Canterbury Christ Church University |

(*with specialisms in Web, Video or Multimedia)

BA Single Honours Degree
3 years full-time or 5-6 years part-time

Overview

BA (Hons) Digital Media is a creative practical degree programme that trains students in the use of cutting edge creative software, imaging hardware and professional creative practice. The degree aims to provide students with the conceptual and practical skills to produce cutting-edge digital media combining the disciplines of web design, multimedia, digital video and motion graphics production.

Following a broad introductory, first year students select an area of specialism, choosing from Web Design, Video Production and Multimedia to be studied intensively at level 2.

• Web Design - the production of professional dynamic web sites combining multimedia elements, using technologies such as Adobe Dreamweaver, PHP and CMS [content management system].
• Video Production - the production of motion graphics, special effects and video grading using software such as Apple Motion, Color and Adobe After Effects.
• Multimedia - the production of interactive multimedia content using software such as Adobe Flash.

During their studies students work on a variety of individual and group based project assignments, often analyzing and responding to a wide range of relevant media texts such as video games, films, websites, adverts, fine art, and photographs. Students use a variety of applications and imaging hardware to complete the project work including Adobe Photoshop, Flash, InDesign, After Effects and Illustrator, Apple Final Cut Studio, digital SLRs and HD video cameras.

In addition to studying towards their degree qualifications, students on Digital Media programme have the opportunity to gain Apple Pro User and Adobe Certified Expert* certification. These highly regarded professional awards can be taken as part of the Digital Media degree and prove that a student can use Apple and Adobe's Digital Media applications to a professional standard.

The range of modules, focus on practical expertise, project work and professional qualification enables students to gain a critical understanding of contemporary digital media production; its theories, technologies, and industrial working practices. As a result students are ideally placed to enter diverse sectors of the creative media, design or arts industry.

Located at the Broadstairs Campus, close to award winning sandy beaches and nightlife, Digital Media provides ample equipment and resources for all students, from digital cameras and dedicated suites of PCs and Macs computers to an extensive learning centre.

Modules

Modules include:

• Introduction to Web Design – a predominantly practical module that introduces technologies and processes central to the production of commercial websites. Indicative content includes HTML coding, Human Computer Interaction considerations, design and the use of software such as Adobe Dreamweaver.
• Introduction to Digital Imaging – a comprehensive exploration of imaging techniques and workflow, from concept to delivery, photographic techniques using digital SLRs, photographic studio skills Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and design for web and print.
• Introduction to Multimedia – an introductory study of the creation of interactive content and animation, using applications such as Adobe Flash and Apple DVD Studio Pro.
• Introduction to Video Production – a practical module focusing upon effective use of digital video production equipment, from the basics of camera operation to workflow and non-linear editing software.
• Digital Media in Context – a theoretically focused module, which places digital media production, technologies and theory in a historic and social context.
• Visual Research – a practical module that focuses on building students' artistic confidence, idea generation skills and understanding of the creative process. Indicative content includes fine art practice, sketchbook creation and visual research projects. 

• New Media and Society – a theoretically focused module which explores the implications of digital media upon society in general. Indicative content includes analysis of virtual worlds and their economies, the implications of software piracy, digital distribution and user-generated content.
• Media Marketing – a mixed theory / practice module in which students are introduced to key marketing concepts and produce practical work in a variety of media as a response.
• Advanced Digital Imaging – extended professional practical digital imaging training, including vector based and project centred design briefs.
• Researching Industry Practice – a practical industry focused design module, where students work on live national competition briefs with technical and tutor based support.

Plus an intensive, double weighted specialist module from the following;

• Advanced Web Design – an intensive specialist module focused on training professional web design production skills. This module focuses on the software, hardware and process skills required to produce dynamic websites. Content include design for dynamic sites, PHP, CSS, media integration and content management system [CMS].
• Advanced Video Production – an intensive specialist module focused on training professional digital video and motion graphics production skills. This module focuses on the software, hardware and process skills required to add special effects, grade and manipulate video, creating adverts, idents and professional looking content.
• Advanced Multimedia – an intensive specialist module focused on training professional interactive content and animation skills using Adobe Flash. This module focuses on the software, hardware and process skills required to create interactive animations and applications such as small scale videogames.

• Mixed Media Research Methods – a theoretically focused module that explores established techniques for the research and analysis of digital media texts – both in both written and practical forms. This leads directly to the Mixed Media Essay module;
• Mixed Media Essay – as a result of work produced in Mixed Media Research Methods, students produce a substantive piece of work presenting a theoretical perspective related to digital media (the work can be written, practical, or a combination of the two).
• Media Management – a theory / practice module focused on the pragmatic essentials of working within the digital media industries. Particular attention is placed upon the skills required to run freelance companies or work within the wider digital media industries.
• Major Practical Project – a large-scale student-centred practical project that utilises the skills that have been learned over the three years of the course. Students propose the content and focus of the project and are then supported as they bring their proposal to completion.
• Personal Practice in Context – a module in which students focus on working practices within their desired creative industries. This is supported through guest lecturers and there is scope for students to arrange work experience / placements through this module.

Optional - Apple Pro Applications Certifcation

In addition to working towards a degree in Digital Media, we provide you with the opportunity to gain Apple Pro Certification. Apple offers certification programmes designed to create high level of competency.  Showcase your expertise in Apple's pro applications; become an Apple Certified Pro.  We provide training and certification as part of the Digital Media programme at no extra cost.   Level one certification attests to basic operational knowledge of the application.

• Final Cut Pro
• Motion
• Color

To find out more about the Apple certification programme visit Apple|