Digital Media Production MSc

Excited by the possibilities that the web offers, but don't believe you have the technical background needed to work in it? This course has been designed to enable graduates with a good degree to put their intellectual skills, research abilities and communication skills to work as producers in web and digital media organisations. An active engagement with new technologies and an enthusiasm for learning how to apply them are essential. The course provides the necessary design, technology, management and business knowledge.

Professional accreditation
Accreditation by the British Computer Society is being sought.

The course has been developed with regard to the Skillset (Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries) National Occupational Standards for Interactive Media.

Course structure
For full-time students the academic year is divided into three 15-week semesters. The taught element of the course is delivered during the first two semesters. Modules involve approximately 20 per cent classroom teaching and 80 per cent individual or group work. A full-time student is expected to put in 40 hours effort per week. The major project occupies the third semester.

Part-time students study alongside full-timers with a minimum attendance of one half day per week (depending on the number of modules taken).

At the end of the taught element there is the possibility of a placement with a digital media company for the major project module. This puts real experience on your CV as you consolidate your expertise.


Areas of study
The course teaches interaction and web interface design together with management skills. Business and specialist interests can be pursued through your choice of optional modules.

It ends with a major project allowing you to integrate your new knowledge and skills to make a substantial portfolio piece. This can be done on placement with an appropriate company and support is available to set this up.

Brighton is a major centre for web and digital media with nationally and internationally significant companies and a large number of smaller agencies and start-ups. Networking is good and you will have plenty of opportunities to engage with practitioners.


Syllabus
Core modules
Interaction Design and Evaluation Process
Interface and Information Design
Web Development
Creative Design Lab
Project Management
Research Methods

Options
Two from:
Independent minor portfolio project
Marketing for Interactive Technologies
Independent minor research project
Evaluation in Practice
Interactive Technologies Business Context
Intellectual Property Law
Accessibility for Interactive Systems

Or, one from:
Independent portfolio project
New Media Application Development
TV Technologies and Implementation
Independent research project

Not all options may be offered each year.


Career and progression opportunities
This course is a new addition to our postgraduate programme in interactive technologies and benefits from our experience in areas including user experience design and digital television management and production. Our graduates have been able to develop very successful careers in the digital media industries.

Graduates of this exciting new course will be equipped for entry roles including production assistant, project manager, usability specialist, and information architect leading on to producer, content strategist and interaction designer posts.

The digital media industry needs creative people with broad backgrounds and good communication skills. Use this course to start an exciting career.

Normally, a good honours degree in any subject or three years experience gained in a relevant work setting. Applicants must demonstrate broad intellectual skills, research abilities and communication skills. An active engagement with new technologies and an enthusiasm for learning how to apply them are essential.