Course and Module Catalogue

Lectures, tutorial and practical sessions support the acquisition of knowledge and understanding outcomes CLO1 to CLO4. Understanding will be further reinforced through an individual project. These are studio based. Knowledge and understanding learning outcomes are assessed through practical and creative assignments, individual and group presentations, individual assignments and project reports. Typically written reports, reflective and evaluative in nature, or evidence of planning and design documentation will be provided with practical assignments.

Cognitive skills learning outcomes CLO5 to CLO9 are developed by involving the learner in the teaching/learning process and during the project modules throughout the course. The digital media development cycle is followed in modules taken in years 1, 2 and 4. These modules tend to be studio based rather than a formal lecture and tutorial. Development of cognitive skills learning outcomes CLO6, CLO7, CLO8 and CLO9 occurs through tutorial and practical sessions. Students are encouraged to rationalize their ideas and designs and justify design decisions in discussion with tutors, particularly during visual design and asset production tutorial sessions. Panel or tutor reviews are an important part of the learning process in addition to contributing to the assessment. Assessment is through project assignments and verbal and written reports; a student will consistently have to reinforce his/her intellectual skills by providing a reflective account of the development process and an analytical evaluation of the design solution or developed artefact.

Lectures, workshop and tutorial sessions support the acquisition of professional and practical skills and outcomes CLO10, CLO11 and CLO13 are further developed during the project modules throughout the course. The digital media development cycle is followed in the individual project modules in years 1, 2 and 4. These modules tend to be studio based. Students may work as part of a development team in the year 2 and the final year modules. Students’ practical skills are assessed by producing a portfolio of practical work or by producing a multimedia solution to a given problem scenario. Panel or tutor reviews are an important part of the learning process in addition to contributing to the assessment. Group outputs are moderated by peer assessment and the module assessment typically includes individual work, usually in the form of a reflective or evaluative report on the process and product. The first year project and specialist module delivers personal development planning and its assessment.

Transferable/key skills

In addition to the normal oral and written forms required in all assignments, students will be involved in creating and organizing the information content of a web-based digital media system and determining the media to be used to present the information within the system. Students are presented with a range of scenarios in assignment work to cover different audiences, ranging from informal discussions with peers and tutor to formal presentations to clients.

Learning outcome CLO16 is addressed within the digital media curriculum throughout the course. For learning outcome CLO17, input is provided throughout most modules in years 1, 2 and 4. Learning outcome CLO18 is a key aspect of the programming modules and the studio/workshop based modules in each year. Entrepreneurial skills are introduced in project modules throughout years 1, 2 and 4.

Transferable skills learning outcomes CLO19, CLO20, CLO21 and CLO22 are developed during tutorials and workshops and studio based sessions. Projects and most assignments include an evaluation of the work, the development process and product and a reflection on way the student worked throughout the assignment or project. The students are expected to use project planning techniques and software. A tutor may adopt the role of client to introduce uncertainty into a project. Final year projects could have real clients.

The students are encouraged to become independent learners in a number of ways: using VLE resources, web based tutorials, producing e-learning materials for assignments. The students are not trained in using software –they are expected to use the 4hours/week per module in directed unsupervised study time.

Working with others (CLO23) is a key aspect in years 1, 2 and 4. Modules provide further opportunities for students to work in teams. Students are encouraged to use the electronic group work tools on the VLE to work collaboratively and remotely, a growing practice in the digital media industry. During each year students are exposed to the critical evaluation of their work by tutors and peers. Their skills in formulating reasoned responses (CLO24) are further developed throughout the course. The first year project and specialist module delivers personal development planning and its assessment.