COURSE IN DEPTH
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
2D Game Programming
20 credits
This module will introduce you to the basic principles behind programming for example language syntax, structure of a computer programme, development of algorithms and use of object oriented programming. You will use an appropriate professional game engine in order to develop your skills in 2D game development. Through this engine you will learn to use and manipulate a range of media assets, examples include working with sprites, animations, programming computer graphics, incorporating simple physics including collision detection strategies, as well as implementing 2D scenes. The learning and teaching strategy is centred on tutorial sessions where tutors provide advice, guidance and formative evaluation in order to develop your understanding of these core skills.
Computer Systems
20 credits
This fundamental computer systems module puts into practice the learning done through reading, video lecturers, skills building labs and problem based learning for the acquisition of new knowledge and core practical competencies.
Website Design and Development
20 credits
This module provides the underpinning skills necessary to develop an effective web based information system based around a clear understanding of the visual requirements of an interface, a structured design approach and the technical skills necessary to implement a solution.
Data Structures and Algorithms
20 credits
This module will equip you with the necessary background knowledge about common data structures and algorithms. It will develop your skills for writing them, and analysing their efficiency and correctness. You will cover topics such as how computers represent and operate on arrays, lists, sets, queues, stacks, graphs and networks, as well as how to write and analyse algorithms.
Network Fundamentals
20 credits
The module provides the opportunity to learn and critically reflect the skills required in building and designing basic networks and their requirements within a network infrastructure. This module builds on the underpinning knowledge and theory of networking systems.
Innovation Project
20 credits
This first-year project allows you to develop and cultivate a creative mind-set through collaborative innovative practice, allowing you to bring together knowledge and imagination to construct a viable product. It is an opportunity to express your ideas, skills and talent to the wider community of innovative practice.
The project provides you with an opportunity to be part of a thriving community of innovators that practices connected learning. This is facilitated by putting you into inter-disciplinary project teams supported by innovation mentors, advisors and academics; culminating in you exhibiting your work to an international panel of experts.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Database and Web Application Development
20 credits
The module will be taught using a combination of lectures, interactive seminars and lab sessions. A case study approach to learning and teaching will be utilised throughout the module and assessment. During the module you will work individually to design and develop a user-friendly database-driven web application.
Digital Media Processing
20 credits
This module will give you a comprehensive understanding in the fields of image, video and mixed reality processing.
Video Production Technology
20 credits
This module forms a core part of the production element of the course, providing the knowledge related to the production of video artefacts, focusing on planning, video production, post production, and video compression.
3D Modelling and Animation
20 credits
This module provides knowledge of and develops skills in the production of 3D models, rendering and animation for use in a variety of different media and platforms.
Multimedia Group Project
40 credits
You will participate in a small structured team to design, produce and test a multimedia product. The module allows you to build upon the experiences gained during the innovation project undertaken in your first year and to consolidate the additional knowledge you have gained in Semester 1 Year 2.
Professional Placement Year (optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Digital Media Computing with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 6 modules listed below as well as the following Level 5 module.
Professional Placement
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Individual Honours Project
40 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Creative Visualisation
20 credits
Enhancement of digital video through post-production is a common aspect today. This module will teach you how to manipulate and improve your video product through processes such as editing, compositing, compression and colour correction and grading.
Understanding how to use video software tools effectively and shoot for post-production enhancement will lead you to create a more professional and polished video product.
Cloud Based Web Services
20 credits
In this module you will cover topics and technologies related to Cloud Computing. You will explore solutions and learn design principles for building large network-based systems to support both compute and data intensive computing across geographically distributed infrastructure and develop an application using cloud services.
Virtual Production
20 credits
Within this module you will develop productions that span a number of platforms such as film, games, social media, web and VR. It provides you with an opportunity to work with students from a number of disciplines and develop an understanding of how your knowledge and skills can fit into the production workflow of different media industries.
Professional Futures
20 credits
In order to become an effective professional practitioner, one needs to develop industrial awareness including current production and business practices, technologies and pipelines and trends and emergent technologies and how they are shaping industry
