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Postgraduate

MRes Creative Computing

Students working in the studio
Students in the studio, 2021, UAL Creative Computing Institute © Ana Escobar
College
UAL Creative Computing Institute Start date
September 2026 Course length
1 year (45 weeks including summer thesis project)

The MRes Creative Computing will give you a material understanding of computational technologies in the context of creative computing research.

Course summary

Why choose this course at UAL Creative Computing Institute

  • High-quality research informed teaching: the course is significantly informed by the research themes of the UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI)
  • 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
  • Institute Environment:  you will have access to purpose-built facilities and technical support, and exposure to creative computing research

Open Events

The next Open Evening for this course will be on Wednesday 18 February. Book your place now.

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Twitter: @ual_cci

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Instagram: @ual_cci

Course overview

MRes Creative Computing post-graduate Masters by research will give you a material understanding of computational technologies in the context of creative computing research. You will be introduced to innovative research methods, the knowledge domain of creative computing and research design in an interdisciplinary context.

The course specifically supports progression to MPhil/PhD within the Institute and elsewhere. The course is a good fit for developing a research career in academia or industry and understanding how research is done in the interdisciplinary domain of creative computing.

We are committed to ensuring that your skills are set within an ethical framework and are working to embed UAL’s Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice. 

What to expect

Engagement with the following core Institute researcher themes:

  • Creativity, Machine Learning and AI: This theme explores how a foundational technology of the 21st century can be used in creative ways and examines how people will act with such technologies in deploying their personal and collective creativity 
  • Human Computer Interaction: This theme explores how we behave with emerging technologies and what they will mean for products, services and culture 
  • Platforms, Big Data and Digital Citizenship: This theme explores how the huge amount of data aggregated to the key platforms of our time can be understood, explored and contribute to a public discourse of a globalised and networked society.
  • A specialist and research rich environment: dedicated technical resources, access to our Institute-wide lecture programme and further opportunities to engage with Institute researchers and practitioners through events, seminars and workshops.
  • Research community: you will be joining the CCI-wide network of creative researchers excited by the potential of computational technologies. 

Industry experience and opportunities 

Graduates of the MRes Creative Computing programme often progress to PhD study. Furthermore, others move into research roles in arts organisations, cultural institutions, or the creative technology sector. The course also prepares students for technical and academic positions within universities. With strong industry links and access to a vibrant research community, you’ll gain valuable experience through seminars, events, and collaborative opportunities, equipping you with the skills and networks needed for a research-led career in academia, industry, or the wider creative and cultural landscape. 

Mode of Study 

MRes Creative Computing is offered in full-time mode and runs for 45 weeks over 12 months. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.   

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

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Course units

Methods 1: Domain Knowledge and Creative Computing 

This seminar class introduces the key domains of knowledge at play in creative computing research. Students develop a literature review based on concepts developed in this class.

Creative Coding for Research 

This practical class develops key coding skills to support creative computing research and contains applied project work. Students will be introduced to key tools and frameworks with which to undertake computing research.

Methods 2: Creative Computing Research Methods 

This class introduces the key aspects of the research process and interdisciplinary methodologies and methods for creative computing research. Qualitative, quantitative, visual and applied methods are introduced including methods from the fields of computer science and participatory design.

Research Design and Experimental Data in Creative Computing 

This practical class develops advanced coding skills to support creative computing research. Students will be introduced to innovative approaches to generating research data and will practically explore creative AI and machine learning in the context of creative computing research. The unit will also specifically explore research design with experimental data and tools.

Methods 3: Computational Research Ethics 

This seminar class introduces the key research methods for creative computing specifically including defined approaches to working with people and technology. Students will also be introduced to applied ethical frameworks for undertaking creative computing research and will develop a method statement and ethical evaluation for a proposed research project.

MRes Final Project 

Students will undertake self-directed research project which will be submitted as a draft academic paper, a formal PhD proposal or a creative presentation of research with an accompanying thesis.

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 571.7 KB)

Learning and teaching methods

To enable students to demonstrate achievement against the unit learning outcomes, learning and teaching methods will include:

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

Assessment methods

The assessment strategy for the MRes has been designed in accordance with the QAA expectations of research masters as outlined in section 6 above. It is a strategy that develops threshold research competency in creative computing. Assessment methods include:

  • Project portfolio comprising
    • Technical prototypes
    • Presentations
  • Essays and reports
  • Exams

Watch the online open day

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£14,420

This fee is correct for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change for 2027/28 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.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£30,890

This fee is correct for 2026/27 entry and is subject to change for 2027/28 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.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you’ll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

If you’ve completed a qualifying course at UAL, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount on this course. Find out more about our Progression discount.

You can also find out more about the Postgraduate Masters Loan (Home students only) and scholarships for Home and International students. Discover more about student funding.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

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Entry requirements

An applicant will normally be considered for admission if they have achieved an educational level equivalent to an honours degree in either the broad fields of:

  • computer science,
  • science and technology studies,
  • data science,
  • computing,
  • a joint computer sciences and arts/humanities degree, or a closely related subject.

Or, from a creative discipline with substantial computational practice such as:

  • Interaction Design
  • Interactive Media Design
  • Web Design / Development
  • Games Design / Development
  • Communication Design
  • Digital Design
  • Product Design

Educational level may be demonstrated by: Honours degree (named above); Possession of equivalent qualifications in a design-related or creative discipline; Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required. Your experience is assessed as a learning process and tutors will evaluate that experience for currency, validity, quality and sufficiency; Or a combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning which, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

Applicants without the required qualifications, but with professional experience may be eligible to gain credit for previous learning and experience through the AP(E)L system.

Language requirements: IELTS level 7.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English Language requirements webpage)

Selection criteria

Sufficient prior knowledge and experience of and/or potential in a specialist subject area to be able to successfully complete the programme of study and have an academic or professional background in a relevant subject.

To show a willingness to work as a team player, good language skills in reading, writing and speaking, the ability to work independently and be self-motivated.

Critical knowledge of and enthusiasm for the subject area and capacity for diverse research-led study at the intersection of computing and practice-based research.

We welcome non-standard applications from diverse applicants and subject fields and applications that make a strong case for how the course could be applied to the ambitions of the applicant in the pursuit of innovative approaches to research using computing, will be prioritised.

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

2 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

18 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

31 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)

Decision outcome

Round 1:

20 March 2026

Round 2:

19 June 2026

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
2 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
18 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
31 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)
Decision outcome
20 March 2026
19 June 2026

We have 2 rounds of deadlines for postgraduate courses: one in December and one in March. If there are still places available after 18 March, this course will remain open to applications until all places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply to UAL

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

Deadline

Round 1:

2 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

18 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)

Video task deadline

Round 1:

16 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

Round 2:

31 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)

Decision outcome

Round 1:

20 March 2026

Round 2:

19 June 2026

Round 1
Round 2
Deadline
2 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
18 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)
Video task deadline
16 December 2025 at 1pm (UK time)
31 March 2026 at 1pm (UK time)
Decision outcome
20 March 2026
19 June 2026

We have 2 rounds of deadlines for postgraduate courses: one in December and one in March. If there are still places available after 18 March, this course will remain open to applications until all places have been filled.

Read more about deadlines

Apply to UAL

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement and CV.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

CV advice

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience. If you have any web projects or other media that you would like to share, please include links in your CV. If English is not your first language, please also include your most recent English language test score.

Read our advice on preparing the tasks and documents for your initial application.

Step 2: Video task

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a video task .

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Video task advice

We’d like you to submit a 2-3 minute video to help us learn more about you. When recording your task, please face the camera and speak in English.

What to include in your video task

  • Please tell us about your research interests and why you believe that MRes Creative Computing is the right fit to develop them.

Find advice on how to plan and film your video task. Then read our guidance on how to submit your video task, including the file types we accept.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Applying to more than 1 course

You can apply for more than 1 postgraduate course at UAL but we recommend that you apply for a maximum of 3 courses.

As every course has its own entry and assessment requirements, we recommend tailoring each application to showcase how your experience, skills and interests match that course. Applying for many different courses may make it more difficult for you to show that you are suitable for each course in a competitive admissions process.

Only apply to the course(s) you are most interested in – applying for too wide a range of different courses may reduce your ability to clearly demonstrate your suitability for each. It’s better to make fewer bespoke applications than many generic ones. This will help you to stand out where we have high demand for places.

If you receive offers for multiple courses, you'll only be able to accept 1 offer. UAL doesn't accept repeat applications to the same course in the same academic year.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If we are unable to consider you for the course you have applied to but your application is really strong, we may make you an alternative offer on a different course or at a different UAL College. This happens when our admissions tutors have found another course that they believe would be a strong match for your skills and interests.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our postgraduate courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Application deadlines

Most of our postgraduate courses have 2 rounds of deadlines: one in December and one in March.

As long as you apply ahead of each deadline we will consider your application alongside all the other applications in that round. We always make sure to hold enough places back for round 2 to make sure we can consider your application fairly, no matter which round you apply in.

If there are still places available after the second deadline, the course will remain open to applications until all places have been filled.

For our MBA courses, there is only 1 deadline. This is 31 July for international applicants and 31 August for UK applicants. This is to make sure you have enough time to apply for your visa if you are an international student.

For our January-start courses, the deadline is in October. If there are still places available after this deadline, the course will remain open to applications until all places have been filled.

Careers

Career paths

Graduates will be well placed to work in the following areas:

  • Technology Research
  • Academic Research
  • Creative AI
  • Creative Technology
  • User Research and Testing
  • Interdisciplinary Research
  • Research Software Development
  • Digital Product Development

UAL Creative Computing Institute

Contact

Email

cci@arts.ac.uk

Address

UAL Creative Computing Institute
45–65 Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UF