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Creative Media and User Experience Design - BSc (Hons)

Course Code: US804


Level

8

Duration

4 Years

Department

Art & Design, Digital Arts and Media


CAO Points

253

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.

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. Students learn to think creatively and critically and work in teams to apply design and technological skills to create positive user experiences.

Learners can also gain valuable work experience in both 3rd and 4th year of the programme and these 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 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six 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 is a full QQI FETAC (level 5 or 6) award including a distinction grade in at least three modules.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

Non-EU 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 July 1st at the latest.
Contact: International@LIT.ie

 

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.


  • Year 4

    Title: Business Acumen

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    Students learn strategies that move them towards market-led business opportunities. The primary aim of this module is to examine key success factors in start-ups. The secondary aim of this module is to leverage professional networks that help students find and connect with potential collaborators in horizontal and vertical sectors. In a series of guided tutorials, each student will launch or refine a personal brand based on clear articulation of intellectual property showcased in an online portfolio.


    Title: Design Ethics

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    This module analyses the relationship and interplay between ethics, privacy, design and technology in UX and digital product design practices. Learners examine the ethical responsibilities of designers and the potential implications for users and society that can result from poor or deceptive product design. The requirements of data privacy for product users and the impact on the design of digital products is investigated. Finally, data protection in the context of the overall the User Experience Design process are examined.


    Title: Emerging Tech and Trends In User Experience

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    Deriving inspiration from futurists and deep thinkers, this module challenges learners to consider their future as UX developers in a world increasingly dependent on digital technologies and the impact of these on the UX and digital product design field.


    Title: Industry Internship

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    This is a capstone module and an integral part of the programme. The module aligns with the commitment to a practice based approaches to higher education highlighted within TUS foundational documents and the HEA/DES "Higher Education System Performance Framework". This module provides a structured experiential learning opportunity for students where they can apply the creative, artistic, interpersonal, technical skills and analytical abilities developed during their studies and further develop them in a supported work environment. This internship module also allows students to better understand the working environment within the Games/Animation/UX industry and to review their career direction. It enables them to identify and develop the skills needed to begin a career which is aligned with their abilities and ambitions. This module will also encourage graduates to develop as reflective and self-directed practitioners within a rapidly evolving, exciting and multidisciplinary sector. The module also sets out to build structured relationships between the programme and industry. This relationship will extend beyond the Internship, to developing the content and delivery of the programme, research collaboration and promotion of the sector. Students will also be facilitated to pursue international opportunities for this module.


    Title: Major UX Project

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    The aim of this module is for learners to undertake a Major UX/Digital Product Design Project that integrates the knowledge and skills developed within the programme to date. It also provides the opportunity for students to specialise in a particular aspect of a UX/Digital Product Design Project.


    Title: Major UX Project Preparation

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    The Major UX Project Preparation modules aim is to prepare the learner in semester 7 for the commencement of the Major UX related Project module in semester 8. This ensures that the project in semester 8 is ready to commence and approved for progression at the verystart of the semester 8. It is envisaged that projects must build on cognate areas of the programme. Projects in non-cognate area not related to User Experience and Digital Product Design are not permitted.


    Title: Service Design

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    Public, Private and Voluntary sector organisations provide vital public services to millions of people every day. Such services are often complex, involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. They are provided in rapidly evolving social, economic and technological contexts with continual demands to improve efficiency and deliver effectively. It is important that users have a positive, seamless experience when accessing services and that providers are continually aware of peoples changing wants and needs. After all, the objective of public service is to serve people and communities in an accessible, inclusive and sustainable way. Increasingly Design Thinking UX and UI are integral to the development and delivery of such services. This module will provide students with an overview of the Service Sector, the range of individuals and institutional provides and users, the resources and constraints under which they engage. Students will explore techniques to gather and assess needs, they will look at Concepts such as E-Government, Government Design Principles, Public Service Logic, and will analyse how they are used in order to encourage creativity and innovation in enhancing UX. Using case studies, students will explore and evaluate examples of service UX design, development and provision. This module will equip students to use their skills and understanding of UX to engage with some of the most challenging problems facing service users, providers, policy makers and designers.


    Title: The Psychology of UX

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    Psychology and user perception are in play from the moment people learn about a new product to the moments after they purchase it and evaluate how they feel about it. Stimuli, emotions and opinions all impact and affect perception. Therefore, it is important that the UX designer is familiar with perception and its underlying concepts and theories. Students will

    learn to explore, analyse and apply such theories to the practice of UX. Students will study perception through sight, touch and sound. Using neurological and psychological theories they will analyse concepts such as visual patterns, motion and association and assess how this affect user engagement, behaviour, attention and retention in order to create more effective UX designs. Students will also learn persuasion, how to stimulate and apply user responses using Empathy, Intuition and Emotional Engagement and understand how human and social factors affect UX in technology including future social and technical evolutions.


Are there opportunities for further study?

Successful graduates of this course are eligible for a wide range of taught and research, Level 9, Masters programmes in Ireland and abroad.  

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

More Information

Graduates of this course will be able to work in a range of roles and contexts across the Digital Media, Design and Technology sectors. Graduates will be equipped with knowledge and skills related to Interface & User Experience Design, Interaction Design, Visualisation (in both an interactive and non-interactive context), Augmented and Mixed Reality, Web Technologies & Motion Graphics.

The programme offering blends technology with visual and interactive design practices to produce unique graduates. The programme is heavily focused on the needs and requirements of the digital media sector. To this end, students are provided with comprehensive lectures, tutorials and workshops in creative, design & technological fields. Students also gain valuable work experience and opportunities to collaborate with external organisations and agencies by undertaking client-led external briefs.

Delivery focuses on foundational visual and interactive design principles, complemented with the development of technological skills. As the programme progresses, there is a greater emphasis on the creation of an overall immersive digital media experience. This is achieved through cross-modular projects that require students to be cognisant of both creative and technical requirements in the conception and execution of project briefs.

Top 3 Reasons to apply

1. Learn from industry practitioners - Lecturers on the Creative Media & Design suite of programmes at the TUS Clonmel Digital Campus have worked across industry as web developers, software developers, video editors, special-effects artists, lead animators, game artists, visual-effects leads and animation directors. This includes working on animation, game and film titles such as Granny O'Grimm, The Octonauts, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010), Paul (2011) & John Carter (2012) and Tom Clancy's The Division (2016).

2. Learn in a modern environment with state of the art equipment, software and online learning materials - Creative Media & Design students have access to over 125 PC & iMac workstations, a 2000 sq ft creative media studio, DSLR cameras, HD Video Cameras, drawing tables, Apple and Android tablet devices, an on-site audio recording studio, MIDI equipment and a video green screen. Students are also provided with access to leading creative media and animation software including the full Adobe CC Suite, Zbrush, Unity, Toon Boom Harmony, Maya, 3D Studio Max, Reaper, etc. In addition, all students are provided with Lynda.com accounts which allows always-on access to self-directed learning materials.

3. Creative Media & Design graduates can work in a ranges of roles and contexts that required both creative and technilcal skills. This includes working in companies such as IBM – Dublin, Accenture - Dublin, Cartrawler – Dublin, Feedhenry - Waterford, Emagine Media - Waterford, ICON PLC - Limerick, TSSG - Waterford, Setanta College - Thurles, EZ living - Galway, vStream - Dublin, Hibernia College - Dublin, Storytoys – Dublin, StoneBridge College – Birmingham UK, Uber - Limerick, Kemp Technologies - Limerick, Dell EMC - Cork