Creative Computing (Taught)

Discover how to use advanced programming and creative practice to design interactive experiences that push the boundaries of digital creativity.

Our MSc Creative Computing course will prepare you for advanced professional roles within the fields of creative technology. This experimental approach will challenge you to apply complex computational thinking to create sophisticated outcomes, enhancing your awareness of creative computing practices and methodologies. The curriculum will help you engage with advanced programming, write code, prototype, and develop software for creative computational applications. The course will foster an advanced understanding of professional technologies and workflows, enabling you to systematically and creatively resolve complex issues.

The course focuses on designing digital experiences within the context of creative practices. With a research-led approach, you will explore the boundaries between technology and creativity and their symbiotic relationship. Through project-based learning, you will enhance your skills in programming languages, physical computing, and software development for creative practitioners. The course encourages a critical approach to creative computing, considering social and ethical implications and promoting inclusivity and diversity in technology use. By the end, you’ll have a professional approach to computational practice ready for large-scale projects in the creative digital sector or within the digital technology sector more broadly.

Why study with us

• Preparation for advanced professional roles: The Creative Computing course equips you for advanced roles in creative technology, enhancing your expertise in the field.

• Project-based skills: Enhance your programming, physical computing, and software development skills through project-based learning, fostering original and innovative professional methods.

• Experimental and challenging approach: Engage in an experimental approach that challenges you to apply complex computational thinking for sophisticated outcomes, increasing your awareness of creative computing practices and methodologies.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that reflects industry practices, integrating new and emerging concepts and technologies.

• Access to professional-level resources: Utilise a variety of professional resources, including contemporary technology, media labs, 2D & 3D studios, computer labs, high-specification PCs, digital darkrooms, and specialist software.

• Emphasis on social responsibility: Promote a socially responsible use of technology, challenging traditional boundaries in the field of creative expression.

Course structure

This course is part of our suite of Master’s in Computing, Games and Data Science, offering a collaborative framework across various specialisations, including MSc Creative Computing, MSc Games Computing, and MSc Data Science and AI in Creative Industries. This provides students with opportunities to engage with peers from different disciplines while working on individual assignments. Such collaboration mirrors the professional dynamics in the creative industries today, allowing students to gain valuable experience in interdisciplinary teamwork and real-world problem-solving.

This programme is a one-year course, including 30 weeks of direct teaching time and a 15-week final project. You will need to complete five units and one 60-credit major project (180 credits in total). All units on the course are compulsory and must be passed in order to complete the award. If you study part-time your modules will be split across two years. Full course details, including aims and assessment criteria, will be provided in the course specification upon validation.