Creative Media BA (Hons)

Design and Creative Thinking

The ability to respond creatively to problems and challenges is the central key skill that defines the work of any designer. This module will introduce the fundamental principles that underpin successful design, and explore the nature, and development of creative thought, and practice.

Design and Visual Narratives

The module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the theory, practice and use of text and images across a range of media productions. Key issues and practices relating to the acquisition, generation, manipulation, production and presentation of digital still images will be explored, and students will be introduced to a range of appropriate digital software and develop experience of the basic tools and the processes of layout and design

Digital Cultures

This module considers the role of digital and social media in 21st-century life.

The module examines some ways of viewing digital media in terms of technological developments; the politics and economy of media; social media, participation and online communities; as well as the ‘remediation’ of previous media forms through digital platforms. It also engages students with the ethical and political issues involved in contemporary media production and consumption.

Digital Imaging

The construction of images and their meanings will be explored with reference to the varied theoretical approaches to image analysis, representation, identity and audience. The predominantly practical nature of this module means that emphasis will be placed on the development of individual art practices, imaging processes and techniques.

Digital Production

This module will introduce a range of concepts relating to the creation, production and editing of digital short films. Students taking this module will begin to explore filmmaking both as a technical endeavour, and as a creative discipline.

Every step of the process of taking a script idea to the end result of a completed film will be discussed, performed and reflected upon within the lectures and workshops, and in the practical production and the development portfolio.

Film, Style and Form

This module introduces students to film and television style. Beginning with a consideration of the variety of forms and approaches to the moving image, students will consider first of all the ‘micro’ elements of cinema such as mise en scène, cinematography, editing, sound, montage and special effects. Next, the ‘macro’ structures such as narrative and genre are explored, with a focus also on the identities of the producers, performers and audiences for screen industries.

Harry Potter and the...

The Harry Potter series has become a popular cultural phenomenon that has inspired people across the globe.This module will draw upon the ideas and themes within the stories and use them as entry points into a wide range of debates and case studies. From Harry and Ron’s first hello, to Jason Isaac’s gothic performance as Lucius Malfoy, and beyond into gaming, merchandising and themed environments, this module will contextualize the world of Harry Potter as a modern media text.

Cult Media and Identity

Film and media's role in representing various identities will be applied to aspects such as costume, the body, and the consumption and reception of media texts, with a particular focus on film and television examples. A particular focus will be on the differing theoretical approaches to identity and the concept of ‘self’. In addition, a focus on participatory cultures, fandom and cult media will be highlighted.

Magazine Design

The ability to effectively create pages that combine large quantities of copy, with well proportioned, and sensitively handled images, is a core skill for any successful graphic designer. This module will build upon the fundamental principles covered in Layout and Design at level 4. It will consider a variety of areas of magazine publishing and provide a conceptual overview of important theoretical concerns in order to analyse issues such as the construction of contemporary gender, class and ethnicity, and how these issues intersect with design concepts.

Motion Graphics One

The ability to quickly and effectively convey information through titles and other onscreen graphics is an important, specialist skill that underpins the success of a wide range of  online, and time based media. From the title cards of early cinema to the motion masterpieces of Saul Bass through extravagant digital title sequences and viral ad campaigns the art of motion graphics has played a vital role in the development of contemporary visual media. This module will provide a grounding in many of the principles and techniques associated with motion graphics.

Multimedia Production

This module will build upon ideas discussed at level 4 to further the students’ understanding of a range of concepts and practical skills relating to the creation, production and editing of a short media product. They will operationalise this enhanced comprehension of the necessary skill set required by key personnel within a production team. They will focus upon areas of pre-production, shooting, editing and finishing to deliver a media product in a timely and budget conscious manner.

20 Credits

Packaging and Logos

Professional design briefs are often more likely to involve the redevelopment of existing logos, packaging and visual identities, than the ground up creation of something entirely new. This module will examine both scenarios and require students not just to develop specialist skills in logo and packaging design, but to conduct usability and audience focused research to inform the launch, and relaunch of a new and existing product.

Photography

The emergence and current dominance of digital technologies has signalled an era in which the primacy of the photographic image as an instant way of communicating meaning is virtually unchallenged. This module will explore the practical application of photographic concepts and theories, and ensure that all students are able to produce photographic work that demonstrates both technical proficiency and an advanced understanding of issues such as connotation and composition.

Web Design

Traditional print media companies are now required by readers of different audiences to produce multi-platform content and smaller independent publishers have gained access to the same market by making their material available through the web. Students on this module will be introduced to this dynamic field, by studying the principles of information design and how to produce immersive content for divergent audience needs. This module will follow on, and adapt content from the semester one Magazine Design module.

Digital Film Production

This module will build upon many aspects of the core Level 5 Media Production courses and effectively act as an advanced course in a wide range of film and TV production skills. Students taking this module will work in conjunction with their allocated cast to rehearse, shoot and edit a short fiction drama film which will then be screened in front of peers and tutors. 

Digital Illustration

An advanced understanding of the intersection between digital and hand-drawn artwork is a key skill for modern designers. This module will require students to explore the integration of digital imaging skills with older, traditional art & design practices such as drawing, collage & montage in order to develop an advanced understanding of how images can be constructed to represent and give meaning to concepts and feelings. 

Disney and Animation

The module will begin with an insight into the Disney theme parks and their relationship with the ‘real’ America that surrounds them. Students will then develop a thorough understanding of the historical evolution of animation, including the centrality of Disney to narrative and technological innovations in this mode of moving image, as well as an understanding of the varying aesthetic and formal qualities at play in other animation products.

Dissertation

The final year dissertation is an opportunity for students either to research and write an in depth assignment about a topic of their own choice or produce a body of work that is practiced-based with specified outcomes. This module will help develop a student’s communication skills, their intellectual skills, logical thinking, their ability to synthesise material, problem solve and make decisions independently. 

Motion Graphics Two

This module will build upon the techniques and concepts covered in Motion Graphics I and further develop the student’s capability to create animated content that is capable of taking advantage of a range of complex objects and behaviours in both 2d and 3d space. Students will learn to master all aspects of the virtual multiple camera and lighting setups, understand the nature and use of parameter behaviours and use a variety of native and imported assets to visually communicate using image, sound and narrative.

Paradox of Horror

This module investigates ‘the paradox of horror’ - why audiences of horror cinema find films which are designed to shock, disgust and frighten so entertaining, enjoyable and appealing.The module will also focus on marketing strategies and the ways that horror filmmakers and distributors use online social media channels to engage audiences.

The Beatles and the Counter Culture

This module considers the output and cultural significance of The Beatles in terms of historical context, lyrical analysis, iconography and their presence in other media (film, television and online) as a ‘transmedia’ phenomenon. Following a chronological order, the development of the group’s musical and visual styles, lyrical concerns and cultural contexts, will be tracked in relation to cultural studies methodologies.