Digital Technology and Computing BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Female student wearing a virtual reality headset

This course blends design and technology, covering UX design, animation, VFX and web development. Gain hands-on experience with VR, Adobe tools and high-spec labs, helping you prepare for a career in the digital technology and computing industry.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

I150

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Your UCAS Guide

Download a prospectus

The information on this page is for 2026-27 entry and should be used as guidance for 2027-28 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Course overview

Are you a creative tech enthusiast looking to prepare for roles in UX design, animation and web development? If yes, then this course could be the right fit.

Key course highlights

Explore emerging media technologies and take the opportunity to become proficient in UX design, 2D/3D animation and web development using VR, Adobe Creative Cloud and high-spec labs.⁴
Develop professional skills by collaborating on projects, aiming to prepare you for a career in the industry or further academic study.
Develop skills in designing, developing and programming immersive, interactive and user-focused web and media experiences.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Industry-standard creative tech skills: develop expertise in UX design, animation, VFX and web development using professional tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and VR equipment.⁴
Portfolio-building practical projects: create digital media assets through hands-on briefs and collaborative work, building a professional portfolio before entering the job market.
Industry-standard facilities: access high-spec resources including VR suites, recording studios and computing labs with industry-standard software.⁴
Career-focused learning: develop skills aligned with digital creative roles like interactive media designer, UX specialist, graphic designer and digital animator.
Boost your career prospects: you may have the opportunity to apply for an optional industry placement, and we aim to provide you access to networking events with creative tech professionals.²

What you'll study

This course offers a combination of creative design and technical computing, covering areas such as UX design, web development, 2D/3D animation and visual effects.

You will have the opportunity to use industry-standard tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud and virtual reality platforms, to produce digital media, while developing programming and interactive design skills.

This course includes practical projects, group work and portfolio-building activities, which are intended to support your development for potential roles in areas such as digital design, animation or user experience.

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

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

Modules

The Web and Human Centred Programming – 30 credits

Equip yourself with an introductory understanding of web development and the principles of human-centred design. Explore the foundational technologies of the Web, including HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and learn how to create responsive and accessible web applications. An emphasis is placed on user experience (UX) design, teaching you how to conduct user research, develop personas and create wireframes and prototypes that prioritise usability and accessibility.

Through a combination of teaching methods, you should gain practical experience in front-end and back-end development and human-computer interaction (HCI) and learn how to evaluate web and interactive systems using usability testing methods.

Compulsory

Computer Systems – 30 credits

This module introduces the core concepts of computer systems, covering both hardware and software. Investigate what constitutes a computer by exploring ideas like the Von Neumann architecture and Turing Completeness, and understand how data is represented, including memory, storage, number systems, binary logic, logic gates and transistors. This module explains instruction sets and assemblers along with CPU structure and memory management, including caches and system/virtual memory.

Study optimisation techniques like parallel processing and speculative execution, how devices communicate and the role of operating systems, network structures and system security measures.

Compulsory

Programming and Artificial Intelligence – 30 credits

This module introduces you to programming and artificial intelligence. Learn the fundamentals of programming, how to write clear and effective code, and develop your problem-solving and algorithmic thinking skills, with a focus on AI applications.

The module focuses on simple AI programming challenges, including games, chatbots and maze solvers, along with introductory material on machine learning, neural networks and generative artificial intelligence. Content includes necessary mathematics, as well as basic data manipulation. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs, and collaborative projects, you should gain practical experience in applying AI techniques to solve real-world problems.

Compulsory

Programming and Software Development – 30 credits

Learn basic programming concepts and simple algorithms within the application space of software development. The focus will be on new concepts for the exploration of different programming paradigms, particularly (but not limited to) procedural and object-oriented programming (OOP).

Investigate the differences between major programming languages and be exposed to best practice design and development techniques for software. This includes learning professional practice in terms of code repositories and management, software documentation, codes of conduct and social, ethical, legal and professional issues in programming and software development.

Compulsory

In your second year, you will develop more advanced knowledge and creative skills, related to interactive media technologies and techniques, and the fundamentals of effective design for a range of platforms.

Modules

Full Stack Development – 30 credits

This module aims to provide an overview of full-stack development, including roles, tools and technologies. You will delve into front-end basics with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and advance to responsive design and frameworks such as React. This module will also explore back-end development, including server-side programming using tools such as Node.js and Express, RESTful APIs, authentication and building secure services. Database management will cover SQL and NoSQL technologies. Best practices in software development, such as version control with Git, testing, debugging and documentation, will be explored.

Compulsory

Design and Conquer: Technical Art in Games – 30 credits

Tackle technical challenges in digital content creation through practical, hands-on work. Build a portfolio that shows off your skills as a technical artist, covering key areas like 3D modelling, animation, asset creation, game design and real-time rendering using industry-standard software.⁴

Learn how to solve complex problems, work within the limitations of a game engine and understand how transformation in a 3D space can be achieved in real time. Gain the tools and knowledge to develop high-quality digital assets for games and interactive media.

Compulsory

Bytes and Brushstrokes: The Digital Canvas – 30 credits

Get hands-on with the creative tools and techniques used to develop both static and time-based media, including print, typography, sound and video. Explore graphic design principles like layout, grids and Gestalt theory - learning how design elements, such as proximity and contrast, shape what we see. Master industry-standard software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and build your skills in video storytelling, editing and delivery.⁴ Create a portfolio of work that shows off your abilities across a range of media formats.

Compulsory

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: From Concept to Creation – 30 credits

Immerse yourself in a simulated real-world digital project as part of a creative team, responding to a client brief. Build your skills in communication, task management and collaboration - essential for working in the industry. Use professional tools and workflows to keep your team on track and learn how to create content that is inclusive, accessible and respects intellectual property. Create a portfolio piece that demonstrates your technical ability, teamwork and readiness for a creative career in the digital industry.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

The final year of your studies aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from previous years. You could also work on a large final project in an area of your interest, with the support of a mentor.

Modules

Project (Single) - 30 credits

This individual project module allows you to apply and integrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout your degree programme in a substantial individual project. It aims to help you develop your ability to solve real-world problems, engage in independent research, enhance your professional skills and demonstrate technical proficiency in your chosen subject area.

Compulsory

Reality Reimagined: Immersive Environment Design – 30 credits

Learn how to tell compelling stories using immersive, interactive media. Explore how modern audiences expect narrative experiences—and how to deliver those using cutting-edge technology like game engines, virtual reality (VR) and real-time visualisation tools such as Unreal Engine.

Design and build your own immersive story world, combining technical artistry with creative storytelling. Through hands-on practice, develop skills in 3D modelling, world-building and rendering, while also learning how to shape interactive narratives that engage users in powerful ways.

Compulsory

Scene Stealers: Enchanting Narratives with VFX – 30 credits

Dive into the world of visual effects (VFX) and motion graphics, learning how to enhance stories through cinematic techniques. Using industry-standard tools like Houdini and Adobe After Effects, explore key techniques such as compositing, chroma keying, rotoscoping and working with computer-generated imagery.

Apply your new knowledge to create your own visual effects and integrate them into moving media, like short films or animations. Examine how VFX shapes storytelling in modern cinema and TV, developing a critical understanding of its narrative power.

Compulsory

From Pixels to Prototypes: The UX Design Journey – 30 credits

As digital devices and interfaces become more advanced, they must remain easy to use and offer a great experience for everyone. Explore how to design intuitive, accessible and visually appealing user interfaces.

Learn the theory and principles behind Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) and application of the user experience (UX) design process

Using tools and techniques like grids, alignment, whitespace, colour theory and typography to build engaging interactive products. Apply user-centred and iterative design approaches to identify real-world problems and create tested prototypes for apps, websites, or digital tools.

Become equipped to design and evaluate user experiences that are both functional and enjoyable.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

You can expect to learn about how to develop flat media (commonly used in advertising and print media), film and animation techniques (typically used in film and cinema) and web-based design practices that inform modern user interface and UX design of web services and mobile applications.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
presentations
reports
projects
coursework
exams
individual assignments
laboratories.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Computing or Design Technology. Excludes General Studies
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM in IT, Business or a technical subject
IB Diploma	29 points to include one from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology or IT at Higher level
Access to HE	Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits in either Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Statistics. Plus GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £20,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. As an indication, students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees. The University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

BAME male student working on multiple computer monitors

Interactive Media Lab

Dedicated lab facility with high-end PCs which empower your software development and your digital creativity. You can access these machines outside of class to undertake portfolio work.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

The Lanchester Library is usually open 364 days a year and has many study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers touchdown computers and free-to-loan laptops.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you should have gained practical knowledge of a range of industry standard content creation tools.⁴

Graduates should be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively work within the creative industry, pursuing careers across areas including digital media, animation, user interface and UX design, game design and full-stack web development and mobile application development.

As a multi-disciplinary subject, the Digital Technology and Computing BSc (Hons) is designed to produce design-conscious graduates that have a wealth of technical skills and knowledge of implementation. As the creative industry keeps growing, it relies increasingly on designers and content creators that have a fundamental knowledge of computer systems, their requirements and their limitations.

Learning to produce efficient digital media content, engage with collaborative design practices and understand the technical aspects of design, helps graduates become informed, socially responsible content creators and design practitioners.

Where our graduates work

The forerunner to this course was our multimedia computing course and graduates of that course have gone on to work at:

Jaguar Land Rover – CGI Artist
The AA – Learning Designer
AIA – Associate, UX Research
BlackRock – Senior Software Engineer
Semcon – CGI Artist
HedgedInterest – Lead Graphic Designer
MOTIX Connected – Development Coordinator
Blink Image Limited – Motion Graphics Designer
TopCon Positioning Systems – UX Supervisor

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year (start Sep 26 - Jul 27)

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

UCAS applications will open for this course from May 2026. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU065

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. For more information, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Digital Technology and Computing BSc (Hons)

Course features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

Study mode

Duration

UCAS codes

Start date

Course overview

Rated Gold Overall

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

Why you should study this course

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Guided and independent study

Online learning

Assessment

Entry requirements

Other qualifications and experience

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

English language requirements

Fees and funding

*Irish student fees

Facilities

Interactive Media Lab

The Library

Careers and opportunities

Where our graduates work

Discover Phoenix+

How to apply

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