Digital Media & Interaction Design

Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Digital Media & Interaction Design

Overview

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the role digital media and interaction design plays within our lives, exploring how people use and respond to emerging technology and media. Students will be equipped with adaptable practical and theoretical skills to allow them to design for current and future trends, whether creating for screen-based media, interactive experiences, or physical computing.

Mode of Study

• Full-time

Duration

• 4 years

Start Date

• September

UCAS Code

• G455

Placement

• Yes

Study Abroad

• Yes

Course Details

This course will help students develop a comprehensive knowledge of the technologies involved in the creation and delivery of digital media. Students will gain an appreciation of the theory, application, and cultural context for the use and development of new and emerging media, giving them confidence to critique and explore new areas as they are developed.

Year 1

• Experiencing the Digital City
• Being Digital
• Sonic Culture
• Programming for Interactive Media
• Digital Imaging
• Producing Digital

Year 2

• Practical Interaction Design
• Digital Video Development
• Visual Design for Digital Media
• Playful Interaction
• AI for Creative Industries
• 2D Animation

Year 3

• User-Centred Research Methods
• Digital Storytelling
• Creative Technology
• Motion Graphics
• 3D Modelling
• Group Project
• Designing the Visual Interface
• Visual Effects
• 3D Animation

Year 4

• User Experience
• VFX Storytelling
• Scripting for Interactive Media
• Internship (option)
• Honours Project (60 credits)
• Professional Practice through Portfolio

Entry Requirements

Year 1

• SQA Higher: BBBB 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 & Technology: Product Design, Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, Graphic Communication, or Moving Image Arts.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3 at Higher Level to include one of the following subjects: Digital Media Interactive Design, Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, or Graphic Communication.
• Scottish 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).
• 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.
• 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: 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.

Year 2

• HNC: Pass in Computer Arts and Design, Audio Visual Technologies, Art Design & Visual Communication, Digital Design & Web Development, Computer Art and Design & Interactive Design, Animation, or Digital & Creative Media with a B in the graded unit.
• SQA Advanced Higher: BBC to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, or Graphic Communication at Higher.
• A Level: BBB to include at least one of: Design, Art & Design, Music, Photography, Media, or Graphic Communication.
• BTEC (QCF) Extended Diploma Level 3: Minimum grades DDD (Distinction, Distinction, Distinction) in a related subject.

Year 3

• HND: Pass in Computer Arts and Design, Audio Visual Technologies, Computer Art and Design and Interactive Design, Visual Communications (Digital Media), Visual Communications (Animation), 3D Animation, or Digital & Creative Media with grades B in the SCQF Level 8 graded unit.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees for 2024/25

• Scotland: £1,820
• 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?

• Digital Designers
• Motion Graphic Designers
• VFX Artists
• Developers
• Producers
• 3D Artists
• User Experience Consultants and Designers
• Virtual Reality Producers

What do Interaction Designers do?

Interaction designers specialize in creating user experiences for digital products and services. They conduct user research to understand user needs and behaviors. Using this knowledge, they design the overall user experience (UX), including wireframes, user flows, and prototypes. They focus on organizing 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-centered 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.