BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

We learned a long time ago that Interactive Media are not about screens. They are everywhere: in our pockets, on our wrists, on the walls of an exhibition, embedded in other devices. The way we experience them has expanded too. Interaction design includes websites and services of all kinds, television, virtual environments, installations and kiosk systems, games, CD and DVD, advanced educational technologies, ubiquitous computing, multi-sensory input, intelligent appliances and mobile technologies, interactive artworks and digital performances. Our students learn how to design and build everything that falls within the scope of interactive media.

News JUST REVALIDATED

This programme, together with the MA Sonic Arts and MA Moving Image: Film Video Interactive Arts, has just been approved for a further six years. There was particular praise for:

• the integration of theory and practice and the opportunities provided for inter-programme working and team work
• the flexibility of the programmes and the responsiveness of the programme team to student-led learning
• the close linkage between staff research and teaching
• the richness of the facilities
• the very positive feedback from students and External Examiners.

Can't spare the time to do this full-time course?
You can get many of the benefits of this programme by taking the MA Electronic Arts – which is available part time as well as full time.

See the Degree Show links in the left-hand menu to get more idea of the kinds of work done on the programme.

In the fifteen years since we launched this world-leading creative programme, we have helped to drive the three phases through which Interactive Media has grown: first, CD-ROMs; then the Web; and now media which are ubiquitous, pervasive, physical, multi-modal.

Whether you want to know how to design a crystal-clear website that communicates with perfect effectiveness, develop a pervasive game played on mobile phones or simply have an unrivalled opportunity to think about where interactive media are going, we can provide what you need. We have worked with BT, Hewlett-Packard, Sky, the International Institute for Visual Arts, Apple, Microsoft, Wolff Olins, AGFA, the BBC, Channel 4 TV and similar significant organisations.

Our graduates work in specialist interactive media companies, in broadcasting, games, publishing, advertising and telecommunications. They are senior designers, creative directors, project leaders, heads of interactive media or run their own businesses. They range from executives to acclaimed artists and have won many prestigious international prizes, including BAFTA, BIMA, MILIA and D&AD.

Our students learn to think in new, exciting and useful ways about interactivity and acquire the skills to put these thoughts into practice. Teaching is structured but informal. Assessment is by projects with essays; there are no exams.

Most students graduate with MA; an MSc award is also available.

WHO WE ARE

We are tutors, developers and researchers employed both in academia and industry whose work expands the boundaries of interaction design. By understanding at first hand the realities of project development we can foresee the changing landscape.

WHO YOU ARE

You don’t have to be a designer or a programmer – only one third of our students are. If you are curious or excited about the possibilities of interaction design, you should apply for our programme. We normally expect a degree, BA or BSc, but also welcome applicants with significant experience. We offer all suitable applicants an informal interview, by phone or in person. At this stage we can decide whether we need any proof of your competence in English.

FACILITIES AVAILABLE
Our dedicated studio has Macintosh and Windows computers running industry-standard authoring software. Specialist equipment includes virtual reality headsets, a 3D scanner, devices for navigating in 3D space, a full range of cameras, a usability-evaluation room where interaction can be tested, an eye-tracker used to analyse looking and to drive installations, and scent-generators. Excellent sound-design and video-editing facilities are also available to all students.

BEING A STUDENT ON THE PROGRAMME
The programme is dedicated to creative, inventive work. There is a strong emphasis on construction rather than just analysis and evaluation. In support of this we provide an unusual amount of teaching because we believe innovation is only possible when you really understand the media and technologies you are using (and of course it helps you to get a job afterwards). Though this teaching is strongly structured, it is also informal and project-based.

Assessment is by coursework projects and written papers, not by examinations. Students take three modules in succession, each of which is dominated by a major project. These projects are proposed by students, who decide both what they want to do and who they want to work with in small groups. The emphasis on group work reflects industrial practice and brings multi-skilled teams to each project: students learn a great deal from each other, as well as from the formal programme. Commercial and live projects are accepted, but are not compulsory: we place equal value on industrially-focused and open-ended research. Your written work reflects your developing interests, allowing you to become expert in some specialist aspect of interactive media through both theory and practice.

ASSESSMENT