The course is run jointly with London Metropolitan University. It is for those wishing to pursue a career in media design and production, providing a good balance between technical skill and creative process.
The course philosophy is focused on supporting individuals to realise their personal vocational goals and successfully meet the needs of employers and potential clients. It provides you with theoretical knowledge and technical skills whilst developing your conceptual and critical abilities. These skills are complimented with strategies in planning, concept development and project management.
The College has recently renovated its facilities to include the latest industry standard hardware and software to ensure the course content, delivery and assignments align with the rapidly changing requirements of the digital media industry.
The course is taught to small groups by a team of highly experienced lecturers with a diverse range of commercial experience, most of whom are still practicing freelance practitioners. The core teaching is richly supplemented by a diverse range of specialist Visiting Lecturers who provide a connection to the real world of media and design.
Who is this course for?
This course is aimed at those who already have some previous knowledge and experience of design or media production (at Level 2 or 3) and want to enter the industry. The course is demanding and practical but taught in a supportive environment. A key feature is the involvement of Industry in the design and delivery of the course, plus the benefit of the Work Based Learning module, in which students undertake a period of industrial experience. It also gives an opportunity for those who may already be working in the field of digital media and design and wish to obtain a formal qualification.
Year 1 provides the development of fundamental skills both academic and practical that will prepare you for later specialisation in Year 2, and onto a BA (Hons) top-up year should you choose to progress.
The focus in Year 1 is the development of key digital media skills through experimentation within a structured modular framework. You will look at the full range of digital media production techniques, from publishing to web and video production. In addition you will study the historical context of communication and distribution alongside the cultural and technological developments that influence aesthetics and form.
In Year 2, you will able to build on the foundation year and broaden your experience. A more in-depth approach to assignments is encouraged in terms of research, analysis and the application of ideas. You will also undertake professional development, working on industry briefs managing and building your own projects. We invite a range of professional practitioners as guest speakers to give you an insight into current trends in graphic and media design. The aim, by the end of this year is to establish your independent personal identity, direction and confidence in preparation for employment or progression to Honours level study.
You complete sixteen modules, consisting of:
Academic Skills
Image creation and manipulation
Typography and Desktop Publishing
Sound and Video Production
Animation and Motion Graphics
Visual Language& Communication
Web Design
Integrated Project
Research Methods
Work Based Learning
Interactive Design
3D Modelling and Animation
Professional Business Practice
Digital Media Design Project
Modules 8, 15 and 16 are set and self initiated project units where you will work
1 `A2` Level and 4 GCSEs (ideally to include English and Maths) or, BTEC National Diploma in IT, an Art and Design or Media discipline or a suitable Access Certificate in a related area of study.
Formal entry qualifications may be waived if applicants have appropriate experience and have satisfactorily demonstrated - through portfolio or other evidence at interview - that they have the capability and commitment to complete the course.
For an explanation of qualifications, have a look at our IAG page on this site www.creativeway.org.uk/quals.
A Progression Agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more
education providers. It spells out what a learner needs to do to be
considered for a place on a named programme of study. Progression Agreements
may vary in the conditions they specify but they all aim to give guaranteed
pathways into higher education.
Advice on courses and careers:-
The Creative Way IAG team provides a specialist service for anyone
interested in finding out about courses and careers in the creative and
cultural industries. We can provide information direct to Students,
Parents/ Carers, Tutors and Careers Advisers via email, phone or organised
workshops and 1 to 1 sessions.
To find out more, visit our IAG page on this site on
http://www.creativeway.org.uk/IAG Or contact one of our career advisers: Matt Ball 07889 001764
m.ball@uel.ac.uk or Sarah
Comerford 07515 051509
s.comerford@uel.ac.uk