Course summary:
Digital media development is a specialised topic of computer science that focuses on the development of interactive applications that respond to user actions by presenting rich multimedia content using various forms of interaction. The increasing capabilities of the web, high tech devices and mobile technology provide enormous potential for engaging users in innovative ways of interaction with state-of-the-art interfaces. The digital tech industry requires practitioners with good understanding of user experience (UX) principles and good technical competences for developing advanced user interfaces. The Digital Media Development BSc Honours addresses all aspects of the digital media development process, from conceptualisation and design, to implementation and testing with primary focus on front end development.
The programme offers three directions of specialisation:
- web application design and development
- mobile application design and development
- 3D user interfaces design and development.
These specialisation areas directly address an increasing skills shortage in the digital tech industry, a sector that currently employs 2.5 million people in UK and is the fastest growing industry in the UK economy (according to analysis by Tech City UK and innovation charity Nesta).
The core modules of the course will enable you to possess theoretical knowledge and practical skills on: UX principles of a range of interfaces and digital media applications; user centred design and development of web applications ranging from simple web sites, to responsive sites that adapt to multiple platforms and devices to web mobile apps; 2D and 3D user interfaces and web analytics. In the second and third years of the degree (Levels 5 and 6), students are able to select option modules that can give them a direction of further specialisation to native mobile application development; server side, or back end development; and 3D digital media and games.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical classes and laboratory work, supported by online material and periods of independent study. Assessment methods may include exams, in-class tests, essays, presentations, coursework and, practical or technical reports.
The degree supports students to:
- Practice the design and development of responsive Web applications and 2D and 3D user interfaces
- Learn programing and the use of libraries (like JQuery and Bootstrap), as well software (Adobe CC) and games platforms to create Web applications, 2D and 3D user interfaces
- Experiment with combining different technologies to create innovative user interfaces and testing user experience following formal research methods and analytics
- Explore the use of advanced motion capture facilities combined with programming motor sensor devices such as Kinect and Leap Motion to create user interaction with state-of-the-art user interfaces
- Develop a rich electronic portfolio including web applications incorporating 2D animation that adapt to multiple device sizes, native mobile applications and 3D user interfaces and gain industry certification for the professional use of major commercial software (like Adobe CC).