Digital Design

Digital Design
Are you excited by design and the creative possibilities of new technology? Digital Design at Kent combines both, allowing you to solve design challenges whilst gaining expertise to work in the creative industries.

You'll take a practical and theoretical approach to digital design, allowing you to design and build interactive products and services of the future whilst equipping you with skills sought after by employers.

Creativity is at the heart of our course. You develop your design and technical skills allowing you to showcase your creativity. You'll work with a broad range of design assets and the latest in interactive and immersive technologies, creating new experiences for audiences, while setting yourself up for an exciting and fulfilling career in technology or the creative industries.

Both the technology sector and creative industries are rapidly expanding and evolving areas. The dual focus on our digital design course means you'll develop the well-rounded expertise, confidence and knowledge to take advantage of these expanding fields and make your ambition count - where that is, is up to you.

Your Future
Our graduates thrive in dynamic areas like immersive experiences, UX/UI design, 3D production, and creative media. You'll master the art of visual design, user experience, and technology, enabling you to leave your mark in dynamic, ever-evolving industries. Whether you're passionate about creating captivating visuals, immersive experiences, or exploring virtual environments, digital design equips you with the skills and connections to excel.

Year in Industry

You have the option to add a year in industry to this course. We already know you have the confidence and commitment to thrive in the workplace and kick-start your career. This is your chance to prove it, to yourself and to employers.

Year Abroad

Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.

Year 1

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 1 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• 3D Fundamentals - Through a combination of engaging lectures and interactive workshops, you’ll learn the theoretical underpinnings and hands-on practical skills required to conceptualise ideas, model, UV map, create and manipulate materials, and texture 3D assets.

• Digital Content Creation - You’ll develop technical skills in industry-standard software tools whilst also demonstrating your creativity and problem-solving abilities. You’ll learn to conceptualise and execute design briefs with confidence, and engage in reflective practices to evolve as a versatile creative professional.

• Virtual Environment Design - You’ll learn asset development for different applications, dive into narrative and storytelling design, and explore the field of event programming for cinematic and interactive immersion.

• Fundamentals of Programming - You'll embark on your programming journey here, mastering fundamental coding concepts and development skills. This foundation will empower you to dive into programming projects right from your first year - you’ll learn through lectures, workshops and programming challenges.

• Interaction Design - Focused on user-centred design, it empowers you to create experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, emphasising the importance of making your designs accessible and inclusive for all. This module takes you beyond basic usability, encouraging you to consider how your designs can have a positive impact on society.

• Programming for Interactivity - Through practice-based tuition, you'll unravel the art of image manipulation, bring realistic motions to life, and explore skills like motion sensing and speech recognition.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year 2

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 2 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• 3D Production - Immerse yourself in hands-on lessons, learning the art and technical skills of digital visual effects and compositing. Let your creativity thrive as you delve into practice-based workshops filled with opportunities to expand your skills and understanding. You’ll look at everything from designing intricate models to painting detailed textures, harnessing the power of lighting effects and exploring the development of materials, seamlessly bringing them all together in precise and convincing composites.

• Interactive Environments - Through exposure to creative examples and the technologies used to produce them, you'll learn about the different contexts in which digital displays and interactive technologies are embedded. You’ll also learn how they can be designed to be engaging, breathtaking and playful, such as in festivals, exhibitions, events, concerts and shows.

• Immersive Experiences - Tailored to support every phase of your educational journey, the lessons will elevate both your creative insight and technical expertise. You'll explore the core principles of immersive technologies and understand the critical role of storytelling in developing compelling virtual experiences. Moreover, you'll learn techniques for user evaluation, integrating testing and feedback seamlessly into your design workflow.

• Design Practice - You’ll further develop your skills in ideation, conceptualisation, and implementation - you’ll develop innovative design solutions, drawing upon the diverse technical and artistic skillset you have acquired during your studies to execute the project. You’ll learn how to perform different testing methods to evaluate your design solution’s usability, friendliness, and quality. Working in a collaborative environment, you’ll navigate time and resource constraints, developing project management skills vital in any professional setting.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Design Agency - You'll identify your strengths and talents, form a start-up creative agency with classmates, and pitch work to clients. Together you’ll then formulate solid briefs and identify measurable outcomes. Through practical application, you’ll develop an appreciation of the commercial and financial concerns of the creative business sector, and show your work to a public audience.

• Designing with Data - You’ll explore the theory and practice of transforming sometimes complex datasets into compelling visual narratives. You’ll also learn to interpret and communicate data effectively, exploring various visualisation techniques and tools. The teaching emphasises understanding the principles of information design, including hierarchy, clarity and accessibility, as well as data ethics and the importance of accuracy in creative solutions.

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship - We’ll consider entrepreneurs, their characteristics and motivations, and the barriers and issues that they face when planning and establishing a new startup venture. You'll learn what makes new ventures grow and succeed, and evaluate the practical decisions that entrepreneurs need to make to maximise the chances of their business succeeding.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.

Year in Industry

You have the option to add a year in industry to this course. We already know you have the confidence and commitment to thrive in the workplace and kick-start your career. This is your chance to prove it, to yourself and to employers.

Any questions? We have the answers.

When should I start looking? Companies will recruit at different times of the year based on their size. It's good to be application ready by the summer of your first year.

Where can I get help finding a placement? Book an appointment with a placement adviser via the careers service.

Will I get paid? Most of our placements are paid.

Do I have to pay tuition fees? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee. Fees for the current year (subject to changes) can be found on our tuition fees website.

Where can I get visa advice if I’m an international student? Kent Students' Union can help with any visa queries.

Does the University keep in touch? You receive four-weekly check-in emails, a visit from the team every three months and you can reach out to us any time by email or phone.

Do I work for a full year? The minimum requirement for an industrial placement is 44 weeks.

Year Abroad

Go Abroad

Taking a year abroad – whether you study at one of our prestigious partner universities or do an internship – is an amazing opportunity.

Any questions? We have the answers.

Is there any additional funding for the year abroad? You may be able to apply for funding; check with our Go abroad team.

Do I have to pay tuition fees for the year abroad? Yes, you’ll pay a substantially reduced fee. Fees for the current year (subject to changes) can be found on our tuition fees website. You don’t pay anything to the host uni.

Will I still get my maintenance loan? Yes.

When does the year abroad take place? Between your second and final year.

Do I have to learn a foreign language? You’re taught in English in many destinations, but you’ll get more out of your year if you learn the local language.

Does the University keep in touch? You have full access to all Kent’s support services as well as our dedicated Go abroad team.

Year 3

The following modules are what students typically study, but this may change year to year in response to new developments and innovations.

Year 3 compulsory modules currently include the following:

• Advanced 3D - Underpinned by theory, the application of practical skills is your gateway to mastering essential industry-standard applications and elevating your critical eye to be aligned with demanding industry expectations. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the wider production process, furthering your knowledge of 3D animation and digital effects simulation. Here, you'll learn to breathe life into your creations and create stunning visual experiences.

• Mixed Realities - You’ll learn how to design and implement MR systems, and uncover the potential of MR technology and its implications for designing interactive experiences that seamlessly integrate digital content with the physical world.

• Advanced Design Practice - From research and conceptualisation, to ideation, development and testing, you’ll develop a project which fosters a deeper understanding of digital design principles and practices, pushing the boundaries of your creative and technical abilities. You’ll navigate time and resource constraints, further developing your project management skills which are vital in any professional setting.

Optional modules may include the following:

• Media and Social Change - Focusing on the topic of ‘change’, you’ll explore the place of media in social change, and think about how economic and cultural factors shape the media. You’ll critically examine how media follows, blocks, represents, produces or manages changes of one kind or another in our society. You’ll also investigate a range of topics and case studies, engaging with different industry views and academic approaches for understanding media at a particularly critical moment in its development.

• Film and TV Adaptation - The module will provide the close study of screen adaptations taken from a variety of media which may include theatre, classic novels, short stories and comics. In doing so, you will engage with key topics from adaptation studies, considering the connections and differences between distinct media, focusing on key features such as the manipulation of time and space, characterisation, point of view, style, voice, interpretation and /or evaluation.

• Film Marketing and Distribution - You will learn how marketing is used to mitigate risk and maximise revenue; what forms and formats film publicity takes and the purpose they serve; how distributors purchase rights and assemble lists; how distributors and marketers position individual films to certain target audiences and territories; how film audiences select which films to view; how cinematic exhibition fits within multi-platform distribution strategies and the rise of ‘non-traditional’ distribution portals (e.g. Netflix and Amazon).

• Video Gaming: Play and Players - You will explore the history, technological development, and social issues surrounding video gaming. We will cover the technological and industrial advances in game design over the past 50 years, as well as how video games have been presented in contemporary marketing and modern media.

• Video Games Development - Given the significance of video games in popular culture and the cutting-edge technological advancements, delve into this video game module, where you will learn various facets within video game design and development, encompassing game physics, AI, level design, player behaviour, game rules and mechanics, and user interfaces.

• Design Futures and Emerging Technology - We will introduce case studies of major technological and design developments and invite you to explore their impact on culture and society via a combination of face-to-face and individual research.

For more detailed information about these modules, please visit our website.