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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
October 2023 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.

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

Follow CCI online

Twitter: @ual_cci

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Instagram: @ual_cci

Course overview

The post-graduate masters by research MRes Creative Computing will give you a material understanding of computational technologies in the context of creative computing research. You will also 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 both within the Institute and elsewhere and is a good fit for someone looking to develop a research career (in academia or industry) and who wants to know how research is done in the interdisciplinary domain of creative computing.
 

As an MRes student you will engage with the following core Institute researchers themes;
Creativity, Machine Learning and AI, This platform 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 platform explores how we behave with emerging technologies and what they will mean for products, services and culture; Platforms, Big Data and Digital Citizenship: This platform 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.

As a student at the UAL Creative Computing Institute you will study in a specialist and research rich environment. The Institute provides dedicated technical resources and access to an Institute wide lecture programme and further opportunities to engage with Institute researchers and practitioners through additional events, seminars and workshops. By studying at the UAL Creative Computing Institute, you will join at network of creative researchers excited by the potential of computational technologies.

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Methods 1: Creative Computing Research Methods (20 Credits)

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.

Methods 2: Domain Knowledge and Creative Computing (20 Credits)

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 (20 credits)

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 3: Computational Research Ethics (20 Credits)

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.

Research Design and Experimental Data in Creative Computing (20 credits)

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.

Research Project (80 credits)

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.

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 & masterclasses
  • Project work
  • Technical Tuition
  • Collaborative problem-solving & group work
  • Independent Study

Watch the online open day

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£12,700

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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 nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£25,970

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

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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.

Apply now

Home International

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.

Apply

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.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at UAL Creative Computing Institute, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Start your application now

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:

General information

  • Personal details (including full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

CV

Please provide a CV detailing your education, qualifications and any relevant work or voluntary experience.

Personal statement advice

You will be asked to complete a personal statement describing why you want to study on MRes 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.

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 documents through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Please consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

If this course requires a digital portfolio as part of the application process, you will be invited to submit this through UAL’s online submission tool, PebblePad. We will request this separately after initial processing of your application is complete. Once we request your portfolio, you will have 7 days to submit it.

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

There are two ways international students can apply:

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.

Apply

You can only apply to the same course once per year.

Transfers

If you are currently studying at another institution and if you have successfully completed 60 credits in the equivalent units and modules on your current postgraduate course and wish to continue your studies at UAL Creative Computing Institute, you can apply to transfer. The Admissions Tutor will consider applications on a case by case basis, subject to places being available. You must apply directly to the course via the course webpage as early as possible.

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and unit transcripts.

You will need to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

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.

Visas

Read our visit our immigration and visa advice page to find out whether you need a visa to study.

Start your application now

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:

General information

  • Personal details (including full name, preferred name, date of birth, nationality, addresses)
  • Current English language level
  • Current and/or previous education and qualification details
  • Employment history

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 MRes 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.

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.

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 documents through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Please consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.

Application deadline

19 December 2022 and 3 April 2023

Our equal consideration deadlines have now passed. This course will remain open to applications for 2023 entry until places have been filled. Please be aware that courses can close without notice.

We recommend you submit your application as early as possible to allow the Admissions team to resolve any initial queries about your application as quickly as possible.

When you'll hear from us

Once you’ve sent in your application, this will be sent through to our course teams for review. Find out more about what happens after you apply.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. Your application will be considered by an Academic Reviewer who may decide to make you an offer or reject your application.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

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

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

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 8001
Address
UAL Creative Computing Institute
45–65 Peckham Road
London
SE5 8UF