A creative, conceptual and practical approach to interactive new media design and user experience design.

The minimum requirements for entry for Level 1 entry is 240 UCAS tariff points from:
A/AS level (Including 2 A2 passes), GNVQ, AVCE, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate. European Baccalaureate, BTEC / SCOTEC Diploma, Relevant Access Course or successful completion of the Level 0. Other qualifications, including overseas, may be considered.

We also welcome applicants from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience. Students applying to this programme will be expected to demonstrate a specific interest in this area of study and should have a commitment to engaging with the subject. Applicants may be invited for interview.

If you have the potential, commitment and enthusiasm to study for a degree but are unable to meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree programme you can apply for the Extended Degree programme route.  An Extended Degree includes a Level 0 year, making the period of study 4 years or 5 years if the Extended Degree programme is taken on a part-time basis.  The programme provides a supportive learning space for students to experience academic studies at university and helps develop confidence and academic skills in preparation for Levels 1-3.  The programme is also highly rated by students who successfully complete the programme.   Successful completion of the programme guarantees entry to a range of Single Honours programmes or a Combined Programme of study within the School of Arts and Digital Industries.

More details of the Extended Degree programme can be found here

Overseas Qualifications

The number of overseas qualifications which are accepted for entry are too numerous to list, but you can get advice from the British Council or our admissions unit on 020 8223 2835. You must be able to understand and express yourself in both written and spoken English and some evidence e.g. For level 1 entry a TOEFL score of 550 or an IELTS score of 6.0 (no skill level below 5) and for Level 0 entry an IELTS score of 5.5 (no skill level below 5) would be required.

• To enable students to understand the nature, function and social and cultural contexts of interactive media design
• To develop in students skills in interactive media practice - design, planning, development and management skills
• To develop in students an understanding of and skills in critical practice in interactive media - not solely vocational 'how-to' skills but also the ability to think critically about 'why' and 'with what effects'

Knowledge

• An introduction and exploration of the key concepts and theories relevant to understanding the functions and cultural implications of media and particularly interactive media communication and production
• A working knowledge of the technologies of media and interactive media production

Thinking skills

• To grasp and, through writing and oral presentation, participate in current debates on the cultural, social and philosophical factors surrounding the development and diffusion of interactive media forms
• Evaluate the relationship between theory and creative practice in the field of interactive design and production
• Understand and apply theoretical models and concepts to issues surrounding interactive media and interactive media products and the socio-cultural contexts in which they are produced and consumed
• Understand and apply principles of interactive design, production management and group work to project work
• Reflect on progress throughout the development of theoretical and project work
• Synthesise personal experience and 'objective' analysis relevant to interactive media

Subject-Based Practical skills

• Identify the elements which are likely to make for effective interactive media design
• Plan, implement, manage and deliver practical interactive media production, using dedicated software, on time and to budget.
• Develop knowledge of a wide range of digital formats including digital graphics, websites, interactive CD-ROMs, digital sound and video and other specialist aspects of interactive media production

Skills for life and work (general skills)

• Work as individuals and together in teams
• Analyse and offer solutions to institutional or commercial communications problems
• Work effectively with outside clients and external agents Structure section

The typical duration of this programme is three years full-time or five years part-time. It is possible to move from full-time to part-time study and vice-versa to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

The teaching year can begin in September and end in June (semester A start) or begin in February and end in January (semester B start). A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 120 credits over the year. A typical part-time student will study for one day and one evening per week and will complete 60-80 credits.

This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:

• Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
• Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
• Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
• Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three

Modules are defined as:

• Core - Must be taken
• Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
• University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single pathways for this programme

Extended Route (Level 0 entry)

120 credits from Level 0 Modules (including all cores) must be passed in order to progress to level 1

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
• A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

• A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
• A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)

• Formal lectures Thinking skills & Knowledge
• Interactive lectures/seminars Thinking skills & Knowledge
• Group discussions and informal presentations Practical skills, Thinking skills & Skills for life and work
• Demonstrations of interactive media applications. Practical skills & Knowledge
• Individual tutorials and independent learning Thinking skills & Knowledge
• Debates involving outside speakers Practical skills, Thinking skills & Skills for life and work
• Supervised and unsupervised workshops Practical skills, Thinking skills & Skills for life and work & Knowledge
• Analysis of practical and theoretical issues Thinking skills & Knowledge
• Project sessions Practical skills, Thinking skills & Skills for life and work
• Research seminars Practical skills, Thinking skills & Knowledge
• Project supervision Practical skills, Thinking skills & Skills for life and work

Knowledge is assessed by

• Coursework essays, reports, evaluations, reviews, reflections, exams and presentations
• Exercises and discussion undertaken in seminar sessions

Thinking skills are assessed by

• Coursework essays, reports, evaluations, reviews, reflections, exams and presentations
• Exercises and discussion undertaken in seminar sessions

Practical skills are assessed by

• Practical projects and reflections on production process

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

• Involvement in and contribution to seminar/ workshop sessions
• Ability to understand and meet requirements of module specifications
• Involvement in and contribution to group project work