Digital Media Computing - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry
We’ve developed this multidisciplinary course to combine computing and digital media. This enables you to leave university as a versatile graduate with a mix of computing, technical and content creation skills. You’ll study with support of the latest in digital media technology equipment. This includes digital TV studios, edit and dubbing suites....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Computing and Digital Technology
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
We’ve developed this multidisciplinary course to combine computing and digital media. This enables you to leave university as a versatile graduate with a mix of computing, technical and content creation skills.
You’ll study with support of the latest in digital media technology equipment. This includes digital TV studios, edit and dubbing suites.
Study with us so you’ll be prepared for a world seeking those able to develop the next generation of digital media products.
Introducing STEAMhouse
STEAMhouse is a centre for technology, innovation, creative thinking, prototyping and business development. Our brand new £70 million pound building is the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology.
What's covered in this course?
Our Digital Media Computing course is an intellectually challenging and highly rewarding programme that covers everything from coding to animation. It will prepare you to meet the professional and technical demands of industry.
In the first year you will learn underlying principles of computer science, as well as visual design and human computer interaction, bringing these together through a collaborative innovation project and taking part in our annual Innovation Fest. This is where students get together to solve society’s problems with creative technology. Previous projects have included medical assistance drones, accessible gaming controllers, and smart housing solutions. The event brings together students, academics and industry guests, so it’s a great way to have fun, build experience and network, and win prizes!
During the second and third year of study you will explore more in-depth the areas of web application development, digital media processing, media production and 3D modelling and animation. You will have opportunities to work on real world projects through a major group project in year two, as well as undertaking an individual project in the final year.
You will develop key transferable skills, such as teamwork, reflection and self-awareness. You’ll also gain analytical skills through coursework tasks, as well as enhancing your problem solving using a range of systems and technologies.
You will have the option to undertake an industrial placement after your second year, gaining valuable work experience, and on the course you'll acquire skills in web technology, programming, animation, 3D modelling, video production, human-computer interaction and interface design to develop web and interactive digital media applications.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers a professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, between the second and third years of your degree, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
The University will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. If you do not find a suitable placement, you will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year (£1,850 for UK students).
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
This course is a unique blend of media and computing I could not find on any other course. It is challenging yet rewarding and provides me with a sense of accomplishment when assignments are completed. The broad range of the modules allows me to have a wide range of options when choosing my career path.- Harvir Singh
Why Choose Us?
- Brand new facilities at STEAMhouse - This £70 million state-of-the-art building will become the new home for the School of Computing and Digital Technology from the start of the 2022 academic year. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects
- 90% of students are satisfied with this course (NSS 2022)
- Prepare for industry - Gain computing and multimedia skills to apply the latest technologies, as well as the versatility to succeed in a constantly evolving, challenging industry. Our students have gone on to work with companies such as Big Marketing and Caterpillar
- Highly experienced staff - Our team of academics and practitioners offer not only academic expertise, but also current industry understanding and business acumen
- Excellent campus facilities - Our City Centre Campus houses the largest University TV studio, within a purpose-built Media Centre at The Parkside Building. See our facilities.
- A range of study techniques - Network opportunities, multimedia events and guest speakers bring the insights, contacts and the realities of the media world to your studies
- Home to Cisco and Oracle - We are a Cisco ASC (Academy Support Centre) and one of only 10 Cisco Instructor Training Centres (ITC) in the UK
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person. You'll get the chance to learn about courses in subject talks, chat to students and explore our campus and accommodation. We'll post you a detailed event programme to help plan your day and find your way.
Next Open Day: Saturday 24 June 2023
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| Level 2 qualifications | ||
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| GCSE | GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) | See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details. | |
| Scottish National 5 | English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests. | |
| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications | ||
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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T Level |
Accepted subjects:
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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| If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Additional information for EU/International students
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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| EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
| IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
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International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Additional Requirements
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2023/24
- Apply via UCAS
- Full Time
- 4 years with Professional Placement
- Show fees
- Apply via UCAS
- Study Year (2023/24) £9,250
Professional Placement Fees
The tuition fee for your first year of study at the university is shown here. Full-time courses with a Professional Placement also incur a fee during the placement year. The fee for your placement year will be £1,850, which is equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,980 in 2023/24
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
- Register with UCAS
- Login to UCAS and complete your details
- Select your course and write a personal statement
- Get a reference
- Pay your application fee and submit your application
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module will introduce you to the basic principles behind programming for example language syntax, structure of a computer programme, development of algorithms and use of object oriented programming. You will use an appropriate professional game engine in order to develop your skills in 2D game development. Through this engine you will learn to use and manipulate a range of media assets, examples include working with sprites, animations, programming computer graphics, incorporating simple physics including collision detection strategies, as well as implementing 2D scenes. The learning and teaching strategy is centred on tutorial sessions where tutors provide advice, guidance and formative evaluation in order to develop your understanding of these core skills.
This fundamental computer systems module puts into practice the learning done through reading, video lecturers, skills building labs and problem based learning for the acquisition of new knowledge and core practical competencies.
This module provides the underpinning skills necessary to develop an effective web based information system based around a clear understanding of the visual requirements of an interface, a structured design approach and the technical skills necessary to implement a solution.
This module will equip you with the necessary background knowledge about common data structures and algorithms. It will develop your skills for writing them, and analysing their efficiency and correctness. You will cover topics such as how computers represent and operate on arrays, lists, sets, queues, stacks, graphs and networks, as well as how to write and analyse algorithms.
The module provides the opportunity to learn and critically reflect the skills required in building and designing basic networks and their requirements within a network infrastructure. This module builds on the underpinning knowledge and theory of networking systems.
This first-year project allows you to develop and cultivate a creative mind-set through collaborative innovative practice, allowing you to bring together knowledge and imagination to construct a viable product. It is an opportunity to express your ideas, skills and talent to the wider community of innovative practice.
The project provides you with an opportunity to be part of a thriving community of innovators that practices connected learning. This is facilitated by putting you into inter-disciplinary project teams supported by innovation mentors, advisors and academics; culminating in you exhibiting your work to an international panel of experts.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The module will be taught using a combination of lectures, interactive seminars and lab sessions. A case study approach to learning and teaching will be utilised throughout the module and assessment. During the module you will work individually to design and develop a user-friendly database-driven web application.
This module will give you a comprehensive understanding in the fields of image, video and mixed reality processing.
This module forms a core part of the production element of the course, providing the knowledge related to the production of video artefacts, focusing on planning, video production, post production, and video compression.
This module provides knowledge of and develops skills in the production of 3D models, rendering and animation for use in a variety of different media and platforms.
The module is an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of collaboration by enabling you to create an interdisciplinary project with students from complementary disciplines, or with academic staff. Collaboration is a vital employability skill within the Creative Industries and this module allows you to develop these skills, making use of University facilities and with the support of academic staff. Within this module framework, several kinds of collaborative opportunities are available. For example, with the approval of your supervisor, you can determine a project based on your own interests; your supervisor may set you a predetermined project to enable you to work with other students in a way that is appropriate to your subject area; or there may be opportunities for you to collaborate with staff on research projects. In all cases, you must apply your subject skills to an interdisciplinary project which will be agreed in advance with your supervisor.
For graduates wishing to pursue a technical career in digital media production, be it Film or visual effects production, then a comprehensive understanding of the low level capture, processing and distribution technology is essential. To complement this a fundamental understanding in the methods for conducting research into the technology, the design and the limitations of this technology is essential.
Professional Placement Year (optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Digital Media Computing with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 6 modules listed below as well as the following Level 5 module.
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
Enhancement of digital video through post-production is a common aspect today. This module will teach you how to manipulate and improve your video product through processes such as editing, compositing, compression and colour correction and grading.
Understanding how to use video software tools effectively and shoot for post-production enhancement will lead you to create a more professional and polished video product.
In this module you will cover topics and technologies related to Cloud Computing. You will explore solutions and learn design principles for building large network-based systems to support both compute and data intensive computing across geographically distributed infrastructure and develop an application using cloud services.
Within this module you will develop productions that span a number of platforms such as film, games, social media, web and VR. It provides you with an opportunity to work with students from a number of disciplines and develop an understanding of how your knowledge and skills can fit into the production workflow of different media industries.
In order to become an effective professional practitioner, one needs to develop industrial awareness including current production and business practices, technologies and pipelines and trends and emergent technologies and how they are shaping industry
Download course specification
Download nowCourse Structure
Lectures are used to introduce themes, theories and concepts, which are further explored in tutorials. Technology-enhanced learning is used, where appropriate, through the provision of online resources, discussion forums and other activities. Textbooks are used, together with professional material and journal articles, in order to ensure that students develop a critical understanding of work in their discipline. The module guides direct students to a full range of resources, including books and journals, as well as specialised course-based material.
Analytical and problem solving skills are further developed using a range of appropriate 'real' and 'theoretical' case studies, plus a range of problem-based learning scenarios. Practical, including lab-based, sessions are used throughout the programme to develop practical skills and to place theory in a work-related context. Where appropriate, you will also use commercial development environments.
You will develop the key skills of research, academic writing and time management required for study at degree level throughout your first two years of study, which will enable you develop them further on the final-year individual project.
Transferable/key skills are pervasive and incorporated into modules and assessments as appropriate. For example, team-working skills are fostered via group activities. You are encouraged to plan your own work schedules and are required to meet deadlines. Reflection and self-awareness are fostered throughout.
A range of assessment methods are employed, assessment criteria being published in each assignment brief. Knowledge and skills are assessed, formatively and summatively by a number of methods, including coursework, examinations (seen and unseen, open and closed-book), presentations, practical assignments, vivas, online forums and project work.
Attendance requirements
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.
Why study Digital Media Computing
Our Digital Media Computing course is an intellectually challenging and highly rewarding programme that covers everything from coding to animation. It will prepare you to meet the professional and technical demands of industry..
In the first year you will learn underlying principles of computer science, as well as visual design and human computer interaction, bringing these together through a collaborative innovation project..
During the second and third year of study you will explore more in-depth the areas of web application development, digital media processing, media production and 3D modelling and animation. You will have opportunities to work on real world projects through a major group project in year two, as well as undertaking an individual project in the final year..
You will develop key transferrable skills, such as teamwork, reflection and self-awareness. You’ll also gain analytical skills through coursework tasks, as well as enhancing your problem solving using a range of systems and technologies. .
You will have the option to undertake an industrial placement after your second year, gaining valuable work experience, and on the course you'll acquire skills in web technology, programming, animation, 3D modelling, video production, human-computer interaction and interface design to develop web and interactive digital media applications..
Athena Swan Bronze Award
We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.
Employability
Employment Opportunities
The University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework, is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you will have developed throughout the programme with broader transferable skills which will enhance your employability options upon
Placements
You'll be encouraged to further enhance your career prospects by including an industrial placement in your course. This takes place after the second year of study and extends the course duration to four years..
As well as providing the workplace experience sought by many employers, a placement provides an invaluable opportunity for you to further develop your practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path. Our placements team support you throughout the placement process..
Full details can be found on the School placements page.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities. This course will be taught at Millennium Point at the City Centre Campus.
The course is supported with a wide range of cutting-edge facilities in the City Centre Campus. We have a state-of-the-art computer games technology lab which contains high-performance PCs, Sony PlayStation development kits and a range of industry standard software including Unity, Unreal and a suite of professional Microsoft development tools.
We also have many open access areas where students can study together and even hire out laptops for use in these spaces and others within the university.
Within the University there are many internationally recognised research teams giving you the opportunity to collaborate with them on exciting interdisciplinary projects.
Computer networking
The laboratories are well-equipped for all our computer networking courses, as well as specialist areas for practical work such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), forensic and ethical hacking technologies, wireless and mobile technologies and radio frequency identification technologies to name but a few.
Software development and computer programming
There are a number of open access, software development and computer programming laboratories that can be used to develop systems and programmes, including database management systems such as MySQL, to name but a few.
Systems laboratories
Our embedded systems laboratories are used to develop real-time systems, such as specialist hardware training and development resources, and industrial-standard software development and simulation tools. These include microcontroller software and robotics design and development, to name but a few.
Electronic systems
To underpin the basic principles of electronic systems, we have a well-equipped laboratory of general and specialist test and measurement kits, including powered prototyping development boards, dual power supplies, frequency generators and counters and digital multi-meters to name but a few.
Forensic computing
Our successful development of forensic computing has led to a specialist forensics laboratory that is fully equipped with essential hardware and software for this sensitive area of study. The laboratory includes high-spec PCs with built-in multi interface Tableau write blockers, EnCase and FTK computer forensic software and steganography detection and analysis software, to name but a few.
More on our facilities
Our staff
Sandeep Singh Chahil
Lecturer
Sandeep has a background in corporate video production, having spent several years producing content for commercial video projects. He’s experienced in all stages of this process, with a strong technical knowledge of hardware and software systems.
More about SandeepKira Summers
Programme Leader, Lecturer
Akira Summers has been working in software and technological development since the year 2000. Starting off in web development and interactive media, she has held many development roles and spent several years working as an embedded game programmer, multimedia developer and learning technologist.
More about KiraJay Patel
Senior Lecturer
Jay is a Lecturer in the School of Digital Media Technology. Jay has been involved with the delivery of ERDF projects. Since the successful completion of these projects he has moved into teaching. He currently delivers a variety of modules such as Audio Visual Technology, Moving Image Technology and Mathematics for Media.
More about JayAndy White
Programme Leader
Andy joined Birmingham City University 2001 as a Senior Lecturer within the School of Computing and Digital Technology. Following a number of years in course management he has recently been appointed Programme Leader managing a group of courses in the multimedia and broadcast area.
More about AndyCathryn Jane Easthope
Lecturer
I teach on BSc courses within the Department of Digital Media Technology and although my degrees are arts based, I've worked in biomedical research as well as design for the NHS, so this combination is ideal for courses like ours which allow our students to both express their creative and aesthetic abilities as well as develop their technical...
More about Cathryn JaneMathew Randall
Senior Lecturer in Visual Effects and Computer Graphics
Mathew has been working with computer graphics since the mid-1990s and has been involved in moving image production for over 10 years. Coming from an academic background in multimedia, he has extensive experience in real-time computer graphics and rendering, designing and developing user interfaces, games, systems for visualising data and signals,...
More about Mathew