Creative Computing (Web Technologies)

We teach you core skills essential to creative computing and digital creativity more widely, including coding (C++, Python), web app deployment (HTML5, JavaScript, PHP) and asset creation (Adobe, Autodesk). These technical elements are complemented by critical insights into the computing industry from sector specialists.

Web Technologies pathway modules engage the ideation and prototype production process, from front end and server-side scripting to effective documentation and product testing. Here you not only learn the tools and design concepts typical of web development today, but also experiment with the technologies and creative strategies that are poised to transform the web of tomorrow.

Year one
Master the basics. You start your journey through Creative Computing (Web Technologies) by developing key skills in computing and digital design. We provide a primer to computer science, and probe the social and ethical consequences that are distinct to the digital age. Weekly tech workshops expose you to the basics of web development and procedural programming. Modules on creative problem solving, interface design and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and computing collide.

Year two
Begin to specialise. Learn the principles of responsive web design and Android app development, deploying a range of tools and creative strategies that underpin compelling online experiences. Elective modules provide space to learn the basics of animation or game development, interface with creative tech companies and experiment with some of the latest consumer grade interactive devices.

Year three
Kick-start your career. You'll deploy client and server-side scripting languages to create web apps, while exploring how emerging concepts such as machine learning and the Internet of Things can open up new possibilities for web creativity. Modules such as Physical Computing and Creative Incubator help you expand your coding skill set, while introducing strategies for securing funding within the tech sector. One third of your time is spent developing a major digital artefact that serves as the centrepiece of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio.

Creative Computing (Web Technologies) is almost entirely coursework assessed. You deliver a varied and balanced collection of artefacts including prototype software, experiment portfolios, digital interfaces, interactive stories and web apps. Project work is supported by contextual essays, reflective commentaries, sketchbooks, reports, pitches, presentations, debates and b/vlogs.

You learn through creative workshops, technical labs, seminars and project drop-ins. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials that take place across the degree programme.

A network of visiting speakers and mentors keep you up to date with developments in the tech and creative sectors, while technical demonstrators reinforce the ‘skills training’ aspects of your learning.

• CodeLab I
• Web Development
• Experience Design
• Ideation and Creative Problem Solving
• Introduction to Computing
• Digital Storytelling
• Image, Sound and Code
• Digital Citizenship

• CodeLab II
• Emerging Technologies
• Creative Industry Challenge
• Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
• Games Development
• Smartphone Apps
• Motion Graphics and Sound
• Games Studio
• The Responsive Web
• Professional Placement Year

• Applied Computing
• Creative Incubator
• Cyber Security
• Web Games
• Physical Computing
• Realtime Animation and Interactivity
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Serious Games
• Commercial Games
• Web Apps
• Tomorrow’s Web

Creative Computing students across all pathways can apply for Erasmus+ and Exchange programme opportunities offered by Bath Spa University.

We draw on a diverse network of industry partners established by the University’s Digital Academy and Centre for Creative Computing. We collaborate with emerging tech companies, prolific creative media practitioners, and a collective of independent animation and game studios across Bath, Bristol and beyond. Our students are invited to work on these exciting projects, and enjoy the industry contacts and funding that they often provide.

Many of our students take on freelance work and placements during their time with us.

You’ll have access to countless collaborative possibilities. Join forces with students studying storytelling, animation, film-making, publishing, dance, music technology – the list goes on – to create unique and compelling digital work.

We encourage you to participate in regional and national events that spotlight digital creativity. A programme of internal ‘build’ competitions provides chances for you to test out new ideas and collaborate with peers or creatives pursuing other subject areas.

Project Pickaxe
An ongoing MineCraft build of our Newton Park campus.

MediaWall
Creative Computing students design and contribute to installations for MediaWall.

Serious Games
Collaborations with Bath Spa’s Institute of Education on multiple games that tackle real-world problems. These projects almost always combine aspects of animation, gaming and software development.

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of “with Professional Placement Year” to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

You'll have access to our:

• Commons building
  You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• Apple iMac suites
  Core modules are taught across several Apple iMac suites, each loaded with industry standard digital design packages, prototyping tools and Integrated Development Environments.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library.

• Access to top-spec, well-maintained 4K Windows systems
• Excellent e-learning provisions and a personal software repository
• An equipment loan service that offers a wide range of audiovisual production gear, interactive devices, and peripherals.