Digital Media & Interaction Design Global
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BSc (Hons) Digital Media & Interaction Design Global
Overview
Incorporating integral study abroad in Year 3, this course has been developed for the new media professional ready to work in a global industry.
Mode of Study:
Full-time
Duration:
4 years
Start date:
Sep
UCAS code:
I152
Study Abroad:
Yes
Course details
This course will help you develop a comprehensive knowledge of the technologies involved in the creation and delivery of digital media.
You will gain an appreciation of the theory, application and cultural context for the use and development of new and emerging media, giving you confidence to critique and explore new areas as they are developed.
During your studies, you will gain expertise in the use of computer-based authoring tools to create audio, video, 2D and 3D media, as well as exploring physical computing and human computer interaction.
In the first year, you will acquire essential skills in digital media, interaction design, sound design, web development, and user experience. You'll undertake the same modules as students in our other programmes, gaining insight into how different disciplines collaborate and developing a broad skill set. Starting from the second year, you will begin to specialise in your degree subject.
In year three you will undertake the integral study abroad for either one or two trimesters, giving you the chance to explore your skills and diversify your knowledge in a new and exciting environment.
In years three and four you will continue to build your knowledge, choosing a specialist route and focusing your areas of expertise whilst developing own authentic style.
In year four, your independent project will allow you to develop your critical understanding, researching topics at the forefront of interactive and digital media, and culminating in a dissertation and a major media project. You will also focus on portfolio and career development ready for your next steps.
How you’ll be taught
- Lectures and tutorials.
Assessments
- Assessments for this course are mostly practical course works accompanied by reports, along with some modules with exams. The honours projects is a practical project and reflection accompanied by a 5000 word dissertation.
Popular modules
Year 1
- Trimester 1
- Experiencing the Digital City
- Being Digital
- Sonic Culture
- Trimester 2
- Programming for Interactive Media
- Digital Imaging
- Producing Digital
Year 2
- Trimester 1
- Practical Interaction Design
- Digital Video Development
- Visual Design for Digital Media
- Trimester 2
- Playful Interaction
- AI for Creative Industries
- 2D Animation
Year 3
- Trimester 1
- User-Centred Research Methods
- Digital Storytelling
- Creative Technology
- Motion Graphics
- 3D Modelling
- Trimester 2
- Group Project
- Designing the Visual Interface
- Visual Effects
- 3D Animation
Year 4
- Trimester 1
- User Experience
- VFX Storytelling
- Scripting for Interactive Media
- Internship (option)
- Honours Project (60 credits)
- Trimester 2
- Professional Practice through Portfolio
- Honours Project (60 credits) - continues
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.
Year 1
Minimum Year 1
- SQA Higher
- Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB to include one of the following subjects: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication or Design and Manufacture.
- Minimum Offer Entry Requirement: BBCC to include one of the following subjects: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication or Design and Manufacture.
- A Level
- BCC to include one of the following subjects: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication or Moving image Arts.
- HNC
- HNC Computer Arts and Design (C in graded unit)
- HNC Audio Visual Technologies (C in graded unit)
- HNC Art Design & Visual Comms (C in graded unit)
- HNC Computer Art and Design and Interactive Design (C in graded unit)
- HNC Digital Design and Web Development (C in graded unit)
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level to include one of the following subjects: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication.
- BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3
- Minimum grades DMM (Distinction, Merit, Merit) in a related subject.
- BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3
- Minimum grades DD (Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.
- BTEC (QCF) National Diploma Level 3 plus A Level
- Minimum grades DM (Distinction, Merit) plus A Level grade C
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three HL subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 to include one of the following subjects: Digital Media Interactive Design, Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication at minimum grade 5.
- European Baccalaureate
- Pass at 70% or above with grade 7 in three subjects to include one of the following subjects: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communication.
- T Levels
- Merit - T Level with additional A Level in: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication, Moving Image Arts grade B
Year 2
Minimum Year 2
- HNC
- Pass HNC in a related subject with grade B in the graded unit: Computer Arts and Design, Audio Visual Technologies, Art Design & Visual Comms, Computer Art and Design and Interactive Design, Digital & Creative Media, Animation, Digital Design and Web Development.
- Advanced Higher
- Advanced Higher BBC to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communications at Higher
- Advanced Higher BB and SQA Higher BB to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communications at Higher
- A Level
- BBB to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media or Graphic Communications
- BTEC
- Extended Dip DDD in a related subject
English language
If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.
International students
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Admissions policies
We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study.
Fees & funding
The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying.
Tuition fees for 2024/25
- Students from Scotland: £1,820
- Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland: £9,250
- Overseas and EU: £19,340
Careers
What can you do with a degree in Digital Media & Interaction Design?
The BSc (Hons) Digital Media & Interaction Design course will enable you to design for a range of digital media creating intuitive interfaces and positive user experiences. You will acquire skills in modern digital design that can be applied to web and mobile applications, 2D and 3D asset creation and animation. You will also gain knowledge in evaluating and improving the usability of designs through testing. These skills will help you to communicate ideas visually and work collaboratively in the digital design industry.
What do Interaction Designers do?
An interaction designer specializes in creating user experiences for digital products and services. They conduct user research to understand user needs and behaviours. Using this knowledge, they design the overall user experience (UX), including wireframes, user flows, and prototypes. They focus on organising information in an intuitive way and designing interactive elements from buttons and menus through to animation and video. Usability testing is performed to evaluate the design and gather user feedback for improvement. Interaction designers collaborate with cross-functional teams and consider accessibility and inclusivity in their designs. They follow an iterative design process, continuously refining and adapting their designs based on user feedback and project requirements. The goal of an interaction designer is to create engaging, efficient, and user-centred digital experiences.
What do motion graphics designers do?
As a motion graphics designer, you will use your creativity and technical skills to bring stories to life by creating visually compelling narratives across a range of industry sectors from games and software to the third sector and healthcare. You will be responsible for designing visually appealing and engaging motion graphics, including animations, videos, and visual effects using various software tools and techniques. You will work closely with clients, creative directors, and other team members to understand project requirements and ensure that the final product meets the client's objectives. You’ll keep learning constantly to stay updated with the latest design trends, animation techniques, and software advancements.
Program Outline
Digital Media & Interaction Design Global BSc (Hons) - Edinburgh Napier University
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for aspiring new media professionals who are ready to work in a global industry. It incorporates integral study abroad in Year 3, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the role digital media and interaction design plays in our lives.
- Develop adaptable practical and theoretical skills to design for current and future trends.
- Create a portfolio of work, make links with industry, and undertake optional work placement or study abroad options.
- Prepare for employment opportunities across a range of fast-paced and exciting areas.
Outline:
Year 1
- Trimester 1:
- Experiencing the Digital City
- Being Digital
- Sonic Culture
- Trimester 2:
- Programming for Interactive Media
- Digital Imaging
- Producing Digital
Year 2
- Trimester 1:
- Practical Interaction Design
- Digital Video Development
- Visual Design for Digital Media
- Trimester 2:
- Playful Interaction
- AI for Creative Industries
- 2D Animation
Year 3
- Trimester 1:
- User-Centred Research Methods
- Digital Storytelling
- Creative Technology
- Motion Graphics
- 3D Modelling
- Trimester 2:
- Group Project
- Designing the Visual Interface
- Visual Effects
- 3D Animation
- Study Abroad (one or two trimesters)
Year 4
- Trimester 1:
- User Experience
- VFX Storytelling
- Scripting for Interactive Media
- Internship (optional)
- Honours Project (60 credits)
- Trimester 2:
- Professional Practice through Portfolio
- Honours Project (60 credits) - continues
Assessment:
- Assessments are mostly practical course works accompanied by reports, along with some modules with exams.
- The honours project is a practical project and reflection accompanied by a 5000-word dissertation.
Teaching:
- Lectures and tutorials.
Careers:
- Digital Designers
- Motion Graphic Designers
- VFX Artists
- Developers
- Producers
- 3d Artists
- User Experience Consultants and Designers
- Virtual Reality Producers
Other:
- The program uses industry-standard packages in specialist Mac and PC labs.
- Students are supported to create a portfolio of work, make links with industry, and undertake optional work placement or study abroad options.
- The program is taught by experienced academics and industry professionals.
- Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
- The program is accredited by the relevant professional bodies.
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