Top 10 for satisfied with teaching
We're in the top 10 UK universities for satisfied with teaching in Computer Science (source: Guardian University Guide 2022).
Creative Computing
BSc (Hons)
Undergraduate degree - single honours
- UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course CC10 or CC11 (with professional placement year)
Key facts
- Award
- BSc (Hons) Creative Computing
- School/s
- Bath School of Art, Film and Media
- Campus or location
- Newton Park
- Course length
- Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
- UCAS codes
- Institution Code: B20
- Course Code: CC10 or CC11 (with professional placement year)
- Campus Code: A,BSU
Entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.
Join the next generation of digital creatives with our hands-on, industry-focused Creative Computing degree.
- Learn by making. Build a unique portfolio that showcases creative and technical skills in coding, games, animation and web.
- Co-create. Work with like-minded students and gain experience of working on professional projects in the creative industries.
- Become adaptable. Graduate with in-demand skills and enter the exciting world of creative technology.
Please note: Applications for this course will open in September 2022 for entry in 2023. In the meantime, why not book an Open Day, so that you can meet us, find out more about this course, and get a taste of life at Bath Spa?
If you've ever wondered how to code beautiful web apps, bring stories to life through immersive experiences or build innovative games, our Creative Computing course could be for you.
You'll create an original portfolio of creative projects, including mobile apps, websites, games, virtual reality (VR) experiences and digital stories. You'll learn skills from the ground up, through a mix of workshops, tech demos, creative problem solving challenges and collaborative briefs. We believe in learning by making, so you can look forward to creating work from day one.
Top 20 for student experience
We're in the top 20 UK universities for student experience in Computer Science (source: Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022).
My goal was always to become a games designer, and thanks to Bath Spa that goal is now a reality. I gained everything I needed to get my foot into the industry: creative thinking, leadership, management, work placements and programming experience, all alongside an extensive portfolio filled with my projects throughout the years, with games from small single player stories to multiplayer arenas and Virtual Reality experiences. This breadth of knowledge and showcase of work was the very core to getting where I am today.
Matt Westlake, Junior Game Developer at Ndemic Creations
What you'll learn
Overview
Our Creative Computing course will equip you with core skills in creative technology including games development, creative coding, web development, digital storytelling and 3D digital art. It's taught by expert staff, with input from industry professionals.
Course structure
Year one
Develop core skills. Start your journey through Creative Computing by mastering the basics of computing and digital creativity. You'll learn how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development. Specific modules on creative problem solving, experience design and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and technology collide. Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation. You'll also explore how to create engaging narratives that work on digital platforms.
Year two
Extend your knowledge. You'll advance your understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques, as well as working with real time data. You'll also experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs as you further investigate the field of creative computing. Optional modules provide the flexibility to get a flavour of the breadth of Creative Computing by gaining insights into 3D animation, games development, data visualisation or responsive web design.
Year three
Develop an industry-facing portfolio to kickstart your career. In your final year, you'll continue to enhance your skills as a creative technologist by collaborating with others across different subject areas and exploring professional and entrepreneurial development.. Optional modules give space for creating original, playful ideas within the areas of physical computing or web games. Alternatively, you may wish to focus on the technical aspects of creative computing and explore machine learning and back-end web development.
How will I be assessed?
Creative Computing is entirely coursework-assessed. You'll deliver a varied and balanced collection of projects including prototype software, websites, apps, games and VR experiences.
How will I be taught?
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.
Opportunities
Study abroad
You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed exchange programmes in a variety of countries including Spain, Sweden and the USA.
Work placements, industry links and internships
Our Creative Computing students have produced work for companies including the IBM Innovation Lab, Aardman, Complete Control, Opposable VR and Boomtown Festival.
Field trips
Past field trips have included creative industry festivals such as the London Games Festival, Now Play This and WASD.
Careers
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
- Games Developer
- Web Developer
- Software Developer
- Digital Animator
- Digital 3D Design
- UX Designer
- Creative Producer
- Creative Tech Research and Development Associate
You may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.
Facilities and resources
Where the subject is taught
As a BSc Creative Computing student, 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. - 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
- Writing and Learning Centre
- English Language Unit
You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.
Fees
Our UK undergraduate fees for 2023/24 entry are £9,250. International tuition fees aren't yet available. See current undergraduate tuition fees for international students for reference. For some courses, additional costs may apply. We'll update this page as soon as we have more detailed information.
Interested in applying?
What we look for in potential students
We look for students with a drive to pursue big ideas and a clear willingness to try new things. Successful applicants will be imaginative, organised and have a keen eye for detail. Programming experience is not essential for this course; we teach coding from the ground up.
Typical offers
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into account any relevant skills and experience that may not be reflected in your qualifications. The most important consideration is for applicants to have the qualities and potential to succeed in the exciting area of study.
- A Level - grades BCC-CCC preferred.
- BTEC - Extended Diploma grades from Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM) to Merit, Merit, Merit (MMM) accepted in any subject.
- T Levels – grade Merit-Pass (C+) preferred.
- International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 27 points are required.
- Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, including 30 at merit or higher).
English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants
IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
How do I apply?
If you're a UK student you can start and track your application for 2023 entry on UCAS.
If you're an international or part-time applicant, you'll be able to apply directly with us from September.
The application deadline for this course is 25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time).
If you have any queries about your application, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
You can also visit our how to apply pages for more guidance on applying.
Portfolio guidance
We recommend that you attach a portfolio of creative work to your application. The portfolio should contain two or three examples of your digital projects. These may be small games, web designs, asset models, interactive stories or any other type of artwork or creative artefact.
Course leader: Dr Jake Hobbs
Email: j.hobbs@bathspa.ac.uk