University of York

University of York

Bachelor of Science Honours in Interactive Media

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Interactive Media in Communication and Media is offered by University of York.

Program Length: 3 YEARS.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Interactive Media offered by the University of York

From programming to storytelling, our degree provides you with hands-on experience with the latest technologies.


Interactive media has permeated almost every aspect of our lives.

Mobile apps, websites, games and social media have transformed the way we work, play, learn and interact with each other. But this is just the beginning. With new interactive technologies like virtual and augmented reality on the horizon, we are only just beginning to understand the huge potential of interactive media to transform and enhance our lives.

The Interactive Media BSc will give you the power to create the new types of interactive media content that are transforming our society and culture. The unique multidisciplinary degree brings together technical, creative and socio-cultural perspectives on interactive media. You will be supported to develop your creativity, to acquire technical skills needed in the production of interactive media, and to have the ability to analyse and assess the impact of interactive media upon individuals and society as a whole.

The degree combines creativity with technical work, user experience design with computer programming, and human-computer interaction with critical contextual analysis of digital culture and society. You will gain hands-on experience of the latest digital technologies, study the theory and practice behind mediated interaction, and learn to assess the cultural implications of contemporary media developments. You may have the opportunity to find and secure a placement year in industry between years two and three of your course. Upon completion, you will be a well-rounded professional, attractive to a huge range of employers, from entertainment to finance, from technology development to design, from industry to academia.

Course content
Innovation in interactive media requires an understanding of the field from technical, creative and socio-cultural perspectives. In the words of Steve Jobs, "technology alone is not enough — it is technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing". As a student on the Interactive Media BSc, you will gain a comprehensive skillset that combines programming and engineering, design and art, and media and cultural studies.

You'll learn how to understand and create interactive media software, content and products for a variety of platforms and uses including:

  • mobile apps
  • games and virtual environments
  • responsive websites
  • virtual reality
  • social media 
  • augmented reality
  • interactive television
  • digital art installations

The course is strongly academically based but also gives you the freedom to develop your own practical ideas from the first year onwards, as you create a portfolio to show to your future employers. You will have access to superb technical facilities, be surrounded by students studying closely interrelated degrees in media technology and production, and be taught by lecturers who are world-leading researchers in interactive media. You will also benefit from our excellent links with industry, through masterclasses, internships and employment opportunities.

Study abroad
There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course:
Explore global opportunities

Year 1
You'll learn the fundamental principles of software programming for media systems, how to create audio and visual assets and the nature of interactive storytelling. You'll explore the historical development and social and cultural impact of interactive digital media, ranging from video games to social networks and the Internet of Things.

You'll develop digital media programming and production skills, solve problems with computers using algorithmic abstractions and computational models, and turn your ideas into prototypes. You'll take on a creative project idea of your choice, and advance your ability to critically analyse interactive media systems.

Introduction to Media Technologies (20 credits)
Digital Culture, Aesthetics and Storytelling (30 credits)
Computational Thinking (30 credits)
Developing Interactive Media (30 credits)
Programming for Digital Media (10 credits)

Academic integrity module
In addition to the above you will also need to complete the online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2
You'll continue to enhance your programming, media production, design and critical analysis skills and learn to combine them to create games, virtual environments, responsive websites and cross-platform mobile apps. You will also learn user-experience design techniques for understanding how users interact with interactive media. Your group project will develop essential team working skills, and you'll complete the entire process of interactive media development from concept creation to evaluation. At the end of the academic year, we'll support you in finding interactive media industry placements.

Media Production for Interactive Environments (20 credits)
Web Application Design and Development (20 credits)
Interactive Media and Society (20 credits)
User Experience Design (20 credits)
Interactive Media Group Project (30 credits)
Project Preparation and Development (10 credits)

Year 3
A major part of your third year is devoted to your final project, which allows you to develop an idea in depth and demonstrate all the skills and knowledge you've gathered during the course. You'll advance your knowledge of key business issues including financial, legal, ethical aspects as well as marketing, and you'll learn to develop business plans for your ideas. 

Current option module topics cover issues such as how digital technology changes and defines us as individuals, as social beings and as humans, and understanding cutting edge technologies like VR and haptics. You can learn about mobile computing, and how to create native mobile applications, as well as understanding key video game theory concepts and game development.

Core
Interactive Media Individual Project (40 credits) 

Option 
Advanced Interaction Techniques and Technologies
Business, Legal and Professional Issues 
Mobile Interaction
Gaming: Industry and Culture
Experience Evaluation 
Esports Content Production
The Future of Story: Storytelling in the Digital Age





Locations where you can study Bachelor of Science Honours in Interactive Media en University of York


Schools where you can study Bachelor of Science Honours in Interactive Media en University of York

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