Interactive Media and Web Technologies BSc (Hons) with foundation year

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Common first-year courses:

• Computer Science MSci/BSc (Hons)
• Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence MSci/BSc (Hons)
• Information Technology Management BSc (Hons)
• Software Engineering BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field.

Modules

• Programming: Concepts and Algorithms - 20 credits

  Whatever software we’re developing, we need to understand the fundamentals of programming to build it – that’s as true for an interactive website as it is for a smart-phone app. In this module, you’ll be introduced to these fundamentals through an accessible and industry-favoured programming language. You’ll explore algorithms – what they are, why they’re important, and how to use them – and you’ll combine this with your programming skills to write your own programs.

  Compulsory

• Computer Systems - 20 credits

  To apply, extend or enhance information systems, any developer needs a fundamental understanding of the machine, with all of its complex, moving parts. This module introduces you to these concepts, taking them from the concept of computation to the twitching transistors which drive its implementation.

  CPU architectures, memory hierarchies, efficiency, networking and security are all explored. Additionally, the concept of the Operating System is introduced which, combined with the other topics studied, empowers you to begin your journey as a developer.

  Compulsory

• Working with Data - 20 credits

  Databases are fundamental to modern, digital life – whatever we’re doing, we’re either generating, using, sharing or erasing data. The technologies, ethics and laws behind these processes are a fascinating and fundamental element of software development in the 21st century. In this module, you’ll explore all of these concepts, mastering the elements of data handling, storage, and management which you’ll have to apply in later study.

  Compulsory

• Mathematical Skills for Computing Professionals - 20 credits

  Fundamental to all programming is the notion of mathematics. Whenever we write software, we are writing algorithms and algebra – and in order to write them correctly, we need a firm grip of the maths which underpins them. In this module, you’ll gain that understanding, exploring subjects like set theory, algorithms and complexity, and logical arithmetic. Don’t be intimidated, though! Everything is explained from first principles, and you’re supported throughout your mathematical studies by Coventry University’s maths support service.

  Compulsory

• Programming: Professional Practice - 20 credits

  This module builds upon and develops the fundamental computer programming skills you developed in Concepts and Algorithms. You will be introduced to new ideas such as object-orientation, and designing reusable code, and you’ll explore them using another industry-favoured programming language. You’ll be taught to structure your code in a way which makes it easy to follow, maintain, and extend, equipping you for the next stage of your software development studies.

  Compulsory

• Integrative Project Module - 20 credits

  The Integrative Project module adopts an activity-led approach to learning, where you’ll work in a team to plan and execute a project related to your course. The project provides you a vital opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned during your first year of study, as well as develop new technical and team-working skills. You’ll be given a high degree of autonomy during the project, assuming responsibility for all aspects of its conduct. Everything from organising group meetings and distributing tasks and work packets, to reflecting on your progress.

  Compulsory

In Year two, you will develop more advanced knowledge and skills to do with interactive media technologies and techniques, and the fundamentals of good web design, amongst others.

Modules

• Desire Lines: User Experience and Interface Design - 20 credits

  With an ever-growing availability of complex digital devices and interfaces, designers have a responsibility to ensure that their products are usable and provide a positive user experience to a range of different users. This module looks at the design theory that guides modern Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), and application of the User Experience (UX) design process. You’ll learn to identify shortcomings in a user interface and how to address those problem areas using industry-standard techniques.

  Compulsory

• Web Development - 20 credits

  In this module, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of networked application development, as well as a range of key, contemporary web technologies. You’ll be given a strong grounding in web implementation, empowering you to deliver interactive, dynamic websites, and enabling you to progress onto more advanced topics in the domain, such as web API development.

  Compulsory

• Teamwork makes the Dream Works: Creative Industries Group Project - 20 credits

  This module aims to simulate some of the pressures associated with modern digital content creation through a client-led, group project approach. You’ll implement team building, communication and project management strategies that the module will introduce as you undertake a project which will draw on all the skills you’ve gained in your course so far. As well as learning how to bring a product through the core stages of the art pipeline, including Concept, Design, Pre-production and Post-production, you’ll learn what it means to undertake agile, iterative development as part of a team.

  Compulsory

• Exploring Interactive Media Technologies - 20 credits

  In this module you’ll be introduced to a wide range of technologies and concepts which enable the creation of engaging digital media. You’ll explore applications for the development of sound, video, and animation assets, and how to export and distribute these assets. Emphasising the practical and production-driven nature of digital media creation, you’ll ultimately produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills with a wealth of relevant technologies.

  Compulsory

• Let’s Get Moving: 2D and 3D Animation - 20 credits

  Starting with the principles of animation, this module looks at the underpinning techniques for portraying both artificial and natural movement of animated objects and characters. You'll explore the basic properties of movement, before being introduced to a range of animation software, techniques, and approaches commonly employed in industry.

  Compulsory

• I Shot the Serif: Graphic Design - 20 credits

  In this module you'll explore the key principles of typography and layout, empowering you to create intelligible and visually pleasing graphic designs. With a heavy focus on clarity of communication and the visual language of user interfaces, you'll construct a portfolio of work demonstrating your skills as a designer, as well as your understanding of concepts such as proximity, similarity, contrast, repetition and alignment.

  Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee³ of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or partner institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

• UK Work Placement– 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  Optional

• International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

  This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

  Optional

Year three aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from Year one and two. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

• Once Upon a Time: Innovative Storytelling - 20 credits

  Modern Interactive Media is driven by stories, whether it be a company trying to tell you about their product, a budding artist trying to share a life experience or a charity reaching out for help. Consumers of these stories generally have an expectation of narrative when interacting with media and this module covers the principles of how to forge effective stories.

  Initially looking at the creative process in general, this module looks at how this can be applied to the development of narrative through typical storytelling methods and delivered through a range of media. You'll implement your learning by developing a short story of your own and delivering this through a form of Interactive Media of your choice.

  Compulsory

• Web API Development - 20 credits

  Web APIs empower websites to access the data and services needed to deliver on modern user demands in terms of connectedness and accuracy. From weather patterns to GPS traffic data, APIs underpin it all. In this module, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to create your own API for use in web applications, using the latest, industry-standard technologies, and featuring an interactive web client.

  Compulsory

• The VFX Factor: Visual Effects and Motion Graphics - 20 credits

  As audience expectations of the visual effects (VFX) we see in the cinema and on TV have increased, so has industry's need for skilled professionals capable of generating believable visual spectacles. This module uses industry-favoured tools and techniques, teaching you how to develop a range of VFX, implement them, and integrate them into motion media.

  Compulsory

• Advanced Technical Art for Games - 20 credits

  One of the most demanding industries when it comes to technical art assets is the games industry. In this module, you'll explore the use of procedural techniques across the digital content creation pipeline to accelerate and enhance the creative process. You'll become familiar with the challenges and constraints you'll face when developing assets for real-time rendering, and the techniques you can use to overcome those limitations while maintaining the fidelity of your creative vision.

  Compulsory

• Interactive Media & Web Technologies Project - 40 credits

  In this module, you'll bring together the skills you have developed over the duration of your studies and apply them to the completion of a large development project related to the course. This might involve design principles, animation, film, or something else entirely which requires application of those skills. Supported throughout by an academic supervisor, this gives you the opportunity to explore something meaningful to you, and to build an impressive centrepiece for your portfolio.

  Compulsory