Creative Coding & Technology*

Course content - 2017 entry

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3

You'll be introduced to the University and the technical workshops and facilities available to you. On the course you’ll learn the technical and conceptual skills in coding, making and research that will give you a solid foundation from which to explore your areas of specialist activity.

• Summary course information for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Creative Thinking

  The successful creative coder will need to be comfortable and competent in communicating ideas to clients and colleagues alike. The Creative Thinking unit begins the development of this by engaging you in sketching, drawing and making workshops designed to enhance your conceptualisation and presentation skills.

• Context & History

  This is a lecture and seminar series introducing you to the core history of coding culture, theories and key players. This module will serve as a platform for your continued research into convergent and multidisciplinary practice models.

• Graphical Space

  Complementing the earlier Creative Thinking module, you’ll be introduced to key skills in 2D graphic asset development and presentation in a more digital space, utilising industry standard software.

• Lexicon

  You’ll explore the structures and vocabulary of contemporary programming languages and learn about the cognitive and structural foundation to all future code based work. You’ll be introduced to key mathematical and syntactic paradigms which are present in all major programming languages.

• Hardware Hack

  An introduction to electronics, material and mechanical systems through toy/hardware hacking and physical computing, this module will kick-start ideas around ”adaptive re-use” for digital technology, focusing specifically on circuit building, power sources, sensors, as well as key electronics tools and equipment.

You'll increase your confidence and engagement with the course and its facilities, developing the knowledge to address reasonably complex design and coding briefs with elements of self-selection. The potential for specialised learning and the implications of different choices of direction will become clearer, with personal preferences emerging.

• Summary course information for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Creative Coding

  This module challenges you to think about systems of agency and authentic experience in the context of programming for human scale spatial intervention. Here you’ll develop a deeper understanding of writing code and negotiating the complexities of data exchange and control.

• Context & Theory

  The Machine and Me. A seminar based research module aimed at the development of case studies of Human-in-the-loop, and Human Computer Interaction examples and theories.

• CoLAB

  You’ll be introduced to broad concepts of design practice and business management, including tendering, pitching, fees, production planning and presentation. This module focuses on group work, engendering and nurturing key skills in team-based projects and highlighting the importance of leveraging individual strengths to maximise collective productivity. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with fellow students across the disciplines of architecture and design.

• Fabricate

  The Fabricate module introduces you to key skills and knowledge in digital fabrication software and technology. The module foregrounds the manifold opportunities presented by combining rapid prototyping through 3D printing, CNC and Laser Cutting, with autonomous or networked embedded code applications.

• Study Abroad (optional)

  This optional unit will allow you to spend a period of time in an overseas educational institution.

You'll gain the depth of knowledge needed to resolve a complex design brief. With a substantial amount of self-determined direction, you’ll be able to establish preferences and viewpoints, expressed in verbal and written design discourse, within each subject area and subject areas relating to design and production. You'll also build an appreciation of how creative coding can become a significant agent for change in today's world. Your communication skills will be enhanced, so that a project can be presented coherently to the public or external professionals.

• Summary course information for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules

• Digital Futures Lab

  This is a speculative module which aims to engage you with technologies that are emergent and future focused, such as virtual reality, spatial scanning, cybernetics, wearable computing and robotics.

• Dissertation

  A substantive research module, culminating in the production of a written dissertation or project and report.

• Entrepreneurial Practice

  Developing a strong sense of self and individual style is a big part of how a course can prepare you for the workplace. This module provides the space for you to define and communicate your individuality as a Designer and Coder, as well as highlight your specific skills and areas of speciality.

• Major Project

  A student initiated synoptic unit which gives you complete ownership of the conceptualisation, research, development and deployment of a project, supervised through weekly tutorial by our team of industry experienced tutors.

• Summary course information for 2017 entry

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change.

Course modules