About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: G451
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points: 300
- Department: Computer Science and Creative Technologies
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: Three years full-time/four year including placement. Students may choose to take the sandwich option and go on placement between Years 2 and 3.
- Delivery: Full-time
- Programme leader: Dan Buzzo
Introduction
This exciting new programme combines the existing Web Design and Digital Media programs and builds on their strengths and synergies. The new programme addresses recent technology developments and anticipates emerging industry needs while retaining core principles and Faculty expertise from each area. Combining industrial relevance and new cutting edge ideas and technologies we address the skills required in industry and investigate new areas of enquiry into media practice and publishing over the web.
Structure
Content
The Program combines three distinct threads
1.Rich media, visual design and interaction design principles.
From drawing, colour and typographic theory to information architecture and user experience the program investigates and subsequently builds a body of knowledge around the key issues in design for interactive digital media. With studio based multimedia and web media modules at level 1 the program introduces principles and tools for rich media on the web including 3D, video, audio, photography and animation.
2.Key web technologies
Starting with the core of HTML, CSS and JavaScript for communication and distribution over the web, the program delivers modules investigating both client and server side technologies. The program addresses technologies that underpin the growing range of web platforms and digital media publishing opportunities. From webApps to ePubs and social media we investigate what drives the web and where it is going.
3.Digital design and industrial process management
Alongside core skills in design and development runs a key thread addressing industry standard design and development processes. From time management to client handling, legal, financial and ethical issues the need for a grounded, project focused element to the program is served through all three levels culminating with student directed major projects at level 3.
This new course builds on industry relevance and industrial links whilst creating a centre of excellence in the design and implementation of Web Media Technologies. The program includes use of e-learning and blended learning materials to create an efficient, flexible method of program delivery.
The program promotes industry participation and outreach to local community within the day to day activities of the course.
Year 1
In the first year you will acquire skills in fundamental areas such as visual design, media technologies and web development as well as understanding principles behind interaction design, multimedia production and how best to communicate information.
- Introduction to Web Platforms
- Digital Design Skills
- Multimedia Studio
- Web Design Studio
Year 2
In the second year you will build on the foundations laid in Year 1 and will develop your skills in design for web platforms, Multimedia Authoring, Human-Computer Interaction, as well as other specialist applications and techniques.
- Data, Schemas and Applications
- Web Design Principles
- User Experience
- 3D Technologies for the Web
Final Year
The final year brings together all the ideas and skills acquired so far. You will study core modules on Professional and Policy Issues, advanced web topics, development for mobile devices and 3D Modelling and Animation. You will undertake a project in which you will research an area of interest and develop an appropriate digital media application. This will serve to consolidate and extend your knowledge, and establish your practical expertise.
- Advanced Topics in Web Design
- Creative Technology Project
- Interaction Design
- Options include: Professional experience, Post production and SoundTrack Development, Mobile Development
Teaching and learning
Throughout the programme you will develop knowledge and skills through a combination of computer-based practical work, theoretical discussion, classroom-based exercises and directed self-study. The aim is for you to be accomplished in practical work involving the creation, development, and deployment of interactive media for the web, and in discussing the principles behind this work.
Assessment
A combination of practical coursework and end of year examination is used to assess most modules.
Special Features
Placements
We encourage all students on our degree courses to do a placement year in an industrial, commercial or public sector organisation, doing work of value to the company. There are many companies who provide placements to university students. Previous students have been placed with Airbus, HP, Rolls-Royce, IBM, Lloyds TSB, Intel and BT, to name but a few. We also work with a number of smaller companies in and around the region.
The Department's Placements Team has close links with the business community and advertise hundreds of work placements every year. We will show you how to prepare your CV correctly, advise you on how to write letters of application and help you learn successful interview techniques. For more information on our work placements visit our department's website.
Careers/further study
This course responds to the growing demand for personnel skilled in the creation, deployment and support of digital media technologies. Graduates of the degree in Digital Media can look forward to employment in a wide range of creative software development environments, or as information architects enabling the production, implementation, and technical support of digital media systems.
Graduate destinations
Find out what our graduates are doing six months after graduating- includes examples of careers, employers and further study. Download a PDF from graduate destinations.
Key employer partnerships
Our degrees can lead to a wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible we work closely with seven major partner employers in our engineering and computing consortium.
Creating employable students
UWE places strong emphasis on employability and skills development at every level. Through work placements, volunteering, study abroad and UWE initiatives which nurture talent and encourage innovation, students gain valuable real world experience and graduate with diverse career opportunities and a competitive place in the job market.
See great graduate prospects for further information.
Be inspired
Read about the key jobs in the information technology sector.
Useful links
UWE - careers in broadcast media
UWE - careers in information technology
The UWE careers service provides guidance and support throughout your studies in addition to useful resources, CV checks, career coaching and details of current job vacancies.
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points: 300
- GCSE: Maths and English Language at grade C or above required.
- Relevant subjects: Any science or technology subject
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 2 credits in Maths and English Language.
- Baccalaureate IB: Accepted (see the UCAS website for the UCAS tariff points that you can gain from the IB to put towards our points requirements above)
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011