BSc (Hons) Digital Media and Creative Computing
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- W1G4
- Typical Offer
- ABB including one of the specified subjects
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including one of the specified subjects
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
=4th
in the UK for Computer Science for Graduate Prospects - Outcomes
The Complete University Guide 2024Course Overview
Are you eager to launch a career as a game developer, mastering the art of creating compelling narratives, graphics, and code? Are you fascinated by digital media and the latest possibilities of artificial intelligence? Do you want to unlock the creative potential of computing – as well as your own?
If so, our BSc Digital Media and Creative Computing is the ideal course for you.
You'll gain a deep understanding of digital media and its impact on society, learning to harness its power to realise your own creative vision. At the same time, you'll gain a real mastery of computing science, becoming confident in computer programming, games, web and app development, machine learning and artificial intelligence. You can tailor the balance between digital media and computing science to suit your own career ambitions.
Your imagination will thrive in our creative campus's cutting-edge facilities. The professional three-camera setup in our TV Studio enables you to direct and capture high-definition footage, which you can digitally edit to industry strands in our Media Suite. Games development, meanwhile, takes place in our advanced graphics and computing lab, with computers powered by powerful graphics cards.
Your journey will be supported by both academic experts and industry insiders, guiding you towards your career goals. You'll graduate with an enviable skillset that is hugely in demand by employers across the digital creative industries. You might embark on a career in web or app development, in digital gaming, visual or special effects, software engineering, sound design or editing, digital content creation, or in marketing and promotional industries.
Study and Modules
Structure
The skills you master at the degree's outset are foundational for your whole journey. In computing, you'll learn the fundamentals of object-oriented programming (e.g. using Java) and web-based programming. (e.g. in HTML, CSS and JavaScript). You'll also build essential skills in mathematics. At the same time, you'll begin to immerse yourself in digital media. You'll learn the fundamental techniques of practical filmmaking and TV Studio production. You'll also gain an insight into the inner workings of the media industries, understanding their distinctive approaches to creative work, ownership, and organisation.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your first year is all about gaining competency in some of the industry-standard tools, techniques, and knowledge you'll need as a specialist in creative digital media and computing. You'll begin to use our Television Studio and Media Suite as you’re trained in the fundamentals of filmmaking and TV Studio production, and you'll develop your programming skills in our 100-seater computing labs. You'll begin to use key software development tools and gain the fundamental mathematical knowledge you'll need to succeed in areas such as computer graphics or games development. Alongside those practical skills, you'll start to gain essential techniques in research and critical thinking. You'll be taught in an exciting mixture of lectures, seminars, labs and creative workshops, where the learning in larger groups (such as lectures) helps to shape and direct your own more individualised work in smaller ones (e.g. seminars or workshops).
Assessment
Across your degree, you'll undertake a range and diversity of kinds of assessment which allow you to develop a holistic array of skills required by industry. Most assessments are individual, but you're also assessed in groups -- teamwork being one of the top-ranked skills by employers. In computing modules, you're often asked to give bench-demonstrations of your work; there are also some timed exams. However, what digital media and computing assessments have in common is the opportunity they give you to produce your own creative work, whether that is a computer programme or a short video piece. As such, you're regularly producing work that can contribute to your portfolio when you enter the job market. Mastering techniques of evaluation is key - did your project achieve its aims? Could it have done so more efficiently or effectively? These assessments are also practical and real-world oriented, inviting you to tackle established problems in industry and begin to prepare solutions that are meaningful in a real-world context. Your first year invites you to get started with this exciting mix of project-types - and note that first year marks do not contribute to your final degree result, which gives you chance to settle in and take some risks, finding approaches to assessment that work for you. Assessment is supported by individual tutorials, and you can always go and see your tutors in office hours to get more of their advice.
Structure
In year two, you'll take your understanding of programming to the next level with the study of C and C++. You'll also start to discover the exciting world of 3D computer graphics. Optional module ranges each semester allow you to take further modules in computing, opening up areas such as software development. Or you can delve deeper into digital media, exploring topics such as cross-media adaptation (what happens when a film becomes a game?) or learning the essential techniques of digital editing and postproduction. Or you might try your hand at creative writing to master the storytelling skills needed in the digital creative industries. On our placement module, you'll be supported by our Careers Service to find a placement which you'll undertake alongside your studies, boosting your contacts network, sector awareness, and direct experience of the kinds of career you might enter when you graduate.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
As well as advancing your skills in programming, you'll now tackle computer graphics. You'll work on an interactive 3D graphics game or simulation, learning the fundamentals of real-time graphics, including transformations and lighting. You'll be taught in one of our specialist labs with access to powerful GPU technology - which you'll learn how to use effectively and efficiently. You'll be able to choose from an array of digital media and computing modules, each of which reflects some of the specialist knowledge and expertise of our staff at UEA. You might continue to advance your work in practical filmmaking, or you might turn your hand to digital editing and post-production (ideally complementing your training in graphics) in our Media Suite. You could begin to explore the sociological study of digital media's impact on contemporary society. A module in creative writing would give you a taster of one of our world-famous creative writing workshops, where you share your writing with your peers for feedback under the watchful guidance of your workshop leader. A placement module would enable you to put the skills you're learning into practice in a real-world, professional setting.
Assessment
The mix of assessment types continues in your second year, and their exact form will depend on the balance of modules you choose. You'll be asked to complete projects with ever-increasing independence; their character may become increasingly complex and open-ended, mirroring more closely real-world contexts and problems. You'll study computer graphics, where students in the past have created flight simulators and fairground ride simulations for their assessments. If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll be assessed on your reflections on the whole process of securing and undertaking the placement and your growing sector awareness.
Structure
Your third year is the culmination of your journey. You'll be able to put into practice the skills you've been developing and undertake ambitious creative projects. Your one compulsory module will enable you to master the core elements of games development, from 3D graphics to character animation. You might then choose to explore new ways for human users to interact with computers or delve into the cutting-edge realm of AI and machine learning. Or you might immerse yourself in digital storytelling or continue your development as a writer, or bring together both sides of your degree in a compelling creative project for your dissertation.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your third year gives you access to our most advanced computing facilities. You'll work with industry-standard games engines or app development platforms to create your own individual project. If you choose to study AI, you'll work in our latest 100-seater GPU-accelerated lab for AI and data science. If you wish, you may choose to bring all your studies together in a digital media 'dissertation' - which could take the form of an extended creative project with your own commentary. You can continue your creative and academic journey through a wide range of optional modules, for instance by studying the development of science fiction as a genre or mastering the specialist area of sound design.
Assessment
Your compulsory study will enable you to develop a game or app which features 3D graphics; this brings together many of the creative and critical strands of your studies across digital media and computing. This will likely become a signature project for you when you graduate. If you choose to undertake a dissertation, it’ll take a variety of forms - creative digital media work with commentary or an extended essay. The creative and research process for your dissertation will all be supported by a supervisor. Other individual module choices will continue the variety of assessment practices you've already encountered, but with a continuing emphasis on real-world complexity. Whatever you choose to study, your final year is the culmination of everything you’ve learnt. Supported by our world-leading staff, this is your opportunity to pursue creative media and computing projects of real ambition, independence, and sophistication.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accountancy, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Digital Technology, Biology, Design & Technology, Digital Media & Design
Contextual offer: BBC including one of the subjects on the list specified above
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Contextual offer: DMM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Contextual: DMM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Diploma: DD in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject plus B at A level in one of the subjects on the list specified above
Contextual: DD plus C at A level in one of the subjects on the list specified above
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level in one of the subjects on the list specified above
Contextual: D plus BC at A Level in one of the subjects on the list specified above
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics, Computing, Physics, Electronics or Economics
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism in one of the following pathways: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, Digital Production, Design and Development, Digital Business Services, Digital Support Services, Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control, and Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes, for example Film and Television Production with a Foundation Year, or Computing Science with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall to include HL5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretations or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accountancy, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Digital Technology
Scottish Highers
AAABB including one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accountancy, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Digital Technology
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accountancy, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Digital Technology. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
In place of Mathematics GCSE we can also consider Functional Skills Level 2 Mathematics.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Computing, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Accountancy, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Digital Technology, Biology, Design & Technology, Digital Media & Design
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject
Diploma: DD in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject plus B at A level in one of the subjects specified above
Extended Certificate: D in IT, Engineering or a Science-based subject plus BB at A level in one of the subjects specified above
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall to include HL5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretations or Analysis and Approaches), Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
The creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global economy. AI is driving a revolution in media content creation and audience distribution. Software services are hugely in demand. The UK is now the third biggest area for investment in CreaTech after the US and China, driven by diverse areas such as digital heritage storytelling, AI-powered visual effects, and immersive media. This course ideally enables you to launch a career in this fertile and exciting area.
You’ll graduate with a rare combination of skills that are highly in demand by employers – you’ll be a confident programmer, you’ll understand software development and AI, and you’ll also have a creative confidence in digital media, storytelling, and content creation, that will set you apart. The real-world orientation of your course will help you translate what you’re learning into industry contexts. You'll not only be able to create, but also critically evaluate your creations, take on board feedback, and communicate your vision. Collaborative groupwork will give you experience of working in teams. Placement opportunities enhance your industry awareness and grow your contacts' network. Your enviable array of skills, knowledge and personal attributes developed on this course will position you to thrive in the job markets of today and of tomorrow.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Visual Effects producer
- Content creator
- Games developer
- UX Design
- Social Media Marketing Manager
- Software Engineer
- Web Designer
- App Developer
Discover more on our Careers webpages.