Digital Media

You’ll develop key skills in digital media design and production from Year 1, as well as an understanding of different theories and approaches in communication and media. At the same time, you’ll examine the cultural, technological, political and economic contexts that have shaped the development of digital media and the research that will shape its future.

Year 2 will allow you to build on this foundation, as you develop advanced skills in web programming, study visual communication and work on real industry briefs. You’ll also develop your research skills and choose from a range of optional modules to tailor your studies according to your own interests and career plans. You could study media policy, digital storytelling, video games, motion graphics and design among many other topics.

By your final year you’ll have the skills and knowledge to produce a substantial piece of independent project work, either applying your research skills to complete a dissertation on a media-related topic of your choice, or developing your own digital media product, service or campaign, from initial pitch through to finished product.

At the same time you’ll gain a good grounding in legislation, policy and regulation surrounding digital media, and select more optional modules in areas ranging from documentary journalism to information design. You could also choose to complete a four-week work placement to gain practical experience in a related industry.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Introduction to Media and Communication Research 20 credits
• Understanding Digital Media 20 credits
• Interface Design 20 credits
• Design for Digital Media 20 credits
• Introduction to Media and Communication Theory 20 credits

Optional modules

• The History of Communication 20 credits
• Camera and Editing 20 credits
• Animation and Interactivity 20 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Visual Communication 20 credits
• Dynamic Web Programming 20 credits
• Working in Digital Media Teams 20 credits
• Communication Research Methods 20 credits

Optional modules

• Critical Theories of Media 20 credits
• Technology in Communication and Media 20 credits
• Communication Skills 20 credits
• Digital Storytelling 20 credits
• Digital Cultures 20 credits
• Media Policy 20 credits
• Motion Graphics 20 credits
• Videogames: Identities in Play 20 credits
• Eco-Design: Understanding Design's Role in Global Ecology 10 credits
• Colour: Art and Science 10 credits
• Principles of Typography 10 credits

Year 3