FdA Digital Media Production

THE COURSE
The media industry has seen enormous change in recent years and digital technology is now an integral part of almost every aspect of media production; as a consequence the 21st century media designer must be a confident and informed user of this technology. Whether it be in the production of intuitive DVD menus, exciting video content for a viral marketing campaign, producing motion graphics for advertising or VJ’ing solutions, or using the web to promote the latest film releases, students on this course will be working at the forefront of digital media production.

The course places communication at the heart of digital practice to ensure that the design and creation of content responds in an exciting and creative way to professional briefs; it will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a highly competent and fully confident industry practitioner. You will learn how to realise creative ideas through appropriate design, techniques, processes and communication; the course offers an exciting opportunity to study the broad range of digital media technologies available today including video, sound, streaming media, 3D computer graphics, viral and performance video and newly developing technologies.

You will gain a comprehensive and broad-based understanding of digital media; you will experience a range of technologies and develop a clear understanding of the opportunities available in the media industry. Specialist pathways offering a tailored learning environment and work placements in relevant new media companies will give you the opportunity to explore and develop your own specialism and to pursue your career aspirations.

RESOURCES
The course has a dedicated computer suite and its own web server which enables you to develop and test new media solutions, web and streaming technologies. We also have our own extensive e-learning facilities, social networking sites and blogs to enrich the learning experience and nearly all course material is available electronically. We have a core team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff with national and international recognition of achievements in their own ongoing practices. They are supported by guest speakers, visiting lecturers and industry professionals who bring a wide spectrum of specialist experience to the course.

YEAR 1
Year 1 of the course is designed to develop a range of skills in new technology; it will provide a foundation to enable you to put your ideas into practice. You will acquire the fundamental knowledge and understanding which will serve you throughout your career. You will also have the opportunity to understand the context and history of both new media and its relationship to contemporary culture. Lectures, seminars, tutorials and educational visits are also organised to develop your understanding of the industry.

YEAR 2
In Year 2 you will choose your pathway (Digital Media Production or Interactive Media) and focus on industry based projects using the creative and technological problem-solving skills developed in Year 1. You will be encouraged to take charge of your own creative and career development. The final year project offers you the chance to work in a professional context with real clients researching innovative solutions to new media issues, or to pursue your own personal objectives and projects working individually or as part of a team. Students who successfully complete this Foundation Degree will have a guaranteed route of progression to the BA (Hons) Digital Media Production.

BA (Hons) DEGREE (TOP UP)
This additional year offers you the opportunity to refine your existing practice, develop new skills and reflect upon experience gained during previous study. Students are encouraged and enabled to develop as autonomous, creative decision makers who demonstrate the ability to lead rather than respond to industry trends. The course will develop and extend your knowledge and skills through extensive research and critical reflection and will enable you to demonstrate understanding of a complex body of knowledge and practice, some of which may be at the current boundaries of the discipline.

This BA (Hons) award is not offered as a three year course and is only available to those articulating from a Foundation Degree. Students may also apply to the third year of other Honours Degree courses, where their suitability will be considered by the relevant course team. Students who are not currently studying at the University College may also apply to the third year of this BA (Hons) course if they hold the relevant subject qualification. Applicants to the final year of a BA (Hons) qualification may be required to undertake Bridging Studies to prepare them for studies on the Honours Degree course.

For further information, please go to the BA (Hons) Digital Media Production Top Up course page.

INTERVIEWS AND PORTFOLIOS
An interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment and self-motivation. We will be happy to discuss aspects of the course, talk about your own aspirations and to answer any questions you might have; we see it as a positive, two-way process. We would like to see some sort of portfolio or showreel,sketchbooks or any other ideas or projects which can demonstrate your interests in digital media, design and visual culture.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Above all else we value your individual creativity and enthusiasm. We look for people who can work in a team to provide innovative, exciting and professional solutions to a range of challenges. We do not necessarily require any prior knowledge of new technology or its implementation; what we are looking for is your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Some experience of digital applications (e.g. Flash, Maya, Web, Avid, Photoshop, or After Effects) and their implementation is useful to indicate your aptitude but this is not a requirement as all basic skills are taught on the course.

SKILLS AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT
At the end of the first year you will undertake a work placement to gain industry experience and will have the opportunity to investigate and research areas of industry that interest you. We organise a number of relevant trips and exhibition visits throughout the year. Students have also had the opportunity to work on pop promos and have attended pre-premiere screenings of films by contemporary directors. Many of our current students are working on a range of live productions with industry and we have an excellent reputation for producing highly employable graduates with extensive industry related skills; for example one of our graduates now works for Sony Playstation developing the new iToy; two others are working with Radio 1 on festival events.

COURSE DETAILS

Mode of Study: Full-time

Course Duration: 2 years

Institution Code: A66

UCAS CODE

W280

COURSE LEADER

Phil Beards

CONTACT

Admissions

Tel: 01202 363228/363225

Email: admissions@aucb.ac.uk