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Creative Media & User Experience Design - BSc

Course Code: US701


Level

7

Duration

3 Years

Department

Art & Design, Digital Arts and Media


CAO Points

161

Course Type

Undergraduate - CAO

Location

Clonmel

The aim of this programme is to meet the demand for graduates with both User Experience and Digital Product Design skills. Graduates will be able to operate in a range of roles and contexts and will be equipped with knowledge and skills related to User Experience (UX) Design, Interface Design, Interaction Design, Web Technologies and Visualisation. Students learn to think creatively and critically and work in teams to apply design and technological skills to create positive user experiences.

The programme is heavily focused on the needs and requirements of the User Experience and Digital Product Design sector. To this end, learners are provided with comprehensive lectures, tutorials and workshops in user experience, design, digital product development, technology & management.

Learners can also gain valuable work experience in 3rd year of the programme and this offer opportunities to collaborate with external organisations and agencies by undertaking client-led external briefs and industry internships. It also is envisaged that graduates will have highly transferrable skills that can be applied across a wide range of contexts and types of organisations and will not just be confined to UX and Digital Product Design sectors.

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish.

QQI/FETA Applicants

The minimum entry requirement for graduates of FETAC (NCVA level 5 or 6) awards to is a full QQI FETAC (level 5 or 6) award.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview to assess their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

 

Who can I contact?

What modules will I study?

  • Year 1

    Title: Agile UX Project Management

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    The aim of this module is to allow students to use Agile UX approach to the iterative designing and develop a product and incrementally deliver improvement of features through team collaboration and customer feedback to build the correct product for the solution.


    Title: Creative Coding 1

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    Creative Coding 1 introduces programming concepts to students. This module utilises a graphical environment to contextualise the application of programming.


    Title: Creative Coding 2

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    Creative Coding 2 re-introduces fundamental programming constructs to students. Object orientated coding techniques are then covered in detail including the usage of classes, properties, methods and objects including object literals. Learners also explore the integration of complex media elements into projects such as audio, video and animation. Finally, learners are introduced to more complex input including the use of sound, camera and other devices for input.


    Title: Critical and Design Thinking in UX

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    This module will equip students with critical thinking skills and an understanding of key sociological concepts informing the design and development of user experience in contemporary media. Students will be encouraged to observe and question design challenges from a range of perspectives such as Gender, Diversity, Access and Ability.in order to better Empathise with users Students will also be introduced to broader societal issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals and how these can be considered in the design process in order to better define the broader Context in which the user experience is set. This module will explore design thinking as a solution-based approach to solving problems. Students will be encouraged to understand the human needs involved, by re-framing design challenges in human-centric ways, by developing new Ideas and by adopting a hands-on approach in Prototyping and Testing. Students will develop their understanding of the five stages of design thinking in order to solve complex problems related to user experience that occur in contexts such as education, business, broader society and government.


    Title: Digital Technology Fundamentals

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    This module aims to give learners a firm understanding of the fundamentals of computer architecture as commonly found in desktop computers, handheld devices and personal communicators and convergent devices. It also aims to equip the students with an understanding of how data is stored digitally and how data is compressed and transmitted over the Internet.


    Title: Introduction To User Experience And Digital Product Design

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    The module provides learners with an introduction to the fields of User Experience and Digital Product Design and provides a context for key aspects of the overall programme over four years. It introduces key concepts such as the UX Design, UX Roles, the Product Development Life Cycle along with an introduction to common design frameworks. Digital Product Platforms are then introduced, and the concept of responsive design, accessible/equitable design and design sprints are presented. The latter stages of the module will require learners to engage and undertake in all stages of the UX Design Process in response to a digital product or service design brief. Depending on the brief and subsequent project requirements, learners will be introduced to and utilise appropriate UX methodologies and tools.


    Title: Professional Culture and Communication

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    Professional Culture and Communication is an interactive workshop style module that will assist students in their transition to University life. It offers students the opportunity to explore the importance of culture (of both the University experience and their future work industry). This module will introduce students to relationship building as a key skill in their professional lives. In Professional Culture and Communication students will reflect and build interpersonal competence in terms of the various channels of communication including verbal, nonverbal, written and online. Students will learn and put into practice the essential components of a professional presentation.


    Title: UI Design and Prototyping 1

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    In this module the learner builds on acquired visual literacy, critical thinking, creative thinking and interaction design skills, tools and methodologies to build high-fidelity interactive user interfaces that address user goals, technical constraints and are context aware.


    Title: UX Design Studio 1

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    UX Design Studio 1 plans to provide learners with exposure to the UX Design process over the duration of a full academic term. It is intended that learners will apply UX knowledge and methodologies in the delivery of a UX project brief while also acquiring knowledge, understanding and practice of new UX principles and methodologies. Learners will apply and demonstrate UX knowledge across all stages of the UX design process, such as: Project Initiation, Discovery, Analyse & Define, Ideation, Design Validation.


    Title: Visual Design

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    The aim of this module is to broaden the learner's understanding of the elements and principles in Visual Design in the context of UX and Digital Product Design.


    Title: Visual Language

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    The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the elements of Visual Language and Design Principles. Learners will develop, experiment and apply the use of space, image, type and colour to communicate ideas and information with clarity and effect.


    Title: Web User Interface 1

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    Web User Interface 1 aims to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to create standards compliant HTML content and to add styling using CSS and related libraries. The module will also give the student an understanding of the architecture and operation of the World Wide Web.


  • Year 2

    Title: Content Writing for UX

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    Students will learn to create written content to enhance the user experience. They will develop the capability to vary their use of language for different UX requirements. They will appreciate the visual design language that accompanies content writing for improved user experience.


    Title: Interaction Design Principles

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    Building on learners' knowledge of visual language and UI Design, the aim of the module is to introduce the concepts, methods, andt echniques of interaction design as they pertain to user interface design and to explore these principles, where appropriate, through prototyping.


    Title: Interactive Web Scripting

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    The aim of this module is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to write interactive web scripts for DOM Manipulation using JavaScript and to increase learners’ knowledge in the use of JavaScript libraries.


    Title: Motion Design 1

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    The primary aim of this module is to explore the foundations of motion graphics. Design for screen, effective use of typography, graphical elements, sound, video, and motion are covered with simple animations, logo and shape motion, and environmental visual effects.


    Title: Motion Design 2

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    The aim of this module is to develop the learners creative and technical skills in producing motion graphic material based upon their foundational motion graphic and design skills. It’s secondary aim is to give learners an understanding of the procedures involved in adapting visual design to create dynamic high−quality content as digital media.


    Title: Responsive Web UI

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    This module will introduce advanced responsive design techniques to the learner, focusing on creating adaptive web and app interfaces using CSS and CSS libraries and frameworks.


    Title: Team Psychology

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    Psychology is the scientific study of how we think, feel and behave. The Psychology of Teams module will draw from the applied areas of social and motivational psychology. This module is designed to help students understand, guide, facilitate and indeed lead team behaviour to give them the best chance of success. Students will self reflect on their interpersonal impact on teams, learn about the stages of team dynamics, explore strategies for dealing with conflict and understand the power of influence and motivation when working with others. The Psychology of Teams is very much about putting theory into practice and giving students the tools to proactively deal with the common issues that can arise in teams such as groupthink, group polarisation and conformity etc.


    Title: UI Design and Prototyping 2

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    To advance learners knowledge and skills in the development of high-fidelity User Interface and for such designs to synthesise and embody visual language theories, UI design principles and user-centric requirements.


    Title: UX Design Studio 2

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    UX Design Studio 2 builds on UX Design Studio 1 to provide learners with exposure to the complete UX Design process over the duration of a full academic term. It is intended that learners will apply UX knowledge and methodologies in the delivery of a UX project brief while also acquiring knowledge, understanding and practice of new UX principles and methodologies. Learners will apply and demonstrate UX knowledge across all stages of the UX design process, such as: Project Initiation, Discovery, Analyse & Define, Ideation, Design Validation.


    Title: UX Design Studio 3

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    UX Design Studio 3 plans to provide learners with exposure to the complete UX Design process over the duration of a full academic term. Learners will utilise design sprints to apply UX knowledge and methodologies in the delivery of a UX project brief while also acquiring knowledge, understanding and practice of new UX principles and methodologies. Learners will appraise which methodologies are most appropriate to the project at hand. Learners will apply and demonstrate UX knowledge across all stages of the UX design process, such as: Project Initiation Discovery Analyse & Define Ideation Design Validation Design Sprints.


    Title: Web Technologies

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    The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of fundamental concepts required to understand modern web and mobile applications.


    Title: Web User Interface 2

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    This module will focus on advancing the learners theoretical and practical knowledge of HTML5 and CSS. At the end of the module it will also introduce the learner to the concepts of coding in JavaScript.


  • Year 3

    Title: Data Management

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    The aims of this module are to provide learners with an ability to model application data, perform operations on it and perform data analysis in the context of modern web and mobile applications.


    Title: Data Visualisation

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    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to data visualisation and to provide them with the skills necessary to understand the principles of effective data visualisation and to undertake a series of data visualisation projects. The module will explore techniques for design clarity and coherency; infographic design, data set visualisation, visual categorisation and composition and other design/visualisation principles pertaining to the module.


    Title: Employment Placement

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    This work placement allows students the opportunity to have direct experience of the industry, the structures and work expectations. It will encourage students to apply the skills and knowledge developed during the course, to review and to add to these. The placement will provide an opportunity to try new things, whether this involves travel through ERASMUS, mainstream studio, or placements which offer innovative opportunities to learn new skills or contexts. Students will also use this placement to inform the development of their final year project or their internship as well as reflecting on the direction of their future careers.


    Title: Interactive Visualisation

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    Interactive Visualisation advances learners programming and interactive design capabilities through the creation of interactive experiences that leverage generative, data driven visuals combined with supporting hardware that facilitates user interaction.


    Title: Professional Career Skills

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    This module aims to provide students with a critical introduction to the principles, skills and methods of professional career planning. Through the creation and application of a professional development career portfolio, students will have an opportunity to reflect on their strengths and skills, research their chosen industry, clarify their career path and refine specific career development skills such as CV creation and Interview techniques.


    Title: Progressive Web Frameworks

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    The aim of this module is to examine, appraise and employ a progress web framework for use in the frontend prototyping of a digital productor service. The module will also advance learners programming skills.


    Title: Sound for Interaction

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    The aim of this module is to introduce learners to sound design for interaction and to give them the understanding of the principles and practice of audio use for digital products, environments, and experience.


    Title: UX and Society

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    This module will expand students’ knowledge of the links between technology and society as they pertain to UX contexts. The concepts of cultures will be explored, as will the differing access to and uses of technologies.


    Title: UX Design for XR Technologies

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    This module will explore how to apply UX research techniques and design principles to create emotion-rich user experiences for XR device.


    Title: UX Design Studio 4

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    UX Design Studio 4 builds on UX Design Studio 3 to provide learners with exposure to the complete UX Design process over the duration of a full academic term. Learners will utilise design sprints to apply UX knowledge and methodologies in the delivery of a UX project brief while also acquiring knowledge, understanding and practice of new UX principles and methodologies. Learners will appraise and evaluate which methodologies are most appropriate to the project at hand. Learners will apply and demonstrate UX knowledge across all stages of the UX design process, such as: Project Initiation Discovery Analyse & Define Ideation Design Validation Design Sprints.


    Title: UX Design Systems

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    UX Design Systems advances the learners skills and knowledge in the creation of customisable user interface components through the use of third party customisable Design Systems. Design systems are a catalogue of components and styles used within a product that support the best practices of user interface design.


Are there opportunities for further study?

Successful graduates of this course are eligible to progress to the Level 8 BSc (Hons) in Creative Media and Design.

What are the career prospects?

Graduates of this course have worked in the following positions:                     

  • Digital Media Designer
  • Web Developer
  • Multimedia Developer 
  • Interaction Designer
  • User Experience Designer
  • Augmented and Immersive Experience Designer
  • Motion Graphic Designer