Computing and Creative Design

Year 1

You will take part in a multidisciplinary Foundation Year to understand the breath of subjects offered by the School, to form a community of practice beyond your course, and to be equipped with the right technical knowledge for the more advanced years of your course. In your first year, you will get to grips with the fundamentals of programming devices, as well as the basics of problem solving and modelling. On this course, you get to kickstart your creative, practical and professional development with digital graphics techniques. You can shape your Foundation Year with the subjects you want to study - so you will also get a choice between learning more advanced software development practices, or an introduction to networking.

Year 2

You will further your skills by studying across two streams: your software development will be complemented by web and database development, whilst your design skills will be enhanced through classes on design principles, 2D graphics and animation. You will have the opportunity to merge these streams in specialised classes such as games development. 

Year 3

In Year 3, you will expand your design and development skills into 3D graphics modelling and animation, underpinned by theoretical classes on prototyping, usability and team-based project management. You will learn to develop and implement app-based solutions and get a grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Year 4

In your Honours year, you will work with an academic supervisor on an individual research project in your chosen specialist area. You will learn to critically evaluate your work to a professional standard, and to underpin your work with relevant theories of human computer interaction and data visualisation. This is complemented by specialist classes on games development, audio-visual production and immersive technology including VR and AR.

Learning Methods

You will learn on the latest computer hardware and make use of industry-standard software, where you will have access to a suite of technology peripherals to assist with your studies, including VR headsets, DSLR cameras, drawing tablets, iPads and more. You will be supported through lectures and practical sessions, which aim to provide you with opportunities to engage with real-world problems and encourage your academic growth.

Lectures are complemented by smaller practical lab sessions (approximately 40 students) to contextualise your learning.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 40 students per group, 3 hours per week
• Project Supervision - 1 -8 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 12 hours per week

How long is a BSc (Hons) Computing and Creative Design course?

A Computing and Creative design degree can be completed over:

• 4 years
• 4 years + 1 year placement

Independent Study

The development of self-directed learning skills is a key aim of the courses within the School of Computing. A typical 15-credit module represents 150 hours of study over the course of a term. Of this, roughly two-thirds will be self-study and completion of assessments and can be supported by staff office hours.

Staff Delivering on This Course

You will be taught by experienced academics with industry and/or research experience in Computing and Creative Design.

Staff members on the course are frequently recognized by the student body through the annual STAR (Support and Teaching Staff with Appreciation and Recognition) Awards, which is voted for by students and organised by RGU:Union. In recent years, staff members on the course have been recipients of a number of nominations and awards, including two Lecturer of the Year awards, Supervisor of the Year, Personal Tutor of the Year, and multiple awards for Continued Excellence.

Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

As well as academic members of staff, some teaching may be undertaken by industry experts, postgraduate research students, library staff, study skills and careers service staff.

Assessment

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 2 Portfolios
• 2 Practical Skills Assessments

Year 2

• 1 Written exam, average time of exam 3 hours
• 2 Written reports
• 2 Portfolios
• 2 Practical Skills Assessments

Year 3

• 2 Written reports
• 2 Project Outputs 
• 2 Practical Skills Assessments

Year 4

• 1 Written exams, average time of exam 3 hours
• 1 Dissertation
• 2 Project Outputs
• 2 Practical Skills Assessments

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate. 

Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Study Abroad

You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional period of Study Abroad in lieu of your placement at one of our partner Universities across the world. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture whilst gaining a valuable and tailored educational experience, building upon the expertise gained within the first few years at RGU.

Job Prospects

This course provides you with a range of technical, practical and interpersonal skills that will prepare you for a variety of careers at the cutting edge of computing and creative design.

Is studying Computing and Creative Design a good career choice?

Digital technology is growing across all sectors, and interdisciplinary professionals are in great demand. You will be able to present a skillset with strengths in both creative design and development, allowing you access to opportunities across sectors including games, software, app and web, at all stages of the development lifecycle.

What are the entry requirements for a BSc (Hons) Computing and Creative Design degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• SQA Higher: BBCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level Year 1 entry: CCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at GCSE grade 5/C if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 and two further passes to include English and Maths at grade O3 or above if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma Year 1 entry: 26 to include a pass in Standard Level English and Maths at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level. 

Year 2 entry

• SQA Advanced Higher Year 2 entry: BBCC to include Computing and another numerate subject and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level Year 2 entry: BBB to include Math and another numerate subject. English at GCSE grade 5/C is required if not held at A Level.
• IB Diploma Year 2 entry: 30 to include Math and another numerate subject at higher level pass. Standard Level English at grade 4 or above if not held at Higher Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: BCC/BCCC and two further passes to include English and Maths at National 5 grade C or above if not held at Higher.

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• Whilst it is not essential to have your own laptop, some students choose to purchase their own computer for use throughout the course.
• You will have access to Adobe Creative Cloud on lab computers and via remote access, however, you may wish to subscribe to this to access software on your own device.