Skip to main content
Postgraduate

MSc Creative Computing

Start date:
September 2026 Application deadline:
Applications closed for 2026/27 entry College:
UAL Creative Computing Institute Fees:
£14,420 (Home) £30,890 (International) Fee details Course length:
1 year 3 months full-time (45 weeks across a four-term model)
Close up of student working with technical equipment
Anna Tsuda in the studio, 2021, MSc Creative Computing, UAL Creative Computing Institute, ©Alys Tomlinson

MSc Creative Computing is an exciting mix of advanced computing and creative practice set in the context of a world-renowned creative university.

Course summary

Applications closed 2026/2027

Applications are now closed for 2026/27 entry. Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in autumn 2026.

Changes for CCI from September 2027

Over two years we’ll be making changes to where our Creative Computing Institute (CCI) courses are taught. During the 2027/28 academic year CCI students will be based at UAL’s London College of Communication (LCC) within a cutting-edge new building. From the 2028/29 academic year CCI students will become LCC students.

We’re not making any changes in the 2026/27 academic year.

Key Information for 2026 entry applicants

  • From September 2026 to June 2027, you will study at our Peckham Road campus.
  • For the remainder of your course, you will study at LCC’s new building in Elephant and Castle.

Explore creative computing and build your expertise in evolving areas such as advanced visualisation, physical computing and machine intelligence. Explore the advanced skills of coding such as Python, JavaScript and processing, and gain experience with development frameworks such as Open Frameworks and Unity.

This course explicitly explores computational thinking and this will enable you to engage with the cultural agency of computational technology.

The integration of computing and creative practice in MSc Creative Computing will help you gain the specialist skills required to build a successful career in creative practice, the creative industries or within the digital technology sector more broadly.

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. As a graduate from this course, you will be able to develop for the dominant frameworks
    that underpin much of the creative digital industries and lead creative work with technology.
  • 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.
  • High-quality research informed teaching: the course is significantly informed by the research themes of the newly established UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI). The CCI’s research themes of Creativity, Machine Learning and AI; Human Computer Interaction; Platforms, Big Data and
    Digital Citizenship are imbedded in units throughout the course.
  • Critical engagement with technology: through critical studies and creative practice the course will provide you with opportunities to question the trajectory of technology development and understand the role of technology in producing the future.
  • UAL Creative Computing Institute (CCI): this newly established UAL is located within the new building at Camberwell. You will have access to purpose built facilities and technical support, and exposure to creative computing research.
  • A material understanding of computational technologies: develop an appreciation of what computation is in both a technical and cultural sense. This understanding will enable you to challenge dominant ways of deploying technology at the level of code, for example re engineering facial
    recognition algorithms to challenge cultural basis.

Follow CCI online...

Course overview

An exciting mix of computing and creative practice set in the context of a world-renowned creative university. Students will extend their coding skills to include the advanced frameworks that underpin innovative creative computing practice in the crafting of bespoke digital experiences. This integration of computing and creative practice will ensure students have the opportunity to build a successful career in creative practice, the creative industries, or within the digital technology sector more broadly.

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

  • Explore evolving areas: such as advanced computational creativity, physical computing, tangible media, machine intelligence and more.  

  • Acquire advanced applied computing skillsets: covering the advanced computational workflows that support innovation in the digital technology sector and creative practice. 

  • Develop the ability to innovate: explore advanced computational practice through creative use of these skills.  

  • An explicit exploration of computational thinking: enabling critical engagement with the cultural agency of computational technology.

Mode of Study 

MSc Creative Computing is offered in full-time mode and runs for 45 weeks over 15 months, with a break over the summer. 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.

Register your interest

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

All 20 credit units carry an expectation of approximately 12-15 study hours per week minus the direct contact time shown. The hours outside of direct contact time are for self-directed study, library, technical resource access and associated practice. 40 credit units are double the above.

Term 1

These units are delivered in parallel:

  • Critical Coding: Advanced Creative Practice 
  • Creative Making: Advanced Physical Computing and Tangible Media 

Term 2

These units are delivered in parallel:

  • Critical Coding: Advanced Creative Practice - Continued
  • Creative Making: Advanced Computational Creativity and Responsive Environments 

Term 3

These units are delivered in parallel:

  • Engaging Machine Intelligence 
  • Creative Making: Advanced Computational Creativity and Responsive Environments - Continued

Term 4

  • Creative Computing Final Project 

Programme specification

Download course specification (PDF File 623.9 KB)

Learning and teaching methods

The course is delivered through a series of lectures introducing core topics, providing context and explaining the purpose of tasks. In labs, students will work both individually and in groups to develop knowledge through a series of critical and creative exercises, undertaken throughout the course. Students will work in a programming environment suitable for the creation of real-time, interactive software. In creative making units, subjects will be introduced through a range of studio-based workshops and assignments supported where appropriate by lectures, seminars, critiques and visits. Independent creative practice is also required.

Assessment methods

  • Course work
  • Set tasks
  • Presentations
  • Creative Practice-based thesis essay

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

Or view all

Entry requirements

  • Computer Science
  • Interactive Media Arts
  • Data Science
  • Computing
  • Game Development
  • Joint Computer Science / Arts, Humanities programme
  • Responsive Environments

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

  • Game Design
  • Design Media Arts
  • Interaction Design
  • Interactive Media Design
  • Web Design
  • Computer Science

or a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree in a technical and/or creative discipline. Students 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.

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) is required, with a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For more details, please check our main English Language requirements webpage.

Selection criteria

If students do not have a Science or Mathematics-based A-level, they should normally have at least Grade B/Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics. Applicants are judged on evidence of technical ability, creative practice, and social impact.

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.

How to apply

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

Step 1: Initial application

For a general guide to applying to our courses, read our postgraduate application advice.

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.

Step 2: Video task and digital portfolio

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

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool. Please submit your video task on the first page followed by your portfolio.

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

  • Tell us why you have applied to MSc Creative Computing and how it will help you achieve your career ambitions.

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

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 6 pages
  • include work that demonstrates your skills and thinking
  • include 1 page of research
  • include 2 pages of coding screenshots showing your project development
  • include 2 pages of creative computing projects that you have undertaken
  • include 1 page of any other creative work.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Final step: After you apply

Find out how we'll communicate with you and see what happens after you apply.

Apply now

Application deadline

Applications are now closed for 2026/27 entry. Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in autumn 2026.

Read more about deadlines

Apply now

Application deadline

Applications are now closed for 2026/27 entry. Applications for 2027/28 entry will open in autumn 2026.

Read more about deadlines

Careers

Developing your skills

Graduates of MSc Creative Computing will possess a material understanding of computational technologies and a set of computing and coding skills in demand across the digital sector. The integration of computational skills and creative practice taught in this course mean graduates will have the skills required in modern and evolving workplaces.

Career paths

Graduates will be well paced to work in the following roles:

  • Creative Technologist
  • Creative Developer
  • Web Developer
  • UX Developer
  • iOS App Developer
  • Software Developer
  • IoT / Smart Products Developer
  • Front – End Developer
  • Digital Strategist
  • Live Events Technologist
  • Technology Researcher
  • Machine Intelligence Developer
  • Broadcast Technologist
  • IT Specialist
  • Digital Project Manager
  • Digital Entrepreneur
  • Digital Creative
  • Interactive Designer

A proportion of graduates may also wish to pursue PhD study.

UAL Alumni Association

Our alumni association offers graduates support and a number of benefits.

Student Jobs and Careers

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

UAL Creative Computing Institute

Contact

Address

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