Computer-based multimedia techniques are used to communicate a whole range of ideas in business, education, government, the arts and entertainment, and the aim of this course is to give you a clear understanding of the underlying principles and technical issues associated with developing computer systems that incorporate multimedia content.
This course can complement the knowledge and skills that you have obtained on almost any undergraduate course. We have had artists who wanted to present their material on the Internet, engineers who wanted to create product and factory simulations and even an archaeologist who wanted to create a virtual museum. We do expect applicants to have an honours degree and to have some experience of using computers.
In some cases, we have recruited applicants with significant knowledge and experience of the area who have not had these formal qualifications, but have been able to demonstrate that they have the capability to make academic judgements and understand technical concepts, and are prepared to work independently to understand the way that new ideas are being created in a rapidly developing field.
Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Multimedia Engineering. The MSc can have a sandwich element if you obtain and carry out an industrial placement.
Contact details
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Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8351
Please note the following information for applicants
Both the Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Multimedia Engineering cover the following taught modules:
Multimedia Technology and Design
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process;
Research Methods
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that are required to enhance your abilities as an independent learner. Practical work in this module will focus on the investigation of topics that are directly relevant to this subject area;
Digital 3D
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments;
Internet Development
You will learn more about the development of Internet delivered systems;
Multimedia Applications and CAL
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems;
Multimedia Programming
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.
Should you decide to follow the MSc path, the Major Project will provide you with the opportunity to work on an individually supervised project in order to apply the material you have previously learnt on the course and develop your expertise in a specific area.
Find out more about MSc Multimedia Engineering project work.
Study routes
We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Multimedia Engineering.
Both courses aim to produce individuals whose multimedia skills mean that they can hit the ground running in their future careers.
You will explore the technology that is used to manage images, video, sound, animation and 3D worlds. You will learn how these multimedia assets are stored and manipulated, from both a theoretical and practical point of view. You will then learn how they can be delivered through the Internet or other media and how the method of delivery influences the design and techniques that can be used. You will also examine the use of multimedia for a range of applications with a special focus on how multimedia can be used to build learning material.
What do you study?
The course is delivered in two phases. A series of taught modules is delivered in the first 30 weeks of the course, covering the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. The final 15 weeks of the academic year allow the MSc students the opportunity to complete a major project through independent study.
How do you study?
The coursework on this course will require you to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation. During the Major Project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical work, which then forms the basis of a dissertation and an oral presentation.
View student project work here
Assessment
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.
Facilities
This course benefits from the excellent facilities and equipment available in the School of Science and Technology.
Companies are increasingly looking for flexible employees with a range of abilities, which is why Multimedia Engineering graduates often find employment thanks to a combination of their first degree and postgraduate qualification.
This is particularly true in the field of computer-aided learning (CAL), and a significant number of graduates have gone into CAL development roles in both the public and private sector. Their CAL development expertise was obtained from this course and their subject knowledge from their first degree.
In the early days of the course, a large number of graduates were attracted to web design and, in fact, our graduates have set up two web design companies, one in the UK and one in China. Job opportunities have declined in this area but they have also become more polarised and students with graphic design or similar backgrounds have found that the technical input from this course has enhanced their career prospects.
As the power of computers and the infrastructure of the Internet have continued to develop, there appears to be an increased demand for students with experience in creating 3D systems and it is expected that this will be a growth area in demand for graduates from this course.
Practical work experience can help you in your studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual’s efforts and is not guaranteed.
The School is extending its highly successful placement scheme to students of MSc Multimedia Engineering. If you choose this option, you will receive extensive help in obtaining a valuable one-year paid work placement and continued support during the placement period.
For further information please visit our placements website.
Click the Apply online button at the top of the page to complete your application.
