Program Overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Technologies and Emerging Media

The Postgraduate Certificate in Creative Technologies and Emerging Media offers a unique combination of creative practice, coding, and software skills, and cutting-edge methodologies in the field of creative technologies. Over 3 modules and 2 semesters, students will be introduced to the key software platforms for the design and development of immersive and interactive media content, as well as computational creativity and generative AI.

Course Introduction

The programme is particularly suitable for people currently working in the creative industries or with a background in the creative arts who wish to develop the use of technology in their professional practice and apply creative practice approaches within a digital environment. It will provide students with basic proficiency in industry-standard software and hardware relevant to the creative technology sector, such as game engines, XR systems, motion capture, and creative coding.

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles and concepts of creative technologies, including digital media, interactive design, virtual/augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and computational creativity.
• Apply creative practice approaches within a digital environment.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the key tools, platforms, and software commonly used in creative technology fields, such as 3D modeling, game engines, and coding environments.
• Develop basic proficiency in industry-standard software and hardware relevant to the creative technology sector.
• Consider the social and cultural impacts of creative technologies, and engage critically with discussions around diversity, inclusion, and representation in the area of digital technologies.

Course Structure

The programme consists of three modules:

• Creative Coding (10 ECTs): Using open-source languages designed for media arts and visual design communities, students will be introduced to fundamental programming concepts.
• Immersive Media (10 ECTs): This module introduces students to key concepts and practices associated with Immersive/Extended Reality Technologies and Platforms.
• Applied Creative Practice (10 ECTs): Through a series of seminars and workshops led by industry experts, this module introduces students to advanced creative practice methodologies in the field of creative technologies and to key elements of project design, including ethical considerations in project design.

Unique Features

• Flexible Online Delivery: The programme can be completed entirely online through the CANVAS virtual learning environment, with optional in-person workshops and full access to University of Galway facilities.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: Combines creative practice, critical theory, and technical training across coding, immersive media, and digital storytelling.
• Industry Engagement: Features masterclasses and workshops led by creative professionals using cutting-edge technologies in real-world contexts.
• Practice-Based Assessment: Emphasises hands-on learning through creative projects and applied research rather than traditional exams.

Careers

Career opportunities include:

• Creative Technologist roles
• XR development roles
• Games development, 3D modelling, and animation
• UX designer

Who Teaches This Course?

The course is taught by:

• Paul ONeill
• Conn Holohan

Learning and Assessment

Students will learn through a flexible, blended approach combining online lectures, tutorials, and independent project work. Assessment is entirely coursework-based and designed to reflect the applied and creative nature of the programme.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Entry Requirements: NQAI Level 8-degree in a related subject or NQAI Level 7-degree in a related subject plus 2-years relevant work experience.
• English Language Entry Requirements: IELTS of 6.5 or TOEFL 88 or Pearson PTE 61 or equivalent.

Fees

• EU Fees: 4,500
• Non-EU Fees: Not eligible for international students
• Levy: 70
• Total EU Fee: 4,570

Why University of Galway?

University of Galway is a world-renowned research-led university with a commitment to top-quality teaching, ranked in the top 2% of universities globally.