MA, Cert Ed, HND, FHEA
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- BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design)
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design)
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) is designed with the future in mind. You'll learn state-of-the-art expertise in the evolving creative industry of technology, practice and art.
- Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time
- Placement year: Optional 1 year
- Course code: P3P1 (UCAS)
- Institution code: A66 (UCAS)
- Duration: 3 or 4 years full-time
- Placement year: Optional 1 year
- Course code: P3P1 (UCAS)
- Institution code: A66 (UCAS)
Overview
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) provides a unique opportunity to study, learn and work at the interface of technology and the creative industries in an arts university context.
Previously titled: BA (Hons) Creative Technologies.
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) course information
This course aims to bridge the gap between creativity and technology – you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to become proficient in creative problem-solving and innovative designer-making.
Three reasons to study BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) at AUB:
- Digital technology is a sector that has seen £50 billion of investment in the last few years, and is growing all the time. In developing the course, we've discussed the need for graduate skills in this area with industry professionals, learned about predictions for future job markets and carefully considered how the creative industries will evolve in the future.
- We value playfulness and experimentation. To some people, technology can seem too precious to experiment with. What if we break it? What if we can’t repair it again? We value playfulness as a way to generate ideas and create new ways to communicate ideas and build engagement with what we create. Our curriculum includes theories of communication, coding, critical theory and design history, but we also encourage students to learn through doing, and through trial and error. This way, you can find your own ways to use technology that others haven't thought of yet.
- You'll work alongside BA (Hons) Sustainable Design. Just as professional designers collaborate freely across different disciplines, we study alongside the different courses here at AUB. In addition to our innovative Graduate Futures programme, which brings different courses to together regularly, you'll work closely with BA (Hons) Sustainable Design students in a shared studio space. This gives you great opportunities to think about issues from different points of view. You can gain a clearer perspective on sustainability issues, and BA (Hons) Sustainable Design students can benefit from input about technologies that they may not otherwise consider.
Traditional beliefs about the arts are breaking down: creatives need technology just as much as technology needs creativity – and this is where you come in.
Grounded in a social, inclusive, and politically aware context, on BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design), you'll not only access the very latest in digital technologies but also understand the role that these, and future technologies, play in the creative industries, our lives and global society.
You'll work alongside BA (Hons) Sustainable Design, as well as others in the School of Design and Architecture to develop your practical knowledge of creative technologies through emerging technologies. You'll draw on expertise from across the university and the state-of-the-art Innovation Studio, exploring evolving disciplines like AI, projection mapping, digital scanning, VR, AR, responsive animatronics and physical interactive engagement.
You'll learn though a practical, problem-based approach to the consideration of real-world issues that invite you to develop technology-based solutions. Adoption of more-than-human design principles grounded in a strong multi-disciplinary, ethical, and socially responsible learning environment will enable you to develop your own understanding of the role of, and relationship between, technology, society, and culture.
If you're less experienced in this field, no need to worry – our BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) course has been designed from the ground up to be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of educational background.
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) prepares you for a wide range of careers in the digital and creative industries, with a specific focus on sustainability, climate futures, and ethics of technology. Graduates of this course will possess a strong foundation in creative problem-solving, technical expertise in coding and prototyping, and a critical understanding of the societal implications of technology, including its impact on the environment.
Whether pursuing career options such as creative technologists, interaction designers, digital artists, or entrepreneurs, you'll be equipped to contribute to sustainable and ethical practices in the digital landscape, making a positive impact on the future of our planet.
Placement year
All undergraduate courses at AUB offer an optional placement year, to be taken between your second and third years of study.
If you’re unsure about this optional placement, you don’t need to decide now. Once you’re here and studying with us, the course team will discuss the placement options with you, so when the time comes, you can make a decision that’s right for you.
Level 4 (first year)
In the first year, you'll establish a strong foundation in creative technology, while exploring its integral relationship with sustainability, climate futures, and ethics; investigating the convergence of creativity, design, and technology, gaining insights into both historical and contemporary perspectives. Through design thinking and creative problem-solving, you'll learn to utilise fundamental coding as a tool to develop interactive systems that materialise data-driven interventions. These interventions will encompass more-than-human interaction and also address environmental impact and ethical considerations, fostering a holistic approach to creative outcomes.
Units:
- Introduction to Creative Technologies
- Introduction to Coding
- Interaction Design and Graduate Futures I
Level 5 (second year)
The second year builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the first year, which'll include building on basic coding through the design of interactive systems, approaches to digital fabrication, and the ongoing understanding of the role of technologies in culture and society.
You'll advance their conceptual understanding of creative technologies, such as digital storytelling and narrative design, with a specific focus on themes of sustainability and climate change.
The course will encourage you to start exploring evolving technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) and analyse your potential applications in addressing environmental and social challenges. The ethical understanding of technology-designed experiences will be discussed to ensure responsible and sustainable use.
At the end of second year, there'll be the option of progressing straight into third year, or taking an extended work placement and progressing on your return.
Units:
- Advanced Creative Technology Concepts
- Physical Digital Interaction
- Speculative and Graduate Futures II
Level 6 (third year)
The third year of the course consists of units focused on advanced creative coding and programming, with an emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. You'll explore programming languages and frameworks within the context of their individual career aspirations.
In addition to the practical units, you'll also undertake a dissertation that encourages research on topics related to their individual areas of interest. You'll be encouraged to explore real-world outcomes that embody sustainable principles and ethical considerations.
This research journey, documented through a logbook and data journal, will delve into the ethical dimensions of technology and its potential impact on society and the environment.
Finally, you'll complete your Final Major Project, providing an opportunity to showcase all the skills and knowledge gained in developing innovative solutions that contribute to sustainability, address climate futures, and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Units:
- Creative Coding and Programming
- Dissertation
- Final Major Project and Graduate Futures III
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Now that you've found the perfect course, it's time to apply.
Applications are open, and you've got until 29 January 2025 to submit your UCAS application. Check out our handy 'how to apply' guide and our portfolio top tips.
AUB SHOWCASE
We're proud of our alumni, and rightfully so.
Explore the incredible work of our freshly graduated 'Class of 2024' in our online AUB Showcase.
Browse work by course, student or theme.
Meet the BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) course team
PhD, BA (Hons), FHEA, FRHistS
On Digital Technology (Design), we are inspired by computational sciences, art, design, media, and many other fields of the creative industries to create professionally executed experiences and that push your creative design thinking and artistic know-how with a good size chunk of technological exploration. Come with a curiosity for innovation and see what you can make with us.
Application process
Once you've found the perfect Undergraduate course, you can apply to study via UCAS, including direct entry applications to second and third year.
When applying through UCAS, use the institution code A66 for courses taught at Arts University Bournemouth. For courses based at Bournemouth and Poole College, use code B49. We'll then use your completed UCAS form to make decisions about your application. You can find out more on entry requirements in our apply section.
When you apply to one of our courses, it's important that you help us get a good picture of both you and your work – so you'll need a great personal statement. We want to know more about why you're interested in the course, your key influences, and what you hope to do after your studies.
If you're invited for an interview, many of our courses will ask to see a portfolio of your work so we can get more insight into your ideas and abilities. To help you, we've created guidelines outlining what we expect from your portfolio for each course.
The fee that you pay the Arts University Bournemouth provides the necessary equipment and training for you to complete your course.
You may also choose to buy some items of personal equipment such as a laptop or tablet computer, but this is not required; desktop and laptop computers are available for you to use in common study areas, including a loan system in the Library.
If you decide to undertake an optional placement year, the tuition fee is £1,850. This is subject to inflationary increases based on government policy, and providing you progress through the course in the normal timeframe (no repeat years or breaks in study).
For the majority of our courses, we'll ask you to digitally submit a portfolio as part of the application process.
Portfolios should show examples of your work – both finished and work in progress – that demonstrate your interests and skills. We expect to see around 10 slides/images in your portfolio that shows your identity as an artist.
If we ask for a digital portfolio then we'll give you 30 days to submit it. Sometimes we'll need a portfolio submitted quickly if there's a UCAS set deadline approaching, but if you need more time, just let us know and we'll try to help.
We've created specific portfolio guidelines for each of our courses, you can take a look at these below.
If you've applied to study an online postgraduate (MA) degree, please refer to the AUB Online portfolio guidelines.
This course will require you to attend an in-person audition and/or interview. If you're invited to one, you'll be given at least 10 days notice.
Meet our Industry Patron – Stuart Cupit
Meet the Industry Patron for BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) – Stuart Cupit.
Stuart is CTO and co-founder of Solarflare Studio Ltd., an experiential production company specialising in the latest interactive technologies.
He has over 25 years’ experience working in the field of virtual reality, augmented reality and real-time interactive 3D graphics, across a wide range of industries.
Studios and resources
Working alongside BA (Hons) Sustainable Design, you'll use purpose-designed studios and computer suites.
The course is supported by extensive technical and digital workshops and the Innovation Studio which includes the latest VR, AR and fabrication technologies and staff expertise.
Design Studio
You'll be working in a design studio, complete with computer suite and team workspace
The Library
The Library at AUB holds an excellent range of print and online collections
Lecture Theatres and Seminar Rooms
We have a number of lecture theatres and seminar rooms scattered around campus to assist students with their studies.
3D Workshop
Our 3D workshops with manual and digital manufacturing equipment and computers
Drawing Studio
Our iconic blue Drawing Studio is used by student from all courses and was designed by alumnus Sir Peter Cook...
Digital Suites
Our Digital Suites offer a digital post-production facility and digital teaching space.
Central Media Store
The Central Media store houses a diverse array of equipment, offering students the means to craft and capture...
Innovation Studio
The Innovation Studio operates as a lab for creative technologies, a nucleus for start-ups and enterprises and an industry engagement hub.
Printroom
Our printmaking facilities are a hub of creativity on campus and have been inspiring students since 1964.
Letterpress and Bindery
The Letterpress and Bindery studio is a central resource, where students can learn and explore bookbinding and letterpress printing.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The studio and a studio culture are central to the ethos of the course. The diversity of the student group brings benefits of cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural experience; you can learn so much from making use of your space.
The course objectives are met by deploying a wide variety of teaching and learning methods including projects, lectures, seminars, group critiques and tutorials. In consultation with the Course Developer, staff are responsible for co-ordinating individual units of study, and for selecting appropriate methods of delivery according to subject matter and student experience.
The methods employed induct you to the disciplines required of a creative practitioner and promote the development of transferable skills.
The study time allocated to each unit in the course incorporates a balance of formal teaching, tutorial support and independent learning. The course is structured progressively to provide increased opportunities for independent learning as you reach the later stages of the course.
The tutor leading the unit will employ a variety of methods of delivery in order to encourage your participation in the learning process. These will be dependent on the nature of the unit and the progress of the unit. Throughout the units within a year (and year on year), students are encouraged to gradually become more autonomous, progressively being asked to consider themselves as young emerging professional designers.
Contact hours include all scheduled teaching sessions, but also supervised time in the workshop or studio. In line with national guidance, we include in our calculation of contact hours all the time that's scheduled in the studio for independent study, which is also supported by staff (either academic staff, or technicians).
Each unit is assessed separately, and the assessment forms part of the unit. Assessment both provides a measure of your achievement, and also gives you regular feedback on how your learning is developing.
For every unit of your course, we'll inform you of what you're expected to learn; what you have to submit; how your work will be assessed; and the deadline for presenting your work for assessment. This is made available through Unit Information, which is on your course blog.
You'll receive a final mark for each unit in the form of a percentage, which'll be recorded on your formal record of achievement (transcript). Each component of assessment is graded using a notched marking scale, whereby only certain marks are used within each grade. The only marks available within any 10-point band are *2, *5 and *8 (e.g. 62, 65, 68). These marks correspond to a low, mid, and high level of achievement within each grade band.
All learning outcomes must be passed to successfully complete the unit.
On successful completion of your Honours degree course, you'll be awarded a degree classification based on your unit marks. The final classification is determined using all unit marks at Levels 5 and 6 using two different algorithms, which are detailed in the HE Student Regulations. If the two algorithms produce different results, you'll be awarded the higher class of degree.
If you've joined Level 6 through either the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) route or having completed a Foundation Degree (FdA), the final classification is determined using only your unit marks at Level 6.
For further information on assessment, progression, awards and classifications, please visit viewpoint.aub.ac.uk.
Firstly, through regular review of coursework, you receive feedback on how your learning is developing towards the achievement of the learning outcomes – Formative assessment. This process is delivered through the tutorial and critique experience and, by engaging with this process, you'll develop their knowledge and skills.
You can experience the assessment process from an increased personal perspective and make serious critical decisions in conjunction with the teaching staff with regard to your peers’ work.
Formative assessment is provided during tutorials where an action plan is formulated to develop your work. Viewings and critiques offer indications of the quality of work and how it relates to the assessment criteria. Formative assessment points will be outlined in the online unit information and within the scheme of work.
The second purpose is to provide a measure of your achievement, in the form of a mark or classification, at the end of a defined period of study, i.e. unit, level, or final award – Summative assessment.
What our BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) students do
This course is new and unique in an arts university setting and rewarding, technology-based creative careers are the focus of current economic development.
Career destinations
Advertised vacancies for UK digital technology roles grew almost five times faster than the UK economy average between 2017 and 2019 and this exponential growth continues with graduates transforming the creative industries by technology, and taking a lead role in the co-creation of tech products and services.
BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) graduates are well-positioned to take their expertise into sectors such as design, crafts, music, museums, fashion, film, TV and radio, music and entertainment, research and development, esports, marketing tech, architecture, AR and VR, adtech, gaming and media.
These are in addition to the shift in film and TV production, which is looking for a ‘live’ approach to visual and practical effects with a greater need for responsive interactivity within props, puppets, characters, etc. Similarly, museum, heritage, and exhibition exhibits are incorporating technology as a default for both communication and accessibility.
Trips and visits
Our BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) course is planned to include educational visits. During the year, at least one excursion to London or another UK cultural hub is available.
Due to Bournemouth's proximity to London, excursions can easily be planned to London’s art galleries and museums to supplement academic work. Professional progress as practitioners depends on primary research; trips give you confidence, promote independence, and present opportunities for your future professional and personal development.
Any additional trip fees are disclosed before the visit.
Visiting tutors play a key role in the BA (Hons) Digital Technology (Design) course, as they bring diverse perspectives and unique skill sets, enriching the learning experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the standards and expectations of the creative industries. Industry professionals provide invaluable insights into the creative industry, sharing their expertise and experiences. They conduct workshops, lectures, and participate in critiquing your work, offering constructive feedback from both an education and industry perspective. Their presence can also offer you the opportunity to network and learn about potential career paths, industry trends, and professional practices.
