Digital Arts - BA (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

Teaching and assessment

Most modules consist of a mix of lectures, seminars, studio work, computer sessions and private study. The workstations in our computer suites are equipped with current industry-standard software.

All modules contain design and project work, and are continuously assessed. The specialist project at Stage 3 is assessed by a written report, a critique and, of course, the outcome of the project itself. Both Stage 2 and 3 marks count towards your degree result.

Our students have 24-hour access to our extensive air-conditioned computer suites and are able to take advantage of dedicated photographic and production studios, with green-screen, motion-capture and 3D scanning facilities.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• provide a multidisciplinary education for students who seek professional careers in the field of digital arts
• produce graduates who have an informed, critical and creative approach to understanding communication through digital media design in contemporary society
• prepare students to meet the challenges of a broad and rapidly changing field while providing them with a wide choice of careers
• provide proper academic guidance and welfare support for all students
• create an atmosphere of co-operation and partnership between staff and students, and offer the students an environment where they can develop their potential.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the audio, visual and verbal conventions through which sounds, images and words take meaning
• fundamental concepts of IT and software engineering
• the creative processes involved in visual design
• the contextual, historical and conceptual dimensions of the discipline
• audio, video and film technology, including digital television and DVD
• the multimedia authoring process
• fundamentals of 3D modelling and animation
• key production processes and professional practices relevant to the multimedia industry
• the legal, ethical and regulatory frameworks which affect the development of multimedia applications
• the role of technology in terms of multimedia production, access and use.

Intellectual skills

You develop the following intellectual skills, including the:

• ability to examine multimedia applications critically with appropriate reference to their social and cultural contexts and diversity of contemporary society
• awareness that technologies are rapidly changing and that you should expect to update your knowledge throughout your working life
• awareness of the objectives, constraints and conditions of a commercial environment, including financial and time constraints
• ability to design and develop software based on an analysis of system requirements
• ability to carry out research and integrate information and data from a variety of sources for essays, projects and multimedia applications
• ability to analyse a problem and develop a solution based on technical, aesthetic and economic factors
• ability to consider and evaluate your own work in a reflexive manner with reference to academic and professional issues
• analyse, interpret and exercise critical judgement in the understanding and evaluation of multimedia applications.

Subject-specific skills

You develop the following subject-specific skills:

• ability to use scripting and programming languages in the implementation of interactive applications
• ability to demonstrate creative and technical skills in drawing and design
• ability to develop specific proficiencies in utilising a range of multimedia design tools including 3D modelling, animation, video editing, image manipulating and multimedia authoring
• ability to integrate text, graphics and time-based elements to produce effective websites
• ability to initiate, develop and realise distinctive and creative applications which demonstrate the effective manipulation of multimedia assets
• ability to utilise a range of research skills, for example, research into potential audiences and markets, as a production tool
• ability to prepare technical reports and presentations
• ability to prepare storyboards as part of the multimedia project development cycle
• ability to apply management techniques to the planning, resource allocations and execution of a design project.

Transferable skills

You gain the following transferable skills:

• the ability to generate, analyse, present and interpret data
• the use of information and communications technology
• personal and interpersonal skills, team-working
• effective communication (in writing, verbally and in a variety of media)
• the ability to learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development 
• an ability for working in flexible, creative and independent ways and for critical thinking, reasoning and reflection 
• the ability to organise and manage time and resources within an individual project and a group project.

Careers

Graduate destinations

Digital Arts prepares you for careers in areas such as: 

• web design
• film
• games design
• animation
• internet publishing.

Some graduates choose to go on to postgraduate study, for example our MSc programmes in Computer Animation or Digital Visual Effects.

Help finding a job

The School of Engineering and Digital Arts holds an annual Employability and Careers Day where you can meet local and national employers and discuss career opportunities. Ongoing support is provided by the School’s dedicated Employability Officer.

The University also has a friendly Careers and Employability Service which can give you advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

Studying on this degree not only equips you with an in-depth understanding of some of the most exciting technologies of the 21st century, it also helps you to develop useful workplace skills such as:

• planning and organisation
• leadership
• effective communication. 

You can gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.