and creatively solve problems

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  Apply sound technical practices in each stage of the development and begin to appreciate the complexity of the issues

• Apply appropriate project management methods in the development and production processes.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Design, plan, document and implement a multimedia artefact identifying a contemporary concept
• Critically evaluate the roles of technology and cultural actors on the mechanisms of change within the contemporary practice
• Investigate and critically assess the work of different contemporary practitioners, looking at their motivations for innovation and new thinking
• Explain your views on issues relating to creative media technologies effectively

What you'll do

You'll examine good and bad designs from a theoretical, methodological and practical perspective. You'll focus on psychologically orientated, user-driven design and see how applying research enhances practical design.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Critically evaluate existing interactive content experiences across a range of delivery platforms
• Examine methods used in interaction design and critically assess the appropriateness of different interaction design methods
• Recognise how the sensory, cognitive and physical capabilities of users inform the design of interactive experiences
• Apply findings from research in a practical context
• Create an interaction design concept for a specific problem and context, using creative design, ideation, prototyping and evaluation techniques

What you'll do

You'll build an understanding of research methods, ethics and practices, and develop skills in project definition and scoping.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature, uses and limitations of various research methods appropriate to your studies
• Identify and evaluate appropriate research methods for a specified piece of independent study
• Prepare a project initiation/proposal document on a specified topic that covers deliverables, scope, feasibility, risk analysis, resource requirements, planning schedule and any foreseeable legal/ethical/health and safety issues
• Write a preliminary review of literature on a specified topic in accordance with the principles of good scholarship
• Investigate and identify the qualifications, skillset, entry points and career opportunities in relation to a specific career
• Identify your strengths, weaknesses and preferences in relation to a specific career 

What you'll do

You'll focus on applications for the learning of practical skills, data visualisations and product prototyping software. You'll also be introduced to the unique nature of AR hardware and its equally unique design principles and applications.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Compare and contrast a variety of AR applications
• Discuss the potential uses and current limitations of AR applications
• Critically review an area of AR application or research, exploring the main ideas and technologies, and evaluating current approaches and theories
• Evaluate approaches to the design and planning of AR applications
• Follow an appropriate methodology for designing an AR application
• Implement an AR project using appropriate hardware and software, including user documentation
• Critically evaluate approaches to application testing
• Perform structured testing as part of an iterative development cycle

What you'll do

You'll take this optional module as part of the second year of your course.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to your course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
• Reflect on your personal development and how your employability prospects have been enhanced by the exchange

What you'll do

You'll learn how digital cameras work, how to create digital images, and how to appreciate experimental, abstract and traditional photographic techniques.

You'll also learn how to display, compress and store photographs on different platforms.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the application of digital photography as an integral element within design and the communication industry
• Demonstrate an understanding of the physical technology and methods responsible for creating and displaying digital photographic images
• Identify how digital photography benefits the industry
• Identify how to use digital photography as a promotional tool alongside typography, layout and communication

Additional content

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Develop independent, analytical and creative attributes, through engaging imaginatively with new areas of investigation within and across discipline boundaries
• Demonstrate the ability to be effective team players, able to provide leadership and to support the success of others
• Communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of forms and to different audiences

What you'll do

You'll study the design and programming process and create a fully working mobile app prototype.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Generate mobile application ideas based on original analysis of current mobile application development trends
• Apply and demonstrate design and programming skills to implement a working prototype of any type of mobile application
• Engage in critical reflection and evaluate the success of your project

Additional content

What you'll learn

The learning objectives of this module are to be confirmed.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Reflect on their learning and experience to date and use this as a basis to plan and organise suitable work experience(s) that will enable the development of their professional profile.
• Propose a programme of learning that enables the development and demonstration of specified professional skills.
• Critically evaluate their learning and experience and relate this to their future career goals.
• Communicate the outcomes of their experience through the effective use of reflective practice.

What you'll do

You'll explore, research and critically analyse current trends within the web industry. You'll learn structured designing processes and programming fundamentals, and create a working web-based responsive application.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Compare, contrast and analyse current trends in rich-media web application development
• Apply and demonstrate design skills to implement a working prototype of any type of rich media enabled web-based application
• Build and deploy highly interactive, scalable and easy to maintain rich media web-based systems using various tools, platforms and frameworks
• Understand the technologies and the usability and performance implications involved in creating highly interactive rich media web-based applications
• Engage in critical reflection and evaluate the success of your project against its aims

Additional content

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Analyse the complexities of launching a startup business
• Critically reflect upon the factors which contribute towards successful market research, marketing, manufacturing, and selling
• Recognise suitability for specific roles in business and collaborative working

What you'll do

You'll choose a VR application area to investigate in depth, and apply the knowledge and skills you learn to a small VR project.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Compare and contrast VR applications and discuss their potential uses and limitations
• Review an area of VR application or research, exploring the main ideas and technologies, and evaluating current approaches and theories
• Evaluate approaches to designing and planning a VR application
• Follow an appropriate methodology for designing a VR application
• Implement a VR project using appropriate hardware and software, including user documentation
• Evaluate approaches to application testing and perform structured testing as part of an iterative development cycle

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with a reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

What you'll do

With the support of the Creative Careers team, you can find, apply for and complete a year of a work placement with a variety of employers - previous placements have been offered from NBC, Disney, Warner Bros. and a variety of SME's in the region.

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with a reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within their chosen area of employment or self-employment
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

What you'll learn

• Critically assess how activities relate to disciplinary knowledge and practice covered on the students' undergraduate course within a global context
• Manage and complete tasks in an overseas study environment relevant to their course, with an appropriate level of skill, independence and performance
• Reflect critically on their personal development during their study abroad, identify the transferable skills acquired and their relevance to future study and employability

What you'll learn

The learning outcomes of this module are:

• Demonstrate increasing autonomy, with reduced need for supervision and direction, within defined guidelines
• Communicate a detailed knowledge of the contexts of business and industry specific practices relevant to their chosen field and an awareness of a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks within self-employment, freelancing or business startups
• Develop working professional relationships within industry/business disciplines
• Proactively evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop their own criteria and judgement relating to their business practice, future learning and future employability goals

Explore this module

Assessment

On this module, you'll be assessed through a portfolio (100% of final mark).

What you'll do

You'll do research using a variety of resources and communicate with industry professionals.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Analyse and identify strategies and opportunities for ongoing personal and professional development
• Evaluate industry relationships with technology and social cultural 'change' and understand the importance of this in terms of individual enterprise
• Produce a portfolio of contemporary and innovative professional practice, relating to current and emerging industry requirements

What you'll do

You'll prepare and implement a major project requiring a high level of self-management. You'll develop and demonstrate the professional, academic and technical skills required when defining and managing preparatory aspects of your project.

You'll have the choice to develop your practice by creating a practical piece of media or conducting a research study.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Initiate and manage an individual practice and/or creative and/or research project
• Conduct a critical scholarly review of existing work in the selected domain with an account of your own work
• Demonstrate and justify the choices made and approaches taken to the solution of the project problem
• Communicate the outcomes of your project activities in a professional and scholarly way

What you'll do

You'll choose a VR application area to investigate in more depth, and apply the knowledge and skills you learn to develop a small VR project.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Compare and contrast VR applications and discuss their potential uses and current limitations
• Critically review an area of VR application or research, exploring the main ideas and technologies and evaluating current approaches and theories
• Evaluate approaches to design and planning, and demonstrate the ability to follow an appropriate methodology for designing a VR application
• Demonstrate the ability to implement a VR project using appropriate hardware and software, including user documentation
• Critically evaluate approaches to application testing, and perform structured testing as part of an iterative development cycle

What you'll do

You’ll explore established approaches and those currently under research and examine the fundamental theory behind artificial neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary algorithms and hybrid methods. You’ll also study practical applications of computational intelligence systems, various approaches to AI and the current state of AI research.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Demonstrate a familiarisation with the principles and theories central to the AI field
• Apply a range of AI tools and techniques to address a wider class of problems
• Evaluate a range of methods for developing intelligent systems

What you'll do

You'll learn how to use design principles to develop interfaces for digital artefacts.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Analyse, interpret and extend a brief
• Demonstrate application of universal design rules
• Apply relevant narrative style to a design
• Employ typographic and readability rules

What you'll do

You'll learn how to produce demanding factual narrative film and video work, leading to the completion of projects you can use for showreel/portfolio purposes. You'll get extra guidance regarding ethical filmmaking, risk assessment and technique.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Analyse concepts of realism and address problems of recording and representing reality in moving image media
• Assemble, organise and structure complex documentary narratives that challenge your audience's perception of the subject matter
• Produce a comprehensive video artefact that demonstrates a contextual understanding of the medium
• Critically examine – with reference to key documentary theory and film makers – the influence of historical, economical and technological developments in the medium of documentary film making

What you'll do

It focuses on academic models, as well as approaches to and results of the study of games from an analytical, cultural and design perspective.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Discuss and critically analyse historical and contemporary games research and its implications
• Contextually and critically analyse games according to different games research models and approaches

What you'll do

This includes developing systems and content that responds to real-time data (including user input, player and object states, game and physics engine data).

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Design and develop non-linear audio systems with accompanying media assets (music and sound) for interactive media and computer games
• Build systems using visual programming and scripting
• Produce a reactive or interactive artefact that utilises game engine and audio system programming and design technologies
• Work professionally when developing and implementing audio systems

What you'll do

• Demonstrate practical solutions to real problems using appropriate visual effect techniques
• Apply a range of different kinds of physics simulations, and procedural dynamic effects
• Analyse and reflect upon a library of reference works and observations, articulating how their research has informed and progressed the development

What you'll do

You'll examine the fundamental IoT design issues, and the current and emerging hardware and software technologies that are used to support a range of IoT applications.

To study this module, you need to take the Introduction to Programming module in year one, or show Java programming knowledge and a basic understanding of communication networking environments, from both a hardware and a software perspective.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Evaluate the design and development of technologies on different layers, for typical IoT systems
• Evaluate the current and emerging issues in the research and development of IoT that cover current architectures, technologies, applications and trends
• Develop effective applications or protocols to exploit commercially available sensors and actuators in an IoT architecture

What you'll do

You'll explore this through the use of the CCI Motion Capture Suite and industry-standard software.

What you'll learn

When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:

• Appraise theoretical and practical aspects of performance capture technology to understand the character animation production process
• Demonstrate an understanding of the technical aspects of 3D character animation and performance capture technology
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the appropriate judgement and techniques needed to ensure that the fidelity of an actor's performance is preserved, from capture to data delivery as effectively as possible

Additional content