Creative Computing

Program Overview

Creative Computing

BSc (Hons)

Overview

Join the next generation of digital creatives with our hands-on, industry-focused Creative Computing degree.

Course Structure

Year One

• Develop core skills. Start your journey through Creative Computing by mastering the basics of computing and digital creativity.
• Learn how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development.
• Specific modules on creative problem solving, experience design, and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and technology collide.
• Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation.
• Explore how to create engaging narratives that work on digital platforms.

Year Two

• Extend your knowledge. You'll advance your understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques, as well as working with real-time data.
• Experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs as you further investigate the field of creative computing.
• Optional modules provide the flexibility to get a flavor of the breadth of Creative Computing by gaining insights into 3D animation, games development, data visualization, or responsive web design.

Year Three

• Develop an industry-facing portfolio to kickstart your career. In your final year, you'll continue to enhance your skills as a creative technologist by collaborating with others across different subject areas and exploring professional and entrepreneurial development.
• Optional modules give space for creating original, playful ideas within the areas of Creative AI or web games.

Opportunities

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.

Work Placements, Industry Links, and Internships

Our Creative Computing students have produced work for companies including the IBM Innovation Lab, Aardman, Complete Control, Opposable VR, and Boomtown Festival.

Field Trips

Past field trips have included creative industry festivals such as Pixel Pioneers, London Games Festival, Now Play This, and WASD alongside visits to immersive experiences like Wake the Tiger.

Careers

Recent graduates of Creative Computing are working at Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control, Dyson, Rocketmakers, Aerian, Network N, and more.

The diverse nature of Creative Computing at Bath Spa opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in both the creative and tech sectors. Possible roles include:

• Creative Technologist
• Games Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Digital 3D Design
• UX Designer
• Creative Producer
• Creative Tech Research and Development Associate

You may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.

Facilities and Resources

• High-end computing spaces, populated with dedicated PCs and access to 3D printers, VR kit, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design, and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team
• If English is not your first language, the English Language Unit can support with your English language skills

Fees

2025 Entry

• UK full-time: £9,535
• UK part-time: £4,768
• International full-time: £17,670

Professional Placement Year

During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full-time fee.

• UK: £1,905
• International: £3,534

Entry Requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programs. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into account any relevant skills and experience that may not be reflected in your qualifications.

• A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred.
• BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
• T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
• International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required.
• Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.

Related Courses

• Computing
• Creative Computing (Gaming)
• Creative Computing (Web Technologies)
• Skills Bootcamp in UX/UI Design

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The BSc (Hons) Creative Computing degree at Bath Spa University is a hands-on, industry-focused program designed to equip students with core skills in creative technology. The program aims to help students:

• Learn by making: Build a unique portfolio showcasing creative and technical skills in coding, games, and web development.
• Co-create: Work with like-minded students and gain experience working on professional projects in the creative industries.
• Become adaptable: Graduate with in-demand skills and enter the exciting world of creative technology.
The program is ideal for students interested in coding beautiful web apps, bringing stories to life through immersive experiences, or building innovative games. Students will create an original portfolio of creative projects, including mobile apps, websites, games, virtual reality (VR) experiences, and digital stories.

Outline:

The Creative Computing program is structured over three years (or four years with a professional placement year).

Year One (Level 4):

• Core Skills Development: Students will master the basics of computing and digital creativity, learning how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development.
• Digital Experience Building: Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation.

Year Two (Level 5):

• Advanced Programming: Students will advance their understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques and working with real-time data.
• Emerging Technologies: Students will experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs.
• Specialization: Optional modules provide flexibility to specialize in areas like 3D animation, games development, data visualization, or responsive web design.

Year Three (Level 6):

• Industry-Facing Portfolio: Students will continue to enhance their skills as creative technologists by collaborating with others across different subject areas and exploring professional and entrepreneurial development.
• Original Ideas: Optional modules allow students to create original, playful ideas within the areas of physical computing or web games.
• Technical Focus: Alternatively, students may wish to focus on the technical aspects of creative computing and explore machine learning and back-end web development.

Modules:

Year One (Level 4):

• CodeLab I
• Web Dev I
• Ideation and UX Design
• Digital Storytelling
• Creative Coding
• Digital Visual Design

Year Two (Level 5):

• CodeLab II
• Alternative and Emerging Technologies
• Creative Industry Challenge
• Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
• Indie Game Design
• Extended Realities
• Smartphone Apps
• Web Dev II
• Image, Sound and Code
• Physical Computing
• Data Visualisation
• Playful Media
• Professional Placement Year

Year Three (Level 6):

• Creative Project
• Creative Incubator
• Cyber Security
• Serious Games
• Commercial Games
• Creative Web
• Web Games
• Creative AI
• Industry Ready
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (for 2024/25 only)

Assessment:

The Creative Computing program is entirely coursework-assessed. Students will deliver a varied and balanced collection of projects, including prototype software, websites, apps, games, and VR experiences.

Teaching:

Students will be taught through practical workshops and project-based learning. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout the course. The practical nature of the course offers students the time and freedom to try new ideas, develop new skills, and take a deep dive into topics of interest. A network of visiting speakers and mentors keeps students in touch with the tech and creative sectors, while technical demonstrators support them in developing new skills.

Careers:

The diverse nature of Creative Computing at Bath Spa opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in both the creative and tech sectors. Possible roles include:

• Creative Technologist
• Games Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Digital 3D Design
• UX Designer
• Creative Producer
• Creative Tech Research and Development Associate
Graduates may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.

Other:

• Study Abroad: Students can study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa's partner universities.
• Work Placements, Industry Links, and Internships: Creative Computing students have produced work for companies including the IBM Innovation Lab, Aardman, Complete Control, Opposable VR, and Boomtown Festival.
• Field Trips: Past field trips have included creative industry festivals such as the London Games Festival, Now Play This, and WASD.
• Adobe Creative Campus: Bath Spa University is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing all students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.
• Global Citizenship: Full-time undergraduate students can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which they'll study alongside their degree.

Facilities and Resources:

• Commons Building: Students are taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of the Newton Park campus.
• High-End Computing Spaces: The Commons building includes high-end computing spaces with dedicated PCs, access to 3D printers, VR kit, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment: Students have access to the university's Virtual Learning Environment.
• Newton Park Library: Students have access to the Newton Park library.
• LinkedIn Learning: Students have free access to software, creative, design, and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning.
• Academic Skills Support: Students receive support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team.
• English Language Unit: The English Language Unit provides support for students whose first language is not English.
• SISO Equipment Loan Service: Students can hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University's free equipment loan service.

|Fees|2024 entry| |:---|:---| |Student|Annual tuition fee| |UK full time|£9,250| |UK part time|£4,625| |International full time|£16,905| Professional Placement Year During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students. UK: £1,850 International: £3,381