Creative Computing BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Creative Computing program at UCA Farnham equips students with the knowledge and skills in creative computing, allowing them to specialize in areas like audio, mobile app development, or AI. The program fosters creative freedom, encouraging students to develop their own ideas and projects, preparing them for successful careers in the creative computing industry. Students have access to high-end computing facilities and may opt for a professional practice year to gain industry experience.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

BSc (Hons) Creative Computing at UCA Farnham

This program provides students with the fundamental knowledge and creative opportunities to specialize in creative computing, preparing them for their chosen career path. It is a collegiate course, where students will initially collaborate with Computer Science students in their first year to build coding skills before working with Digital Art and Virtual & Augmented Reality students to develop creative ideas and projects. As students progress, they will gain access to the latest facilities, allowing them to build knowledge and confidence in visual programming and specialize in areas like audio, mobile app development, or AI. The program encourages creative freedom, inviting students to bring their own ideas and concepts to the table, culminating in a final-year project.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills in creative computing.
• Provide opportunities for specialization in various creative computing areas like audio, mobile app development, or AI.
• Foster creative freedom and encourage students to develop their own ideas and projects.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in the creative computing industry.

Outline:

Year One:

• Programming & Interactivity: Introduces fundamental programming concepts and builds core aspects of software literacy.
• Data and Databases: Introduces basic database concepts and provides tools for designing, implementing, and querying databases.
• Opportunity: Engagement in activities like Code Jams and Design Sprints, study trips, and/or studio visits within the local or international area.
• The Computing Professional: Introduces professional roles and working practices in the computing and related industries.
• Web Design & Development: Establishes understanding of browser-based design and development using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, culminating in creating online work using one or more of these elements.

Year Two:

• Virtual Frameworks: Continues building programming concepts and establishes core aspects of software literacy by building a web-based application using p5.js and its libraries.
• The Conscious Practitioner: Explores creative practice in relation to global perspectives while continuing to learn about subject-specific concepts of inclusion, exclusion, and diversity.
• Electives: Choose one from Hardware Projects using Arduino, Motion Capture Technologies, or Digital Storytelling.
• Opportunity: Engagement in activities like Code Jams and Design Sprints, study trips, and/or studio visits within the local or international area.
• Application Development: Industry Brief: Develop an application based on the industry partner's requirements, focusing on Javascript and p5.js skills developed in the first term.
• Opportunity: Engagement in activities like Code Jams and Design Sprints, study trips, and/or studio visits within the local or international area.
• Final Major Project: Culmination of skills, passion, and creativity, where students undertake an ambitious project framed within how they want to promote themselves as creative computing practitioners/computer scientists.
A detailed and logical proposal is required for this project.
• Optional Study Abroad: Students may have the opportunity to study a part of their degree at a UCA partner university while earning credits towards their UCA degree.
• Possible Professional Practice Year: Students may opt for a professional practice year to gain industry experience and further develop their skills and CV.
• Course Duration: Three years full-time for the BSc (Hons) course, or four years full-time for the BSc (Hons) with Integrated Foundation Year and BSc (Hons) with Integrated International Foundation Year courses.
• Start Dates: September 2024 and September 2025.

Careers:

• Games software developer
• VR creative developer
• User Experience auditor
• Music technology developer
• The program has high-end computing facilities including PCs, 4k dual screen monitors, Wacom Cintiq graphics tablets, and VR development studios.
• The program encourages students to bring their own ideas and concepts to the table, fostering creative freedom.

UK

• Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
• BA course: £9,250

EU

• Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250
• BA course: £9,250

International

• Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950
• BA course: £17,500
If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.