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Programme Specification for Multimedia Design Technology BSc (Hons)

 

Final award

BSc (Hons)

Intermediate awards available

Cert HE, Dip HE

UCAS code

WG2K - Level 1 entry (3 Year full time route)

Level 0 UCAS code of WG2L

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Communication, media, film and cultural studies, Computing, Art and design.

Date specification last up-dated

Sep 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Multimedia design technology, practices, design, research

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

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).

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

What is Multimedia Design Technology?

Multimedia technologies initially grew out of a convergence of industries (telecommunications, computing and media); disciplines (IT, design and media communications); and technological platforms (IT systems and networks, hardware and software, sound, text and moving and still image). Today these technologies are ubiquitous. Developments in multimedia therefore raise questions about the assumed character of communication, as well as issues relating to the experiences of the users of multimedia and the design implications these experiences present.

UEL’s BSc (Hons) Multimedia Design Technology introduces and develops on a broad range of skills necessary for an understanding of various contexts of multimedia production. The degree focuses on a hands-on approach to multimedia software, user experience design and research techniques. The curriculum encourages creativity, innovation and intellectual engagement with its subject matter.

Multimedia Design Technology at UEL

Students at UEL are offered the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary approach to the study of multimedia design technology, which combines both research and practice.

Key issues studied include

  • Interactive design and communication practices
  • Software/Hardware
  • Usability and user experience
  • Origins of multimedia, convergence and digitalisation
  • Nonlinear/linear design considerations
  • The role of affect, emotion and cognition in user experiences
  • Cultural, social and political contexts of multimedia
  • Project management
  • Research and development of new forms of communication multimedia

Key skills include

  • HTML and dynamic web page production
  • Digital image production and manipulation
  • Prototyping and testing
  • Research methodology and conceptual design
  • User interface design
  • Project management
  • Programming and scripting
  • Website management & maintenance
  • Working with clients and external agents
  • Working in groups

Programme structure

This is a three-year, full-time programme, although it can also be studied on a part-time basis over a longer period of time. Some modules are shared with other degree programmes in the School of Arts and Digital Industries. The majority of modules are compulsory, but there are a small percentage of optional modules. 

Learning environment

Learning takes place through lectures, seminars and practical workshops in Mac and PC computer labs. Tutorial sessions are also available, as well as personal supervision of final year projects and dissertations.

Assessment

Students undertake six modules per year. Marks for 1st year modules do not count towards the final degree classification. All marks for 2nd and 3rd year modules count. Most assessment is via coursework, with a small proportion via exam.

Work experience/placement opportunities

There is the opportunity to work in small groups or individually for clients with real communications needs in both the 2nd year and the 3rd year of this degree programme. Students who achieve well can be offered work experience opportunities when they arise during the summer.

Project work

Most of the final year is made up of project work - this counts as almost one quarter of the total mark for the degree. This, and other areas of study, allows students to develop their own ideas, work in groups and/or research specific topics.

Added value

Here are some of the things that multimedia graduates have said about the degree:

‘The degree covers a broad introduction to multimedia which helped me later on in my career as a new media project manager’
‘Without the input of the multimedia staff at UEL I wouldn’t have a good a degree and a good job’

'I realised when I was having my interview for my current job as a web designer how all of my courses fitted together. I was asked questions which I answered by drawing on my courses.'

'The most important things to me about being at this university were the practical experiences I had ... the skills developed, the people I met and the work experience I had ... all of these ... assets have made the whole thing completely priceless'

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

  • Designing and making multimedia
  • Researching and testing multimedia
  • Understanding the relationship between developments in multimedia technologies and design in social and cultural contexts
  • Using software applications to design multimedia
  • Understanding the role of interactivity in multimedia design
  • Researching the potential and limitations of new media communication from a user perspective
  • Asking questions relating to user experiences of the new media
  • Researching new forms of media communication
  • Exploring the relationship between multimedia, consumption, and other aspects of contemporary life

If you enjoy...

  • Interactive design
  • Web page production and multimedia authoring
  • 2D and 3D graphic manipulation and development
  • Programming and scripting
  • Website maintenance, including hosting, search engine registration and validation
  • Exploring the practical and theoretical potential and limitations of the new media
  • Working in groups and with clients

If you want...

  • To acquire or enhance a range of production skills relevant to a career in multimedia
  • To develop study and research skills essential for exploring the field of multimedia to undergraduate level, including analytical reading and note-taking, essay planning and writing, reports, independent thinking, problem solving and coherent reasoning.
  • To have the opportunity to extend study at MA or MSc or branch out into ICT related practice-based education.

Your future career

Recent successful graduates of the BSc Multimedia Design Technology have gone on to have careers in production and marketing, working in digital agencies as company directors. Others have become user experience design specialists working for a top West End usability company. Former students of the programme who began their work life as freelancers now have senior positions in the mobile phone and media industry. Some continue to freelance and run their own new media design businesses.

How we support you

Each student is allocated a personal tutor to guide them through their studies. There is also a programme tutor, who is responsible for your degree and can also offer help and advice. The university also offers support in the following areas: residential; student finance advice; careers advice; study skills development; IT/learning resources.

Bonus factors

-

Outcomes

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

  • Develop practical and analytical skills in the design, planning, development and management of multimedia projects.
  • Develop a critical understanding of the cultural and social contexts in which the design and development of multimedia practices take place
  • Develop student’s skills in reading and analysing texts, in academic writing, in evaluating and presenting arguments and in working together in groups
  • 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'

What will you learn?

Knowledge

  • An introduction and exploration of the key concepts and theories relevant to understanding multimedia design and production, as well as the social and cultural contexts in which these practices occur
  • A working knowledge of the technologies of multimedia production

Thinking skills

  • To grasp and, through writing, oral presentation, design and research, participate in current debates surrounding the development and diffusion of multimedia technologies.
  • Evaluate the relationship between theory and creative practice in the field of multimedia
  • Understand and apply theoretical models and concepts to multimedia products and the contexts in which they are produced and consumed
  • Understand and apply principles of multimedia design, multimedia management and group work to project work
  • Reflect on progress throughout the development of research and project work
  • Synthesise personal experience and 'objective' analysis relevant to multimedia

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • Use various means by which to specify, design and construct the elements which are likely to make for effective multimedia production.
  • Generate ideas independently and/or collaboratively in response to set briefs and/or as self-initiated activity
  • Produce (and manage) practical multimedia, using appropriate, design strategies, digital graphics, interfaces, websites, interactive elements, programming, and scripting and other specialist aspects of multimedia production
  • Manage and deliver a research project and multimedia project.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

  • Work together in teams
  • Analyse and offer solutions to institutional or commercial communications problems
  • Work effectively with outside clients

Structure

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

  • 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
  • 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.

Typical duration

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.

How the teaching year is divided

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

What you will study when

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 and major routes for this programme

Level 1 Entry


LEVEL

TITLE

Module Code

CREDITS

STATUS SINGLE

STATUS MAJOR

STATUS JOINT

STATUS MINOR

 

1

Introduction to New Media (Skills)*

MS1304

20

Core

Core

Option*

N/A

 

1

Visual Design

MS1301

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

 

1

Web Authoring and Web Management

IM1024

20

Core

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

1

Web Page Design

MS1302

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

 

1

Media Production 2

MS1404

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

1

Multimedia Principles and Design

MS1310

20

Core

Core

Option

N/A

 

1

Multi-Media Advocacy Theory & Practice

MS1600

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

1

Promotion and Branding: Theory and Practice

CC1703

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

  
1 Media Meanings MS1402 20 Option N/A N/A N/A  

2

Multimedia Hardware

MS2309

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

 

2

3D Modelling

MS2301

20

Option

Option

Option

N/A

 

2

Multimedia Design

MS2305

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

 

2

New Media Research Concepts and Methodologies

MS2306

20

Core

Core

Core

UWO

 

2

University-wide option

 

20

N/A

N/A

N/A

Option

 

2

Live Team Project

MS2303

20

Core

Core

Option*

N/A

 

2

Media Production 3

MS2405

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

2

Media, Culture and Identity

MS2401

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

2

Youth Cultures

MS2103

20

Option

N/A

N/A

N/A

  
2 Information Systems Development IS2108 20 Option N/A N/A N/A  

3

Dynamic Content: Design, development and management of database driven systems

MS3304

20

Core

Core

Option

Core

 

3

New Media Dissertation/Project (Skills)*

MS3307

40

Core

Core

Option*

N/A

 

3

New Media
Portfolio

MS3308

40

Core

N/A

N/A

N/A

3

New Media Theory/Practice: User Experience Design

MS3305

20

Core

Core

Core

Core

 

3

University-wide option

 

20

N/A

N/A

Option

N/A

 

* Skills Module: Must be taken unless equivalent skills module is being taken in other half of programme

Requirements for gaining an award

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.)

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

×

2/3

+

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

×

1/3

and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification

70% - 100%

First Class Honours

60% - 69%

Second Class Honours, First Division

50% - 59%

Second Class Honours, Second Division

40% - 49%

Third Class Honours

0% - 39%

Not passed

Assessment

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

  • 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 multimedia kit 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

Assessment

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

Quality

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before the programme started, the following was checked:

  • there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
  • adequate resources would be in place;
  • the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
  • the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
  • the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
  • the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

  • external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
  • statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
  • student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

The role of the programme committee

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

  • To ensure the standard of the programme;
  • To ensure that justice is done to individual students.

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

  • Modules evaluations
  • Student representation on programme committees

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  • Feedback to committee on previous minutes of meeting

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:

  • Questionnaires to former students

Further Information

Alternative locations for studying this programme

LocationWhich elements?Taught by UEL staffTaught by local staffMethod of Delivery

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Where you can find further information

Further information about this programme is available from:

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