Objectives
Computer-based multimedia techniques are used to communicate a whole range of ideas in business, education, government, the arts and entertainment, and the aim of this course is to give you a clear understanding of the underlying principles and technical issues associated with developing computer systems that incorporate multimedia content. This course can complement the knowledge and skills that you have obtained on almost any undergraduate course. We have had artists who wanted to present their material on the Internet, engineers who wanted to create product and factory simulations and even an archaeologist who wanted to create a virtual museum. We do expect applicants to have an honours degree and to have some experience of using computers. In some cases, we have recruited applicants with significant knowledge and experience of the area who have not had these formal qualifications, but have been able to demonstrate that they have the capability to make academic judgements and understand technical concepts, and are prepared to work independently to understand the way that new ideas are being created in a rapidly developing field.
Course description
MSc/PGDip Multimedia Engineering
Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Multimedia Engineering cover the following taught modules:
Multimedia Technology and Design
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process;
Research Methods
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that are required to enhance your abilities as an independent learner. Practical work in this module will focus on the investigation of topics that are directly relevant to this subject area;
Digital 3D
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments;
Internet Development
You will learn more about the development of Internet delivered systems;
Multimedia Applications and CAL
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems;
Multimedia Programming
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.
Should you decide to follow the MSc path, the Major Project will provide you with the opportunity to work on an individually supervised project in order to apply the material you have previously learnt on the course and develop your expertise in a specific area.
Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Multimedia Engineering.
Both courses aim to produce individuals whose multimedia skills mean that they can hit the ground running in their future careers.
You will explore the technology that is used to manage images, video, sound, animation and 3D worlds. You will learn how these multimedia assets are stored and manipulated, from both a theoretical and practical point of view. You will then learn how they can be delivered through the Internet or other media and how the method of delivery influences the design and techniques that can be used. You will also examine the use of multimedia for a range of applications with a special focus on how multimedia can be used to build learning material.
What do you study?
The course is delivered in two phases. A series of taught modules is delivered in the first 30 weeks of the course, covering the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. The final 15 weeks of the academic year allow the MSc students the opportunity to complete a major project through independent study.
How do you study?
The coursework on this course will require you to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation. During the Major Project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical work, which then forms the basis of a dissertation and an oral presentation.
Assessment
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.
Why study at Nottingham Trent University?
Students in the School of Science and Technology have use of a new, purpose-built £8 million building, which offers state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities specific to the subjects taught in the School. This includes exceptional computing resources, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications.
The Multimedia courses within the School are taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.
Coupled with the strength of our teaching and facilities is the direct relevance of the Multimedia Engineering course content to real-world employment.
Place of study
In 2006, the doors opened on our £8m purpose-designed building. We’ve invested heavily in computing facilities, which include multiple networked computer rooms, multimedia editing suites and specialist labs for imaging, networks and communications for the use of our students. Everything students need is in one building, from a one-stop shop for student enquiries to high-spec teaching and tutorial rooms. A large area has been designed specifically for the School’s postgraduate students and includes computer labs, teaching rooms and an open plan social area.
Clifton campus
Situated just four miles from the centre of Nottingham, the Clifton campus is a self-contained green-field site with excellent accommodation and facilities.
The Clifton campus Library is open seven days a week and students have 24-hour access to a number of IT resource rooms. The campus has benefited from considerable investment over the past five years. It has comprehensive sports facilities - including a multi-million pound sports hall, two gyms, and an all-weather floodlit sports pitch, as well as a new Student Support Centre, offering careers advice and support with financial and personal issues.
Food, drink and retail outlets include The Point – a multi-purpose venue with a bar, a cafe, and an entertainments programme. There is also the campus News and Food convenience store, which sells all the student essentials.
The campus hosts Blackwell’s bookshop, the Sunrise Medical Practice and a friendly branch of HSBC. There is a regular bus service available that provides easy access to Nottingham’s vibrant and exciting city centre.
Your future career
Companies are increasingly looking for flexible employees with a range of abilities, which is why Multimedia Engineering graduates often find employment thanks to a combination of their first degree and postgraduate qualification.
This is particularly true in the field of computer-aided learning (CAL), and a significant number of graduates have gone into CAL development roles in both the public and private sector. Their CAL development expertise was obtained from this course and their subject knowledge from their first degree.
In the early days of the course, a large number of graduates were attracted to web design and, in fact, our graduates have set up two web design companies, one in the UK and one in China. Job opportunities have declined in this area but they have also become more polarised and students with graphic design or similar backgrounds have found that the technical input from this course has enhanced their career prospects.
As the power of computers and the infrastructure of the Internet have continued to develop, there appears to be an increased demand for students with experience in creating 3D systems and it is expected that this will be a growth area in demand for graduates from this course.
