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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma Creative Computing

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Students collaborate with laptop at the UAL Creative computing Institute. - Credit: Courtesy UAL
College
UAL Creative Computing Institute Start date
September 2021 Course length
1 year (30 weeks)

The Graduate Diploma Creative Computing is a one year pre-masters course that gives you an in-depth understanding of creative technology and prepares you for further study in this exciting area of practice.

The course offers guaranteed entry to our very popular MSc Creative Computing making the perfect choice for creatives with less coding experience but strong ambition to work with creative technology.

Why choose this course at UAL Creative Computing Institute

  • Learn the skills sought after in industry: Creative Developers are sought after in industry with their ability to both translate creative direction into code and deliver creative direction themselves.
  • Interdisciplinary teaching: you’ll be exposed to different modes of learning and develop a strong technical fluency with computational technologies with discovery-based learning rooted in creative practice.
  • Critical engagement with technology: engagement with creative practice will also build your ability to self-reflect and think critically about your role in shaping the world.
  • A material understanding of computational technologies: through creative practice, you will also develop your ability to innovate, enabling you to understand and explore the cultural agency of computational technology.
  • UAL CCI: you will have access to purpose-built facilities and technical support, and exposure to creative computing research.

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Course overview

Creative graduates with advanced computing skills are in high demand. The graduate diploma gives creative graduates the opportunity to study in a specialist UAL Institute environment. Learning new skills will allow you to develop your undergraduate area of study and potentially lead to new opportunities as a creative practitioner.

You will learn to code using industry standard languages and frameworks, how to develop apps and be introduced to emerging areas such as machine learning.

You will also develop creative projects informed by these tools and techniques and gain an inside look at London’s digital creative economy, exploring both its working practices and the emerging opportunities for technology engaged creative graduates.

As a student at the UAL Creative Computing Institute you will study in a specialist and research rich environment. We provide dedicated technical resources and access to an Institute wide lecture programme. There will be further opportunities to engage with researchers and practitioners through additional events, seminars and workshops.

By studying at the UAL Creative Computing Institute, you will join a network of creatives excited by the potential of computational technologies.

Course units

Terms 1 and 2

The first half of the course sees students study 3 units (1,2,3) in parallel. It aims to give an intense grounding in creative coding, computational concepts and creative computing practice.

Unit 1 - Creative Coding and Frameworks (20 Credits)

This unit aims to take students with varying creative coding experience and give them a solid grounding in key coding languages for creative computing and key computational concepts. This will be delivered in up to 6 hours a week of coding classes that cover JavaScript, P5 and Python and workshops exploring tools and frameworks such as VVVV, Open Frameworks and Max MSP.

Unit 2 - Computational Futures, AI and Machine Learning (20 Credits)

This unit explores the emerging area of machine learning. It is mix of practical tasks introducing ML frameworks such as TensorFlow and seminars that look at emerging practice across the arts and creative industries that employ some level of artificial intelligence.

Unit 3 - Physical Computing, Creative Project (20 Credits)

This unit is the creative application of the skills gained in this part of the course and students will produce creative projects using sensors and actuators. This application of coding skills creative practice will include an introduction to physical computing and electronics prototyping with platforms such as Arduino and Micro:bit.

Terms 2 and 3

The second half of the course sees students study 3 units (3, 4, 5) in parallel. It aims to give students expertise in the process of developing apps in teams. It also introduces students to the digital creative industries in London and further develops their creative practice.

Unit 4 - Coding for Collaborative App Development (20 Credits)

In this unit students will develop an app concept using one of the dominant platforms such as Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. This will give students and understanding of the development process using standard development tools and introduce platform specific coding languages such as Swift. Importantly this unit will include an introduction to collaborative tools for software development.

Unit 5 - Digital Creative Industries (20 Credits)

The aim of this unit is to provide and in depth understanding of both the structure of the creative industries in London and the varied opportunities that exist in what is a diverse sector for people engaged with creative computing.

Unit 6 - Computational Environments, Creative Project (20 Credits)

This unit builds on the creative practice developed earlier in the course and explores scaling that practice by developing spatial interventions. Students will explore projection mapping, computer vision and sound tools to explore computational environments.

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Studio/lab-based practice and masterclasses
  • Project work
  • Technical tuition
  • Collaborative problem-solving and group work
  • Independent study

Assessment methods

  • Project portfolio comprising of technical prototypes and presentations
  • Essays and reports
  • Exams

How to apply

Opportunities for all

We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are:

  • BA (Hons) degree or equivalent academic qualifications
  • Evidence of ability in art or design
  • Alternative qualifications and experience will also be taken into consideration
  • Personal statement
  • Portfolio of work

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements).

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • Some experience of creative coding even if limited
  • Evidence of visual and conceptual creative abilities
  • A clear commitment to the chosen field of study
  • The potential to develop the full range of practical, expressive, critical and conceptual skills necessary to complete the course
  • The ability to benefit from the learning environment and experience
  • An awareness of the contemporary and historical context of creative computing
  • Some understanding of the role that contemporary critical thought and historical study can play in the development of personal creative work
  • The ability to communicate and discuss issues and ideas both verbally and in writing
  • The ability to manage your own time and initiate projects

Making your application

You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form

Graduate Diploma in Creative Computing Full-time Year 1 - start your application now

Deferred entry

This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV (see below)
  • Personal statement (see below)

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on Graduate Diploma Creative Computing. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Following the review of the mini portfolio we select a small number of applicants to offer places.

Application deadline

15 May 2021

We recommend you apply as soon as possible before this date, for equal consideration. We may still be able to accept applications after this date, depending on availability.

When you’ll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. We’ll be in touch shortly after you apply with information about next steps. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

There are two ways international students can apply:

  • One of our official representatives in your country
  • A direct application.

Graduate Diploma in Creative Computing Full-time Year 1 - start your application now

If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form above. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.

Deferred entry

This course allows offer holders to defer. If you have an offer of a place, but you would like to defer starting for a year, please contact our Admissions Service as soon as possible via your UAL Portal. Make sure you check our Admissions Policy before requesting a deferral.

Required information for postgraduate course applications

Before you apply, please take time to read the guidance below. You will be asked to provide the following items and upload documents when completing the online application form:

  • Personal details (including full name; date of birth; nationality; permanent address and English language level)
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history
  • CV (see below)
  • Personal statement (see below)

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If English is not your first language it is important that you also include in your CV details of your most recent English language test score.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on Graduate Diploma Creative Computing. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject, and a well-articulated rationale for joining the course.

The personal statement is a very important part of your application and should demonstrate to the course team that you are interested in the subject and that you have thought very carefully about why you wish to study on the course.

Ensure that your personal statement it is well written, clear and free of any spelling mistakes. It is your chance to impress the course team by showing a strong interest in the subject, demonstrating what you feel you would bring to the course, your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it might help you in the future.

This can be demonstrated through work experience, previous studies and your personal experience.

Following the review of the mini portfolio we select a small number of applicants to offer places.

Immigration history check

Whether you are applying online or through a UAL representative you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.

We cannot consider your application if you do not provide all the information above.

Application deadline

15 May 2021

We recommend you apply as soon as possible before this date, for equal consideration. We may still be able to accept applications after this date, depending on availability.

When you’ll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. We’ll be in touch shortly after you apply with information about next steps. Find out more about what happens after you apply.


After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload your portfolio, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  If you do, you will be invited to submit a mini portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Mini portfolio

The mini portfolio should be no more than 6 pages / images comprising of work showing your skills and thinking. You can create the pages in any layout (For example: presentation boards) but they should be uploaded as jpeg images. It should include:

  • One page of research images for (notes, photographs, images of items that you find inspirational for creative computing).
  • Two pages of coding screenshots showing your project development.
  • Two pages of creative computing projects you have undertaken (screen shots or photographs of physical projects).
  • One page of any other creative work. We leave the decision of what to include to you.

The only files that can be uploaded as part of the portfolio are:

  • Images: bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png
  • Audio: mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, wma
  • Video: avi, mp4, mpg, mpeg, mkv, mov, wmv

For more portfolio advice please visit: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/apply/portfolio-advice

Following the review of the mini portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to a full portfolio review.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Portal.

Fees and funding

Home fee

£11,220 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students on courses lasting more than one year. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex and you can find out more on our tuition fees pages.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage

International fee

£22,920 per year

This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course. For this course, you can pay tuition fees in instalments.

International fees are currently charged to students from countries outside of the UK. However, the rules are complex and more information can be found on our tuition fees pages.

From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, although this may depend on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students on our Brexit information webpage

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Careers and alumni

The course is committed to supporting students in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to continue your creative practice.

Personal and professional development is integrated into the course with opportunities to develop your skills through bespoke sessions, talks with industry practitioners, career management and postgraduate progression seminars.

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

UAL Creative Computing Institute

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Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 8001
Address
University of the Arts London (UAL)
45 - 65 Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UF