Creative Computing

Creative Computing is a future-focused course that blends imagination with innovation, teaching students to harness technology as a tool for creative expression and problem-solving.

You’ll explore areas like coding, web development, immersive media, and interaction design, while developing a unique portfolio of work.

Through hands-on projects, collaboration with peers, and engagement with industry, you’ll gain in-demand skills in creative coding, UX, digital storytelling and game development preparing you to thrive in the fast-paced world of creative technology.

Year one
You'll build a strong foundation in creative computing by exploring both the technical and creative aspects in equal measure. You’ll learn to code through modules focused on programming fundamentals and web development, while also diving into creative problem-solving, experience design, and coding for the visual arts. These modules are designed to help you understand how technology can be used as a powerful tool for creative expression and innovation.

Year two
You'll deepen your understanding of core principles while beginning to specialise in areas such as immersive media and physical computing. Through a mix of core and optional modules, you’ll collaborate on industry-informed projects, explore emerging technologies, and experiment with cutting-edge tools and platforms—gaining practical experience and refining your creative and technical focus.

Year three
In Year three, the focus shifts to launching your career, with an emphasis on creative research, professional insight, and entrepreneurial thinking. You’ll develop a distinctive, industry-ready portfolio of creative computing artefacts, supported by modules that encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Areas of exploration may include creative applications of AI, casual web and mobile game development, and cybersecurity - equipping you with the skills and confidence to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.

Creative Computing is entirely coursework-assessed, allowing you to focus on developing a diverse and balanced portfolio of creative projects.

These may include prototype software, websites, apps, games, and immersive VR experiences. Assessment types are varied and designed to reflect real-world creative and professional practices.

You’ll be evaluated through project documentation, reflective essays, and pitch-style presentations. You'll get the opportunity to articulate your ideas, demonstrate your process, and showcase your work in engaging and professional formats.

You’ll be taught through practical workshops and project-based learning. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your Creative Computing course. The practical nature of the course offers you the time and freedom to try new ideas, develop new skills and take a deep dive into topics of interest.

A network of visiting speakers and mentors keeps you in touch with the tech and creative sectors, while our technical demonstrators support you in developing new skills.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Our Creative Computing students benefit from collaborations with various digital and tech companies across Bath, Bristol and beyond.

Our students are invited to collaborate with professionals within local industries, on research work and commissions.

You can also draw on our networks to help secure work placement and internship opportunities. A small selection of our contacts and collaborators include: IBM, Aardman Animations, Rocket Makers, We the Curious, Pervasive Media Studio, Age UK (B&NES)

Past field trips have included creative industry festivals such as Pixel Pioneers, London Games Festival, Now Play This and WASD alongside visits to immersive experiences like Wake the Tiger.

Recent graduates of Creative Computing are working at Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control, Dyson, Rocketmakers, Aerian, Network N and more.

The diverse nature of Creative Computing at Bath Spa opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in both the creative and tech sectors. Possible roles include:

• Creative Technologist
• UX/UI Designer
• Front-End Web Developer
• Immersive Media Developer 
• Digital Product Designer
• Interaction Designer 
• Game Developer
• Creative AI Developer – Exploring artistic and practical applications of artificial intelligence in media and design.
• Physical Computing Specialist 
• Digital Storyteller 
• Tech Entrepreneur 
• Digital Content Creator
• Cybersecurity Analyst.

You may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

We actively encourage and support students in applying for prestigious creative and tech industry awards and programmes. These include opportunities like the South West Digital and Design Awards and the Tranzfuser games programme, where recent graduates have successfully secured funding, mentorship, and industry recognition for their projects. These experiences help students gain visibility, build professional networks, and take their ideas to the next level.

The following quote is from a student who successfully applied to the Tranzfuser games program to continue development of their final year "Commercial Games" project...

Tranzfuser is a great way to continue the development of both our studio and game. I am excited to use it to build our skills further and to see Project Sporox come to its computer-y fruition. However, and most importantly, Tranzfuser is a way to gain a better understanding of what makes a successful studio with longevity. It is an exciting way to evolve our already skilled and ambitious team into a strong and driven studio, serving as a real jumping off point for creating a company.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) 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 PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

As a BSc Creative Computing student, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities designed to support hands-on learning and experimentation. Teaching takes place in high-end PC labs equipped with industry-standard software and hardware.

• You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• High-end computing spaces, populated with dedicated PCs and access to 3D printers, VR kit and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team
• If English is not your first language, the English Language Unit can support with your English language skills

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service. 

• Virtual Reality (VR) kits for immersive experience development
• Physical computing resources such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi
• 3D printers for rapid prototyping and creative fabrication
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices for smart and connected projects
• Motion capture systems for animation and performance tracking
• TV studios and green screen facilities for multimedia production
• Photogrammetry tools for 3D scanning and digital modelling
• Mobile and tablet devices for responsive design and app testing