Course summary

Throughout the programme you develop the ability to understand the imperatives of designing for the digital media industries in terms of the look, feel, narrative and aesthetic qualities of a digital media product. You become technologically aware designers, understanding the operation and techniques which a range of software packages make available. In this way designs can be tailored, helping you to work effectively with these packages and enabling confidence in creating, modelling and showing new ideas within a production team. You are also encouraged to challenge current design practices and styles in order to develop your own personal approach to design informed by, and responding to, the latest ideas. Year 1 is based around the design and development of websites, apps, games and the principles of interactivity, allowing the exploration of the principles of communication, graphic design, content, the written word, animation and the integration of digital media. You undertake three four-week projects designed to promote short, sharp research and concept design through to prototypes, mirroring industry practice. In addition, you develop a confidence and competence in the use of the key technologies and tools which enable the realisation of digital designs. In Year 2, you develop practice in web and interactive media design, animation and game design, and design for portable media. There is also an emphasis on client-based projects to give you experience of working on live projects. In Year 3, you continue in your specialist area whilst being given the opportunity to study business practice within the creative digital media industry. You are required to undertake two major projects, at least one of which is normally expected to be conducted with an industry partner as a placement. You leave the programme with a fully interactive online portfolio of work to showcase your achievements in a dynamic way to any future employer. The Digital Design Studio houses equipment such as two 3D printers, 3D scanner, motion capture software, and augmented/virtual reality systems. It is Adobe certified and offers Adobe Certified Associates courses in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash, among others.