BA (Hons)

Digital Media Design

W280

Whether you want to create the next gaming sensation, design innovative advertising campaigns, or craft immersive virtual reality experiences, this degree is your gateway to exciting opportunities in the ever-evolving digital design industry. 

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Course overview

Our Digital Media Design course emphasises the industry's practical side, ensuring you are well-prepared for the real world. We want you to be an imaginative and technically skilled designer who can efficiently work collaboratively with fantastic design-thinking solutions. 

The course spans three enriching years and revolves around our well-equipped Digital Design Studio. Immerse yourself in an educational journey that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world. Our curriculum meticulously mirrors industry practices, ensuring you're at the helm of real-world design projects from day one, fostering hands-on, practical experience that bolsters your employability. With our cutting-edge technology resources, mixed and virtual reality headsets, 3D prototyping facilities, and our fully equipped Digital Design Lab, you'll propel your skills into the future. 

As you progress through your degree, you won't just study theory; you will engage in live client projects, continually expanding your online portfolio. This multifaceted experience spans diverse sectors, including print, web, app, animation, advertising, user experience and much more, to broaden your horizons and skill set. Additionally, we offer opportunities to access high-profile industry placements that provide invaluable exposure and networking opportunities, setting the stage for your successful career. 

Finally, you will delve into the business practices within the creative digital media industry through major projects. By the end of the course, your portfolio will shine as a testament to your capabilities. 

What you need to know

Course start date

September

Location

On campus

Course length

  • 3 years full-time

Apply

W280

Typical offer

96-112 points

Fees

From £9,250 pa

Course features

  • Collaborate on live client projects, harness cutting-edge technology and build your professional portfolio throughout your degree 
  • Industry practices are at the heart of our curriculum, preparing you for a successful career by building an impressive portfolio to share with future employers 
  • Dive deep into the latest technologies and techniques, becoming a technically astute designer who thrives in team environments 
  • Our industry-standard Digital Design Studio, equipped with Adobe and Certiport certifications, is your playground for innovation and skill development

Course details

Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market. 

You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.

In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.

Independent Learning

Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.

Overall Workload

Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.

While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.

Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours

Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*

Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
Independent learning: 828 hours
Placement: 96 hours

*Please note these are indicative hours for the course. 

The Digital Media programmes are studio-based courses providing a working environment which mirrors industry practice whilst also affording good contact with peers and tutors doing studio based one-to-one teaching. The programme team are strongly in favour of learning by doing, so all modules are underpinned by practical project work. This not only provides you with an opportunity to practice newly-acquired skills and understanding but also an 'on task' means of assessing progress and the successful completion of modules.

Key features of the student experience are:

Opportunities to learn industry software, to gain certification from the major software companies such as Adobe, Apple and Autodesk.
Planning and exhibiting work in their own degree show 'TransMedia' to invited companies and have their own portfolio website.
Students are expected to attend digital media conferences/expo's such as Apps World, Eurogamer and Streaming Media to gain knowledge and experience of future technology and make important industry connections.

Teaching Hours

All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.

Assessment

Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.

We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.

Percentage of the course assessed by coursework

The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:

Year 1 (Level 4)*:

67% coursework
0% written exams
33% practical exams

Year 2 (Level 5)*:

83% coursework
0% written exams
17% practical exams

Year 3 (Level 6)*:

100% coursework
0% written exams
0% practical exams

*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.

Modules

Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions

Modules

The Principles of Design: Introduction to Theory, Software and Sustainable Practices

This module serves as a gateway to key design concepts and theories, empowering you to become a proficient design practitioner. Engage with self-learning materials that illuminate the effective use of essential design industry software. Through a series of stimulating tasks and exercises, you will develop and demonstrate your competence in design theories, software proficiency, and application skills, culminating in the creation of your own compelling portfolio website. With a focus on Design Thinking, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), and the practice of digitizing assets, you will unlock the secrets to crafting captivating multimedia content.

Digital Design Mini Projects

Are you ready to explore your creativity and work towards making an impact in the world of digital design? In this module, you'll embark on a journey exploring three captivating project briefs centered around interactive media and design for portable devices. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with a multi-disciplined group of peers to craft innovative solutions for each project. As you delve deeper into the module, you’ll continue to work on the evolution of your own personal web presence, which will serve as a gateway to your specialism of Digital Media Design (DMD). Your individual website won't just showcase your work; it will become your professional digital portfolio, demonstrating your unique ideas, the development process behind them, and why they stand out in the industry.

Individual Design Practice

It's time to explore and develop the full potential of your creative discipline by selecting an exciting competition or prestigious award to pursue. Through an immersive blend of online resources and expert-guided tutorials, we'll empower you to transform your chosen brief/award/competition into a outcome that answers the brief. Explore essential theories and cutting-edge software, equipping yourself with the tools to bring your ideas to life. Dive deep into the art of individual research and development, mastering the skills of sifting, evaluating, and refining your unique concepts. With a strong emphasis on the power of writing and sketching, you'll learn to present design proposals with confidence, while providing compelling reasoning and annotations for your creative decisions.

Discovering Your Subject

Whatever a student’s future career, there are certain professional skills that are required in the workplace. This module provides opportunities to acquire and apply essential skills for academic success, while also developing digital skills that are a prerequisite for a successful career. Students will practice, and build confidence in wide ranging skills, as part of their transition into higher education. By establishing and pursuing a personal development plan, students develop a set of personal qualities such as self-awareness, confidence and resilience; and professional skills such as communication, teamwork, risk management, coaching and feedback. Whilst students learn to construct outstanding CVs and professional LinkedIn profiles, this module also aims to raise students’ digital skills competencies. The module will cover the general Microsoft Office suite and specific digital skills of particular relevance to the discipline that the student is studying. This module is taught as a mix of lectures, practitioner guest lectures, hands-on skills seminars and computer lab sessions.

Modules

Mastering Design Skills for Creative Excellence

Embark on a transformative journey through our immersive module, "Mastering Design Skills for Creative Excellence." This module is designed to empower students in exploring, enhancing, and specialising in the software skills vital to their chosen areas of expertise. With a unique blend of UX principles and Design Thinking, students will dive into individual software-based tasks, enabling them to tailor their specialisation and elevate their professional profile. In the first semester, students will experiment with their discipline focus, either delving deeper into their core practice or venturing into new horizons, expanding their creative repertoire. Furthermore, the individual or group-based mini projects will serve a dual purpose, contributing to their Social Media campaign posts aimed at promoting your skills in the Mastering Design Skills for Creative Excellence module in the second semester.

Your Digital Influence: Strategic Self- Promotion

In "Your Digital Influence: Strategic Self-Promotion" students embark on a social media campaign designed to showcase their skills and captivate a growing audience. By crafting compelling posts tailored to their specialized fields of study, students will establish an impressive online presence, bolstering their personal brand and attracting followers to both their chosen social media profile and mandatory LinkedIn profile. This individual project not only allows students to showcase their talents but also demonstrate their exceptional task management abilities to a wide-ranging audience. The ultimate goal? Garnering attention for their upcoming appearance at the annual Transmedia Exhibition.

Integrating Expertise for User-Focused Solutions

In this module, students will engage in two collaborative client projects, one per semester, designed to introduce them to the user-focused and practical principles within their chosen specialist field of study. These projects will encompass diverse target audiences and contrasting objectives, enabling students to develop a discerning understanding of end-user needs and the technical requirements of the final product. The emphasis is on client-centered work, promoting collaborative teamwork across different disciplines.

Designing for Sustainable Cities and Communities: RSA Research Informed Project

In this module, Designing for Sustainable Cities and Communities, you will delve into the world of sustainable design and tackle one of the live RSA projects. You will have the opportunity to align your passion with your chosen area of expertise, pushing boundaries and shaping the future. Immerse yourself in the diverse range of RSA projects, carefully crafted to challenge and inspire you. Each project caters to distinct target audiences, ensuring you develop a critical mindset towards end users and their unique technical requirements. This individual project empowers you to specialize and enhance your skills while employing the principles of UX (User Experience) and Design Thinking for the greater good.

Unleash Your Creativity: Designing, Organising, Marketing, and Implementing the Department’s End of Year Showcase event

More information about this module will be available soon. 

Modules

Mastering professional design software: enhancing your creative potential

Enhance your creative potential with our Mastering Professional Design Software module. Dive into the world of industry-standard design software relevant to your discipline and gain a deep understanding of the key technologies that drive it. Through engaging self-learning materials and hands-on exercises, you'll develop and showcase your proficiency with these powerful software tools. Get ready to enhance your projects and elevate your portfolio to new heights. In addition - earn accredited software certifications (via CEDI) to bolster your portfolio and help make your CV stand out from the crowd

Designing for impact: working with your creative potential

This module forms an important opportunity at Level 6, by taking charge of your learning journey at with our Designing for Impact: Working with your Creative Potential module. This transformative experience is your opportunity to collaborate with an industry partner of your choice and make a real impact through a client project (or several). Together with your tutors and industry professionals, you'll shape and define your own unique set of learning goals, tailored to your passions and aspirations.

Your professional potential: crafting a dynamic portfolio for success

Ignite your career prospects with a captivating professional portfolio that goes beyond a mere CV. In this module, you'll delve into the art of curating a standout portfolio that showcases your finest achievements and projects. Discover a range of software tools for creating both online and printed portfolios. Embrace the critical mindset required to select and explain your work effectively. Further enhance your creativity through workshops and simulated scenarios, learning how to present your portfolio with confidence and finesse. Gain invaluable insights for showcasing your work at the End of Year Exhibition, 'Transmedia Showcase.’

Exploring your industry

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation as you dive deep into your industry. In this module, you'll unleash your creativity by undertaking a major practical project fueled by extensive research. Through a captivating case study, you'll explore and analyse key industry practices, uncovering the hidden gems that will shape your own project. As you prepare to enter the industry, you'll identify emerging trends and untapped opportunities within your chosen discipline, setting the stage for your future success. Get ready to elevate your skills and ignite your passion as you take the first steps towards a rewarding career in your chosen discipline

Start up

More information about this module will be available soon. 

Entry requirements

96-112 points

Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:

  •  A-Levels: CCC-BBC from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. CCC is comparable to BCD in terms of tariff points)
  • BTEC/CTEC: MMM-DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
  • T Level: Pass (C or above on the core) in a T Level

Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL   Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32,   from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.

In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:

GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.

If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on the UCAS website which may be of interest.

International points required

If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:

  • IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
  • We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT

If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023.

2024 Course Tuition Fees

  UK / Channel Islands /
Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland 

International

Year 1 £9,250 £16,700
Year 2 £9,250 £16,700
Year 3 £9,250 £16,700
Total £27,750 £50,100
Optional Sandwich Year* £1,850 £3,340
Total with Sandwich Year £29,600 £53,440

Additional tuition fee information

If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2024, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.

Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.

UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.

International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.

* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.

**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.

Additional costs

As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.

There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:

Mandatory

Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.

Optional

Coach trips
Students have the option to attend occasional coach trips to Exhibitions in London, usually 1 per year, possibly 2. (max total of 6 for the degree). It is sometimes possible to get use of the University minibus, however students will may need to pay a deposit for this. Indicative cost is £5 per trip.

Adobe ACA Certification
Students have the option to take a full online exam in Adobe certification during their degree. They can take up to 5 different exams over the duration of their course. Indicative cost is £30 per exam.

Printed portfolio
Students have the option to purchase an Extended Professional Portfolio in the second semester of their final year. Indicative cost is £30-40.

SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS

We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Your career prospects are diverse, spanning graphic design, illustration, 3D visualisation, game design, computer-aided design, motion graphics, web design, app design, advertising, social media, heritage interpretation design, user experience design, and sustainable design. 

For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, this course equips you to start your design company as a creative technologist and entrepreneur. You will have the knowledge to brand, market, and promote your venture through web and social media, making a lasting impact in the digital world. 

Pre-approved for a Masters

If you study a Bachelor Honours degrees with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.

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