BSc (Hons) Digital Media and Creative Computing with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- W1GP
- Typical Offer
- ABB including one of the specified subjects
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including one of the specified subjects
- Course Length
- 4 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? Are you eager to gain real world experience in a placement year?
If so, our BSc Digital Media and Creative Computing with a Placement Year is the ideal course for you. You'll gain a deep understanding of digital media and its impact on society. You'll learn to harness its power to realise your own creative vision. At the same time, you'll develop a comprehensive knowledge of computing science. You'll be confident in computer programming, games, web and app development. The fast-evolving area of AI could become a focus. You can tailor the balance between digital media and computing science to suit your 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 capture high-definition footage. You can then edit this to industry standards in our Media Suite. Games development, meanwhile, takes place in our advanced graphics and computing lab.
Your journey will be supported by academic experts and industry insiders. You'll graduate with an enviable skillset in demand by employers. You might embark on careers in web or app development, software engineering. You might enter the digital gaming industry. You might specialise in post-production, in editing, visual and special effects, or sound design. Content creation or careers in marketing would be another exciting route. There will be a host of opportunities open to you in the digital creative industries and beyond.
On BSc Digital Media and Creative Computing with a Placement Year, you’ll normally spend 9-12 months of your third year in a placement, gaining invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
This version of the degree gives you the opportunity to greatly enhance your employability by undertaking a 9-12 month placement in the third year of your degree. You'll be expected to source your own work placement with the support of UEA's CareerCentral and your School. Find out more about this exciting opportunity on our Placement Years in Arts and Humanities page.
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.
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
In your first year, you'll gain experience in the industry-standard tools, techniques, and knowledge you'll need.
You'll begin to use our Television Studio and Media Suite as you're trained in the fundamentals of filmmaking and TV Studio production. You'll develop your programming skills in our 100-seater computing labs.
You'll begin to use key software development tools. You'll gain fundamental mathematical knowledge you'll need for computer graphics and game development.
You'll also 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. Learning in larger lectures helps to shape and direct your more individualised work in smaller seminars or workshops).
Assessment
Across your degree, you'll undertake a range and diversity of kinds of assessment. These 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. On the media side, you'll learn how to build persuasive arguments in analytical essays. But digital media and computing assessments also give you the opportunity to produce your own creative work. That might be 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 any better? These assessments are also practical and real-world oriented. They invite you to tackle established problems in industry and prepare solutions that are meaningful in that context. Your first year invites you to get started with this exciting mix of project-types - and those marks do not contribute to your final degree result. This 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. Alongside those compulsory modules, you can take optional modules in either computing or digital media.
You might discover areas such as software development. Or you can delve deeper into cross-media adaptation (what happens when a film becomes a game?) or learn 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.
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. 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 choose from an array of digital media and computing modules, which reflect the specialist expertise of UEA's staff. You might continue to advance your work in practical filmmaking. You might turn your hand to digital editing and post-production 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.
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. These may become increasingly complex and open-ended, mirroring real-world contexts and problems. You'll study computer graphics. Previous students have created flight simulators and fairground ride simulations for their assessments.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on a placement. You'll be responsible for securing the placement, supported by UEA’s well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond. During your placement, you’ll be supported by a placement mentor, who will regularly monitor and review your progress with you, and you’ll have access to remote support from UEA too, to make sure everything is going smoothly and that you’re getting the most out of your experience.
Compulsory Modules
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 will be spent on your placement, providing you with the opportunity to experience the world of work while applying some of the skills and knowledge you’ve developed during your first two years of study.
Assessment
You'll be asked to reflect on your placement by, for instance, offering a self-appraisal of what you have learnt and demonstrating your broader commercial awareness of your placement’s sector.
Structure
Your final 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 compulsory module will enable you to master the core elements of games development. You might then choose to explore new ways for human users to interact with computers. Or you can 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. You might choose to bring together both sides of your degree in a dissertation. This might take a range of forms, from academic argument to a piece of creative work.
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 final year gives you access to our most advanced computing facilities. You'll work with industry-standard games engines or app development platforms. You'll 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. This 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. You might study the development of science fiction as a genre or master 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. 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 chance to pursue projects of ambition and independence.
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 in demand. The UK is now the third biggest area for investment in CreaTech after the US and China. This ranges from digital heritage storytelling to AI-powered visual effects and immersive media. This course 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. 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. Your year-long placement will enormously enhance your industry awareness and let you grow your contacts' network. Your enviable array of skills, knowledge and personal attributes 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.