Creative Computing

You’ll study a series of Creative Computing modules, alongside modules from your combination subject. There are three possible routes: Major, where Creative Computing is the lead subject; Minor, where it is the complimentary subject; and Joint, where study time is divided equally between Creative Computing and a combination subject.

In core Creative Computing modules, we teach you skills essential to creative computing and digital creativity more widely. These include programming (C languages, Java), web app deployment (HTML5, JavaScript, PHP), and asset creation (Adobe, Autodesk). If you decide to take the major route, you’ll be able to access our specialist games design and digital animation modules.

Year one
Master the basics. Start your journey through Creative Computing by developing key skills in computing and digital design. We provide an induction to computer science (binary, hardware, operating systems, networking) and probe the social and ethical consequences that are distinct to the digital age. Weekly skills workshops expose you to the basics of web development, physical computing (Arduino, Raspberry Pi) and object-oriented programming. Specific modules on creative problem solving, interface design and coding for the visual arts are available to joint or major route students.

Year two
Enhance your digital skill set. Core module, Codelab II introduces the C family of programming languages. We introduce agile methodologies of production and teach you how to deploy event listeners and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to create interactive, data driven programs. Joint and major route students can access a suite of modules that include Games Design, Digital Animation, Web and Mobile Application Development, Emerging Technologies, and Industry-Informed Projects.

Year three
Kickstart your career. You’ll enhance your software development knowledge, while setting yourself up for success in the tech / creative industries. One third of your time is spent developing a significant digital artefact. This work becomes the centrepiece of a compelling, industry-focused creative portfolio. Major route students can extend their knowledge of the gaming or animation pipelines in the modules, Games Studio and Advanced Animation. Joint award students are given the opportunity to undertake an industry placement.

Creative Computing is almost entirely coursework assessed. You’ll 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’ll be taught through creative workshops, technical labs, seminars and project drop-ins. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your degree programme. CodeLab modules are delivered in small groups. This provides the tutor contact time you need to learn computer programming effectively.

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

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 game jams, animation festivals and sandbox events. A programme of internal ‘build’ competitions provide 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.

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

• Exclusive access to a collection of top-spec 4K Windows systems with CPU and GPU water cooling. These machines are networked to dedicated external storage and are offered with Unity, Unreal, 3ds Max, Blender and Spine installs.
• Excellent e-learning provisions and a personal ‘software bible’.
• An equipment loan service that offers a wide range of audiovisual production gear, interactive devices, and peripherals.