Creative Computing
School of Computing and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences


Last Updated 20 January 2012

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 1


Creative Computing is one of the computing programmes offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics. It is a specialist course for students with an interest in the creative side of computing, with topics such as computer animation, multimedia, web design, virtual worlds and games programming. A number of core modules are shared with the Computer Science programme, but there is less emphasis upon generic programming and database systems, and there are specialist modules addressing the more focused creative topics.

The School can provide students with 24-hour access to the computer facilities within the Colin Reeves Building. Computer facilities are also available in many other parts of the University.


The School also offers a Single Honours course in Computer Science, and Dual Honours principal courses in Computer Science, Information Systems and Smart Systems.


NB. Because of variations in staff availability and research interests from time to time, certain courses may not run in particular semesters. Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students please confirm availability with the School when applying.


Creative Computing Dual Honours - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals C C 7.5 15
This module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming together with techniques for applying these using a contemporary programming language. The module will have a strong practical element.
CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules covering these topics in more detail. It will enable students to understand the links between individual modules on their course, and to understand them properly in context.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Computer Graphics, Animation, and Multimedia; and with appropriate programming and media development skills to design and develop Multimedia.
CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task. It also explores the human-computer interface and introduces concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.

Creative Computing Dual Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism C M 7.5 15
This module will develop skills in the design and execution of empirical studies to gather evidence about software systems, methods and processes. It will also cover requirements engineering and will enable students to recognize the professional, economic, social, environmental and ethical issues involved in the development and use of computer technologies.
CSC-20021 Web Technologies C M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of Internet communication architectures (such as client-server) with reference to standard protocols, and enables the students to develop multi-tier web applications and configure the servers on which these rely.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design C C 7.5 15
This module will provide students with knowledge of the techniques and processes to undertake the design of a system once the requirements and analysis activities have been completed.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds C C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.

Creative Computing Dual Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management O M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of the scope of, and problems and techniques associated with, software engineering project management.
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management EP M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of the scope of, and problems and techniques associated with, software engineering project management.
CSC-30019 Games Computing C M 7.5 15
This module delivers comprehensive knowledge of a games engine and the theory and practice of computer game design, and explores the human factors involved in game design and interactive media environments.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30014 Third Year Double Project - ISP C C 15 30
This module enables students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex programming, research or business problem within the discipline.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks O M 7.5 15
This module extends students&© knowledge of principles and practice in communications and computer network technologies and their deployment.
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks EP M 7.5 15
This module extends students&© knowledge of principles and practice in communications and computer network technologies and their deployment.
CSC-30018 IT Architectures O M 7.5 15
This module delivers the concepts, methods and tools involved in the IT architecture discipline, and examines the role of IT architects and software architecture within development projects. The module also outlines current architectural developments, such as service-oriented architectures. Students gain practical experience by undertaking a case study.
CSC-30018 IT Architectures EP M 7.5 15
This module delivers the concepts, methods and tools involved in the IT architecture discipline, and examines the role of IT architects and software architecture within development projects. The module also outlines current architectural developments, such as service-oriented architectures. Students gain practical experience by undertaking a case study.
~ CSY-30002 Electronic Commerce O M 7.5 15
This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the problems involved in the development of web-based electronic commerce applications.
~ CSY-30002 Electronic Commerce EP M 7.5 15
This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the problems involved in the development of web-based electronic commerce applications.

Creative Computing Minor - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals C C 7.5 15
This module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming together with techniques for applying these using a contemporary programming language. The module will have a strong practical element.
CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules covering these topics in more detail. It will enable students to understand the links between individual modules on their course, and to understand them properly in context.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Computer Graphics, Animation, and Multimedia; and with appropriate programming and media development skills to design and develop Multimedia.
CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task. It also explores the human-computer interface and introduces concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.

Creative Computing Minor - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism C M 7.5 15
This module will develop skills in the design and execution of empirical studies to gather evidence about software systems, methods and processes. It will also cover requirements engineering and will enable students to recognize the professional, economic, social, environmental and ethical issues involved in the development and use of computer technologies.
CSC-20021 Web Technologies C M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of Internet communication architectures (such as client-server) with reference to standard protocols, and enables the students to develop multi-tier web applications and configure the servers on which these rely.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design C C 7.5 15
This module will provide students with knowledge of the techniques and processes to undertake the design of a system once the requirements and analysis activities have been completed.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds C C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.

Creative Computing Minor - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30019 Games Computing EP M 7.5 15
This module delivers comprehensive knowledge of a games engine and the theory and practice of computer game design, and explores the human factors involved in game design and interactive media environments.

C Compulsory Core Module
O Optional Core Module
EP Programme Elective Module
EA Approved Elective Module
EF Free-Standing Elective Module
M Mixed Assessment e.g. a mixture of essay(s) and examination, with the latter's weighting below 90%.
E Examination, providing 90% or more of the mark.
C Continuous Assessment e.g. essay(s) or practical work (as appropriate).
+ Available to qualified non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students but there may be a restriction on the number of places available
~ Specific pre-requisite(s) needed by non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students wishing to take these modules
# Not normally available to Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students (except by prior negotiation with Departmental Tutor)
Note: Modules not marked with a # are available to suitably qualified Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students.