UAL Diploma in Apple Development

Course units

Terms One/Two (UAL Block 1)

This first block of units is studied in parallel.

Introduction to the course: we recognise that you will be joining the course with differing levels of technical skill. You will be introduced to the study of coding and assessment practices within the CCI in term one.

Coding One: Swift and Swift UI (20 Credits)

Drawing on Apple’s "Develop in Swift Fundamentals" curriculum.  This unit gives you the opportunity to develop your coding skills in the Swift language and introduces the Swift UI frameworks key to the practice of Apple application development and prototyping.

Product One: Team App Design, User Experience Research and Rapid prototyping (20 Credits)

Drawing on Apple’s "Develop in Swift Explorations" curriculum.  This unit explores the process of designing apps for the iOS platform and introduces UX methodologies, collaborative development approaches and high-fidelity prototyping using Apple tools.  

ML One: Introducing Machine Learning with Core ML (20 Credits)

The unit is a mix of practical tasks introducing the core Apple ML frameworks and seminars that look at emerging practice across the arts and creative industries that employ some level of artificial intelligence.

Terms Two/Three (UAL Block 2)

This second block of units are studied in parallel.

Coding Two: Further Apple Frameworks (20 Credits)

This unit explores further Apple frameworks to develop 2D games. You will gain experience using frameworks such as SpriteKit.

Product Two: Individual App Design and Launch (20 Credits)

In this unit you will develop an app concept for Apple’s iOS. This will give you both an understanding of the development process using the standard Apple development tools and build on your Swift learning in an applied context.

ML Two: Making Models with Create ML (20 Credits)

This unit explores the creation of bespoke Machine Learning models using Apple tools and specifically the Create ML framework.

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

Pastoral care: pastoral care is delivered by an individual tutorial programme as well as support from the local student services teams at Peckham Road. You are also able to contact the course leader directly via email or  CCI communications tools such as Slack. These also provide access to the CCI technical team who can support equipment requests based on financial hardship.

To further support students, we provide continued Slack (or similar) access to CCI for technical and peer support during final year of study on return to their college.

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
• The ability to communicate and discuss issues and ideas both verbally and in writing
• The ability to manage your own time and initiate projects

Selection process:

• You can apply directly to the Institute via web form in the apply section of the course page.
• You will need to provide some personal details and 400 word statement about “why you’d like to undertake the Diploma and your experience of creative computing.”
• You can provide a portfolio link but this is not required.
• There are two rounds of applications, one in March and one in June.
• We confirm your place within a short period after each deadline and then confirm your progression to us with your home college.
• You must be in good academic standing to progress to the CCI (i.e. not be carrying any referred units).
• Prior to your application we encourage you to attend/view an online open day which you can see on our YouTube channel.
• Any queries about the process can be directed to cci@arts.ac.uk

After you apply

Communicating with you

After you have registered your interest with us we will invite you to information sessions.

What happens next?

Following the review of applications we select a number of applicants to undertake the diploma and will work with you to confirm your place on the diploma.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive communication via email once your offer of a diploma place is secured.