Digital Arts (by Research) (Research)

The School conducts high-quality significant national and international research and offers excellent opportunities for graduate studies, successfully combining modern engineering and technology with the exciting field of digital media.

Our one year MSc by Research in Digital Arts is an internationally recognised advanced postgraduate research degree, providing an ideal foundation for advanced skills and knowledge. Traditional MSc degrees primarily contain taught modules, whilst an MSc by Research is heavily research or practice-based and you learn through hands-on projects.

Whereas a taught Masters develops expertise in existing subject knowledge, an MSc by Research places more emphasis on research and practical expertise and is project-based, rather than module-based. An MSc by Research can focus on individual research skills, providing a strong foundation to build on for students considering a doctoral degree (PhD). Alternatively, our MSc by Research can be done via a practice-based approach, which is more oriented toward the industry. It is well structured with clearly defined tasks to be completed, which will eventually lead to the final dissertation.

There is particular strength in web design and development, including e-commerce, e-learning, e-health; and the group has substantial experience in interaction design (e.g. usability and accessibility), social computing (e.g. social networking, computer mediated communication), mobile technology (e.g. smart wearable devices, immersive technologies (e.g. virtual and augmented reality) and video games. In the area of time-based media, the group has substantial interest in digital film capture and editing, and manipulation on to fully animated 3D modelling techniques as used in games and feature films.

Example topics for MSc by Research in Digital Arts

• Design of Virtual Reality Experience for Cultural Heritage Sites

• Investigation of Digital Sculpture Creation for People with Dementia

• Display and Performance of Creative Media in Public Space

• Video Game Sensing for Cognitive Function Assessment

Established over 40 years ago, the School has developed a top-quality teaching and research base, receiving excellent ratings in both research and teaching assessments. We have research funding from the Research Councils UK, European research programmes, a number of industrial and commercial companies and government agencies including the Ministry of Defence. Many of our research projects are collaborative, and we have well-developed links with institutions worldwide.