Multimedia Technology and Design - BSc (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

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. Our Digital Media Hub provides a unique opportunity to work alongside industry on client-led projects.

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

The majority of the modules contain design and project work, and are continuously assessed; some modules also have an end-of-year examination.

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.

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 multimedia technology and design
• produce graduates who have an informed, critical and creative approach to understanding communication through multimedia 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
• 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:

• 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
• computer, 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
• 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 intellectual skills in:

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

Subject-specific skills

You gain subject-specific skills in the following areas:

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

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in:

• IT, including word processing, email and the use of information from online and electronic sources
• communicating effectively with others as a member of a team
• the effective management of resources and time and the ability to organise and prioritise tasks
• flexible thinking, including the ability to be open to new and alternative ideas
• how to manage and carry a project through to delivery.

Careers

Graduate destinations

Our recent graduates have gone into areas such as:

• computer-based training
• web development
• web mastering
• multimedia authoring
• television
• film
• electronic games
• mobile communications
• electronic commerce
• internet publishing
• multimedia marketing
• computer programming 
• network management. 

They have gone on to work for companies including:

• Disney
• the BBC
• Framestore.

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

Help finding a job

The University 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

In addition to the technical skills you acquire on this programme, you also gain key transferable skills including:

• presenting complex material in an accessible way
• working independently and in a team 
• the confidence to develop your own ideas.

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