Interactive App Development MA draft

Program Overview

The Interactive App Development MA at UCA is a one-year postgraduate program designed to equip students with the specialized skills needed to excel in the rapidly growing app development market. The program focuses on providing hands-on experience in creating apps for various purposes, from gaming and streaming to health monitoring and photo enhancement. Graduates are well-prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities in the app development industry, including app developer, mobile app developer, software developer, and mobile app tester.

Program Outline

Interactive App Development MA at UCA

Degree Overview:

The program focuses on providing hands-on experience in creating apps for various purposes, from gaming and streaming to health monitoring and photo enhancement. The program's key objectives include:

• Developing advanced skills in app development across various platforms (native, hybrid, web).

• Gaining in-depth knowledge of key concepts, standards, data formats, and development tools.

• Creating a portfolio of working apps showcasing your skills and creativity.

• Understanding user-centered design principles and developing user interfaces that meet industry standards.

• Learning professional practices and evaluating app design and development within the industry context.

Outline:

The program is structured into three terms, each with specific modules and learning objectives:

Term One:

• Fundamentals of Interactive App Development: Introduces various app development approaches, key concepts, and essential tools for both frontend and backend development.
• Research Methods for Creative Technologies: Teaches students to analyze and evaluate interactive applications and user experiences using qualitative methodologies.

Term Two:

• Web-Based and Native Application Development: Explores development frameworks for both web-based and native applications, enabling students to independently research and build complex apps.
• Professional Practice: Offers two options:
• Collaborative professional practice group project:
Students work across postgraduate programs on an industry-based project.
• Creative business start-up option: Provides guidance and support for developing a business idea within the creative industries.

Term Three:

• Final Major Project: Culminates the program with a challenging project that allows students to apply their acquired skills, passion, and creativity to a self-defined project.
This project can be based on proposals developed in previous modules or an entirely new concept.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning:

• Project work: The final major project forms a significant component of the assessment, demonstrating your ability to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to a real-world project.
• Examinations: Certain modules may include written or practical examinations to test your knowledge and analytical skills.
• Portfolio development: Building a comprehensive portfolio of your work throughout the program showcases your skills, creativity, and development progress.

Teaching:

The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods:

• Lectures: Delivered by experienced faculty members, providing foundational knowledge and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars: Smaller group discussions fostering critical thinking, analysis, and peer-to-peer learning.
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions focusing on specific technologies, tools, and development techniques.
• Guest lectures: Industry professionals share their expertise and insights, providing real-world perspectives.

Careers:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a range of exciting career opportunities in the app development industry, including:

• App developer: Creating and developing mobile and web applications for various platforms and purposes.
• Mobile App developer: Specializing in the development of mobile applications for Android and iOS platforms.
• Software developer: Building software applications for various platforms and devices.
• Mobile App tester: Ensuring the quality and functionality of mobile applications through rigorous testing processes.
The program also provides a strong foundation for further academic pursuits, such as Ph.D. or MPhil research degrees in related fields.

Other:

#Admission Requirements:

• UK: A good honours degree or equivalent qualification in a related discipline and/or relevant work experience demonstrating your ability to study at postgraduate level.
• EU/International: Requires a recognized bachelor's degree or 3-year diploma with a strong portfolio in a relevant subject.

UK

Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500

EU

Tuition fees 2024/25 entry: £10,500 (see fee discount information)

International

Tuition fees 2024/25 entry (MA): £18,000 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 30 weeks): £17,500 2024/25 entry (Integrated International Pre-Masters course - 15 weeks): £8,750