BSc in Creative Informatics

The fields of digital imaging, computing and information technology, applications in the business and the leisure industries, creative design, software development, and technology are rapidly changing. This course will enable you to express your own creativity and give you the knowledge, confidence and ability to act as a creative professional in the computing, media and arts industries.

You will gain the skills to be highly creative in realising new information technologies and systems based on novel ideas. Computer technology will be applied to solve problems in the creative arts; problems that impact on our senses, and on the knowledge we derive from them. Information is the lifeblood of every organisation and community. It improves communication with colleagues, associates and the public, and helps people to solve problems and take decisions. You will learn how to select appropriate technologies, apply software and systematically manage information. The professional and technical skills you will develop are highly valued by employers, who know that they can enhance an organisation's performance, help it to meet its goals and give it a competitive edge. Small (and large) businesses welcome the flexibility that an information systems graduate can demonstrate, as well as their ability to ‘think outside the box'. Advertising, media and design agencies need to manage projects, from brochures or catalogues to websites. Companies advertising on the Internet need fast, attractive, data-driven web systems. The Home Office Crime and Disorder Partnership rely on information-sharing and management as a way of reducing crime. In addressing these requirements, this course examines the ways in which information systems can be used effectively to make informed decisions, change cultures and manage everyday operations and procedures. Students will be equipped with essential problem-solving skills and innovation techniques, as well as an ability to understand, evaluate and enhance the use of information in the workplace.

Level 4 (Year 1)

As well as developing vital understanding of information handling, communication, and web technologies, you will develop a capacity to identify and address the information needs of a situation, and to formulate and implement a creative solution utilising appropriate software tools. Typically these will exploit internet and web technologies, mobile communications, digital media, and decision-support software.

Level 5 (Year 2)

Building upon the first year, you explore the technical, organisational and social issues arising from the Internet and globalisation. You learn how to design, construct and manage websites, how to work in teams and in a virtual community, and how to exploit concepts such as creative information systems and management of creative small businesses

Work Placement

A six-week period of work experience with one of our placement providers at the end of the second year will enable you to meet the challenge of putting computing, management and project development theories into practice, whilst further developing your technical skills. Possible placements include: producing on-line learning material for theatre groups and schools; and building a website for an organisation's department or branch office

Level 6 (Year 3)

During the final year you develop skills in the management of people, operations and finance in the context of a computer-based environment. You learn how to implement change - balancing time, cost and quality - and explore the implication of emerging technologies and innovative products and services.

Dissertation

Over the period of the third year you will have the opportunity to undertake a major individual project, developing a particular aspect of the programme and applying it to a specific situation. For this, you will have access to individual guidance from a personal supervisor who will help you to ensure that the project stays on track and achieves its aims.