Interactive Media and Web Technologies BSc (Hons)

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 (UX) to a range of different users. This module looks at the design theory that guides modern Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), and the application of the 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

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 Application Programming Interface (API) development.

Compulsory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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