Interactive Media MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Interactive Media is a conversion course for graduates from diverse backgrounds seeking practical skills in interactive media. The program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of technology and industry-standard tools in digital media. Through core modules and a substantial dissertation project, students develop proficiency in various aspects of interactive media, preparing them for careers in fields such as graphic design, UI/UX development, and digital analytics. The program stays current with industry advancements through engagement with industry and research communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MSc in Interactive Media is a Conversion Course designed for graduates from various backgrounds who wish to gain practical and technical skills in interactive media. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the technology and industry-standard tools used in the digital media sector. The course focuses on the creation of interactive digital media, which involves a blend of creative and technical skills using a range of existing and emerging technologies. Upon completion, students will have a thorough knowledge of the underlying concepts, technologies, and practices of interactive digital media and be able to apply these to create interactive digital media products.

Outline:

The MSc (Interactive Media) is a taught program that can be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration.

Program Structure:

Students must earn 90 credits through a combination of:

• Core modules (60 credits): Full-time students take all core modules in one year, while part-time students choose three modules each year (15 credits), totaling six modules over two years (30 credits).
• Dissertation (30 credits): This project is undertaken after the core modules are completed.

Core Modules:

Semester 1:

• CS6100 Authoring (5 credits): This module covers the principles and practices of authoring interactive media, including scripting, animation, and multimedia integration.
• CS6102 Graphics for Interactive Media (5 credits): This module explores the use of graphics in interactive media, covering topics such as image manipulation, vector graphics, and 2D animation.
• CS6104 Digital Video Capture and Packaging (5 credits): This module covers the techniques and technologies involved in capturing, editing, and packaging digital video for interactive media.
• CS6111 3D Graphics and Modelling (5 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of 3D graphics and modeling, including software tools and techniques for creating 3D objects and environments.

Semester 2:

• CS6105 Future and Emerging Interaction Technologies (5 credits): This module explores the latest advancements in interactive technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and wearable computing.
• CS6114 Digital Video Compression and Delivery (5 credits): This module covers the principles and techniques of digital video compression and delivery, including codecs, streaming protocols, and content distribution networks.
• CS6115 Human-Computer Interaction (5 credits): This module explores the principles of human-computer interaction, including user interface design, usability testing, and accessibility.
• CS6116 Mobile Multimedia (5 credits): This module focuses on the development of interactive media for mobile devices, including mobile app development, responsive design, and cross-platform compatibility.

Note:

Not all modules may be offered in a particular year and are subject to change.

Project Phase (After Period 2):

• CS6200 Dissertation in Interactive Media (30 credits): This module involves the development of a substantial interactive media project, which allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or challenge.
The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years.

Course Practicalities:

• Lectures: 12 hours per week (full-time); 6 hours per week (part-time)
• Laboratory sessions: 6 hours per week (full-time); 3 hours per week (part-time)
Students are expected to undertake independent reading and study.

Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media:

Students who successfully achieve the pass standard in the examination may opt not to proceed to the digital media project and may instead be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Interactive Media.

Careers:

The ICT sector in Ireland is a thriving and growing industry with a strong presence of global software and ICT companies. This sector is a major employer in Ireland, with numerous opportunities for graduates in interactive media.

Graduates from this program typically find employment in areas such as:

• Graphic Design & UI/UX Development
• Senior Developer, Designer, Architect, Management
• Social Media / Digital Content
• Product Management
• Digital Analytics / Visualisation

Other:

Interactive media is a fast-changing discipline, so the program actively engages with industry and research communities to ensure that the course content is continuously evolving and relevant, preparing students for a productive future in the digital media industry.