BA Hons Creative Technologies

Modules

Year 1

• Issues in Contemporary Art (CRE101)

  Semester 1

  • This module explores key issues within contemporary art, culture and design. Lectures deal with a wide variety of topics within the given areas along with seminars on basic research and essay-writing methods, use of the library and electronic resources. Students will develop an essay choosing a topic based on one of the lectures. They will give evidence of their progress by completing an online blog, which will document their research and the basic structuring of their essay. Feedback will be given in seminar group discussions as well as one-to-one tutorials.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Paul Moore - Module Co-ordinator

• Digital Content Production (Still Image) (CRE103)

  Semester 1

  • This module provides an introduction to the use of standard processes within the field of 2D digital art production.

    Credits: 10

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Mark Cullen - Module Co-ordinator

• Digital Content Production (Audio) (CRE104)

  Semester 1

  • This module will build skills in software based audio production with a focus on sound engineering fundamentals and audio production techniques.

    Credits: 10

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Introduction to Computer Games (COM176)

  Semester 1

  • This module will provide students with a detailed knowledge of the fundamental issues facing designers creating computer and video games. The module begins by examining the core mechanics and gameplay challenges commonly used in computer games. The game design and development process is also reviewed in detail. Lectures are used to introduce ideas and techniques, and practical skills are developed through practical sessions.

     

    Note: Introduction to Computer Games is a prerequisite for the Computer Games pathways in Years 2 and 3. Students interested in this Year 2 module must take this class and audit the Digital Content Production modules.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• Creative Coding 1 (CRE111)

  Semester 1

  • The study of programming and the development of programming skills are central to the creative application of technology. Students must become skilled in the use of at least one programming language and in so doing develop an understanding of programming concepts and skills which can be transferred to other languages at a later date. The module aims to: 1) introduce students to programming concepts and data structures 2) provide them with expertise in applying programming in a creative context (graphics, animation, sound) 3) develop skills in logical thinking and the design and implementation of software.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Issues in Contemporary Media (CRE106)

  Semester 2

  • This module places theory as a parallel creative tool alongside technology. It introduces students to the idea that all their work must be grounded in a set of ideas and that these ideas must be understood fully before they can be articulated in a specific piece of practice(s). It introduces students to the concept outlined by Baudrillard that all practice is articulated through a model which asserts that reconstruction is grounded always in deconstruction.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Paul Moore - Module Co-ordinator

• Digital Content Production (Moving Image) (CRE105)

  Semester 2

  • This module will build skills in digital content creation for moving image incorporating camera-work, editing and post-production.

    Credits: 10

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Creative Coding 2 (CRE)

  Semester 2

  • This module is designed to build upon the work done in Creative Coding 1 taken in Semester 1. Students are introduced to the Python programming language and will become proficient in solving more complex problems which require the use of advanced features and study. The module aims to: 1) introduce students to Python 2) introduce students to more advanced programming concepts 3) provide students with expertise in applying procedural and object oriented programming in a creative context 4) develop skills logical thinking and the design, implementation and testing of software. The module prepares students for both the Web Development module in Year 2 and the Advanced Web Development module in Year 3.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Introduction to 3D Design (DES124)

  Semester 2

  • Through lectures, assignments, case studies and related information students will be introduced to the multi-disciplinary nature of 3D design.  The module provides and insight into the commercial world of 3D Design by studying the working methods and skills required in the field.  The core element of this module is formed by competencies of form, function and purpose. Students will learn how to research, effectively communicate, think creatively, analyse and problem solve and effectively visualise in 3D.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• Interface Technologies and Applications (CRE113)

  Semester 2

  • This module explores the combination of electronics and software to develop interactive applications. The skills and knowledge acquired here will inform further work by enabling students to learn how various elements of hardware and software can be brought together to create user driven applications.

    Credits: 10

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

Year 2

• Multimedia Authoring (COM315)

  Semester 1

  • Multimedia Authoring builds upon the fundamental theoretical and practical skills acquired in the module Internet & Multimedia Technology. It will provide students with the multimedia authoring / scripting skills necessary for implementing design concepts using multimedia technologies. It will train students for a productive role in commerce and industry wherever computer-based interaction systems are present. Practical and coursework assessment elements will develop and assess the students’ ability to work as part of a team. The social context issues of the use of multimedia in education, business communities and the entertainment industries will be discussed and taken into consideration through the prototype applications developed as part of the student coursework assessment.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• Sound Engineering and Studio Techniques (CRE 303)

  Semester 1

  • This module introduces students to the modern recording studio environment, placing emphasis on group work and safe and efficient practices in the use of equipment.

    Aims: to familiarise students with hardware and software used for recording, editing and mastering in the modern digital studio.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Interactive Systems 1 (CRE305)

  Semester 1

  • This module offers advanced study in the design and application of interactive music systems. The module aims to equip students with the skills to carry out object-based computer programming and to explore and develop their comprehension of technologies in use in signal and data processing.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Form, Perception and Cognition (CRE317)

  Semester 1

  • This module introduces students to the key principles in perception, visual and auditory stimuli, cognition and perceptual processes.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Web Development (CRE333)

  Semester 1

  • This module is designed for students who wish to pursue high-level web development and is a pre-requisite for subsequent modules in Mobile Development and Advanced Web Development. The module aims to: 1) introduce students to HTML, CSS and JavaScript 2) introduce students to the inner workings of the web and an understanding of web standards 3) provide students with expertise in designing, developing and maintaining a professional web presence. The module is a prerequisite for Mobile Development in Semester 2 and Advanced Web Development in Semester 1 of Year 3.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• 3D Product and Character Design (DES307 )

  Semester 1

  • This module nurtures a development of 3D design into specific fields of Product or Character development but bringing interdisciplinary approaches together to inform each practice through the emotional domain. Students will use 3D problem solving relating to functional, social, behavioural, cultural, gendered and emotional contexts to develop 3D solutions which have market appeal.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• Interactive Systems 2 (CRE318)

  Semester 2

  • This module offers advanced study in the design and application of interactive visual systems and generative art.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Technology, Art and the Digital Space (CRE301)

  Semester 2

  • This module refines the idea of digital performance for students through a concentration on the interaction between the digital, image, sound and liveness across a range of artists and techniques with a view to their delivering a piece of digital practice.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Electroacoustic Composition and Sound Design Technologies (MUS302)

  Semester 2

  • This module introduces students to the key aesthetic principles and tools of electroacoustic composition and live electronic music performance. The module aims to provide students with a grounding in the key aesthetic principles of electroacoustic composition, knowledge of key elements of the electroacoustic music repertoire, tools in audio processing and sound design.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Multimedia Games Development (COM429)

  Semester 2

  • Computer games consist of various elements of multimedia content that enhance the game playing experience and player immersion. 2D graphics, 3D models, sounds, animation and scripting are fundamental elements of any game environment. This module provides students with a thorough understanding of core concepts of game design and the effective use of assets in this context.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• 3D Product and Character Simulation (DES311)

  Semester 2

  • This module focuses on bringing controlled dynamics and interaction to different types of 3d objects. Students will be introduced to key concepts of 3d animation including linking, hierarchy, morphing, inverse and forward kinematics, skinning and rigging techniques. Students will learn to develop hierarchical structures to control the motion of objects in virtual 3d space simulating real world motions. They will learn to apply sound to their animations in post production and to synchronise their animations to sound during development for lip syncing and time reactive purposes.Outcomes will include finished professional animations of both products and characters within a virtual 3d environment.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

• Mobile Development (CRE)

  Semester 2

  • This module follows-on from Web Development in Semester 1 and introduces students to mobile development and native/web based applications. A overview of this rapidly evolving landscape will be provided and all leading platforms will be discussed however the main focus of this module will be on developing applications for iOS; iPhone and iPad. The module is a prerequisite for Advanced Web Development in Semester 1 of Year 3. The module aims to: 1) introduce students to mobile hardware/software and current real-world application and best practice 2) introduce students to the Xcode IDE and Objective-C 3) provide an working overview of linking into applications and databases 4) provide an introduction to testing and deployment

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

Year 3

• Digital Compositing (CRE514)

  Semester 1

  • This module will introduce students to the production of elements and techniques for compositing and to introduce students to compositing and film effects.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Mark Cullen - Module Co-ordinator

• Creative Business (CRE512)

  Semester 1

  • This is one of a sequence of related but free-standing modules which seek to develop students’ understanding of the context in which art is produced and received and to enable them to acquire skills relevant to working in the creative and arts industries. This module assists students in developing specific skills and awareness to maximise their ability to meet their career goals. It has a crucial function, therefore, in developing students’ career prospects and in preparing them to engage in the world of work within the creative industries upon graduating.

    Credits: 10

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Project 1 (CRE505)

  Semester 1

  • This module is the first of two modules aimed at allowing students to apply the knowledge, understanding and skill gained over the first two years of the course. It also sees the culmination of the ‘distributive’ learning model in that students and staff will work together to complete a major project.

    Credits: 20

    This Module Is Compulsory

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Supervisor

    Paul Moore - Supervisor

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Interactive Systems 3 (CRE502)

  Semester 1

  • This module builds on the skills acquired in Interactive Systems 1 and 2 and offers advanced study in the design and application of interactive media systems. The module aims to equip students with the skills to carry out advanced object based computer programming and to explore cutting edge technologies in use in contemporary multimedia composition.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Sound Theory/Sound Practice (CRE504)

  Semester 1

  • Sound has generally been seen as a complementary – or paradigmatically ‘convergent’ - medium in relation to visual production in the media arts context. This module challenges this assumption by offering students a comprehensive overview of the various forms of sound production as a distinctive aesthetic activity. Students undertake tuition in digital recording/editing and produce a sound piece. The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the central role sound has in our day to day experience, to give them an historical understanding of the ways in which sound form and technology have developed, to explore a range of sound art and to help them create their own sound works in a chosen genre.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Paul Moore - Module Co-ordinator

• Music and Moving Image (MUS506)

  Semester 1

  • This module provides students with a historical, theoretical, stylistic and aesthetic study of music and moving image and the opportunity to compose for the screen. The module focuses primarily on film music and its genres but also covers other screen media, in particular music video and music for television. The module is divided between theoretical and analytical work, including the discussion of selected case studies, and practical work composing and editing in the lab.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Adam Melvin - Module Co-ordinator

• Aesthetic Practices (CRE511)

  Semester 1

  • This module complements and builds on Form, Perception & Cognition and Technology, Art and the Digital Space from year two. It is aimed at developing in students an understanding of the relationship between the digital and the live through performance.  In this case, students will develop an in-depth understanding of the use of technology in artistic practice as theorised in their first semester studies with a view to delivering a piece of artistic practice which incorporates an engagement with the digital.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Paul Moore - Module Co-ordinator

• Advanced Web Development (CRE512)

  Semester 1

  • This module is designed for students who wish to pursue more advanced study in web and mobile application development. It will investigate real-world web and mobile applications, provide the basic workings of the PHP language, an overview of creating databases with MySQL, template techniques to separate mobile sites from normal website and an Introduction to 'Web2.0' and how Ajax plays a pivotal role in making these types of sites work.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

• Innovation and Creative Enterprise: Business Plan (CRE516)

  Semester 2

  • This module offers ‘hands on’ experience in the design, development and implementation of a new, commercially viable creative enterprise. The module provides students, working in small interdisciplinary groups, with the opportunity to plan and successfully launch their own commercial venture within the creative industries. The module will involve students in a major 60 point project (ICE Project + Business Plan) working under the guidance of staff as well as external experts and practitioners from the business community.

     

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

    Paul Moore - Supervisor

• Project 2b: Theory/Practice (CRE506)

  Semester 2

  • Project 2 (parts a and b) involves students in a major 60 point project working in small interdisciplinary groups with staff. It sees the culmination of the ‘distributive’ learning model in that students and staff will be working together to complete a major project negotiating learning outcomes and assessment strategies. Project 2b is worth 40 credits and may be either practice or theory driven depending on what the student and staff team feel is appropriate. This module takes the open box philosophy to its logical conclusion.

    Credits: 40

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Supervisor

    Paul Moore -

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Project 2a: Theory/Practice (CRE507)

  Semester 2

  • Project 2 (parts a and b) involves students in a major 60 point project working in small interdisciplinary groups with staff. It sees the culmination of the ‘distributive’ learning model in that students and staff will be working together to complete a major project negotiating learning outcomes and assessment strategies. Project 2a is worth 20 credits and may be either practice or theory driven depending on what the student and staff team feel is appropriate. This module takes the open box philosophy to its logical conclusion.

    Credits: 20

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Supervisor

    Paul Moore - Supervisor

    Brian Bridges - Module Co-ordinator

• Innovation and Creative Enterprise: Project (CRE515)

  Semester 2

  • This module offers ‘hands on’ experience in the design, development and implementation of a new, commercially viable creative enterprise. The module provides students, working in small interdisciplinary groups, with the opportunity to plan and successfully launch their own commercial venture within the creative industries. The module will involve students in a major 60 point project (ICE Project + Business Plan) working under the guidance of staff as well as external experts and practitioners from the business community.

     

    Credits: 40

    Staff

    Greg O'Hanlon - Module Co-ordinator

    Paul Moore - Supervisor

Staff