Creative Technologies MSc
About this course
Our MSc in Creative Technology develops the next generation of creative technology specialists, who through innovation and creativity will disrupt and revolutionise the industry and society. The course is grounded in the application of scientific methodology in its approach to the subject area. Technology and scientific knowledge is applied as part of the creative, multidisciplinary projects.
The course emphasises a project led learning approach with creative technology workshops, realistic project briefs, and a personal and peer project focussed on technology working with fellow students across the school of Art & Design.
Projects could include multi-sensory experiences using computer programming, AI prompting, video and digital music manipulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, UI/UX design, 3D printing, the Internet of Things, CAD/CAM and wearable technology.
This course enables you to develop an existing project idea to completion through a structured pathway of modules and progressive coursework assessments. It provides an opportunity for you explore creative technology and become a technologist or become a commercial or social enterprise entrepreneur of the future.
We encourage you to consider your area of specialism and a proposal of what you wish to research as part of your application. We would be happy to discuss this with you during the application process.
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Choose between 20-credit modules Professional Futures or Advancing Research Design, the latter ideal for students thinking of progressing to PhD or Professional Doctorate study. -
You'll have the opportunity to develop your industry skills by participating in live work-like industry and community project briefs during terms 1 and 2.
What you’ll study
We define creative technology to mean the creative use of digital technology or the use of digital technology for creative purposes; creative technology can be seen as where technology meets art and design. As technology develops, the need for globally-minded and technically savvy creatives is growing.
The course is targeted at potential applicants who have specific projects in mind in the creative technology area. In addition, much of the taught content is via a blend of workshops, work like project briefs, and small group/1-1 project tutorials.
You will develop your ability to propose innovative and exciting solutions to problems that push the boundaries of the creative use of technology. You’ll engage with contemporary research, and, using our industry-standard facilities, develop your in-depth project that explores your area of interest. This will be done through a series of inter-connected modules, designed to enhance your technical expertise, creativity, research knowledge, critical thinking and employability.
Culture and Collaboration
(20 Credits)
Embark on an immersive learning experience where you'll delve into the cultural context driving current and future work. Hone advanced skills in research, critical thinking, and communication while collaborating with peers on a negotiated theme contributing to a collective celebration of innovative ideas in art and design theory and practice.
Context, Research and Definition
(40 Credits)
This module will help you refine your idea contained in the project proposal, you will be provided with guidance support in developing the idea based on your further technical and market research.
There are several workshops and lectures that introduce topics such as: what is creative technology, the use technology in the creative industries, the evolution of the technology and future gazing into what are the possibilities new technology provides. Further specialist technical content will also be provided such as User Experience / User Interface (UX/UI) design, Internet of Things, 3D printing and Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML), modelling and simulation etc.
An important aspect with regards commercial and social enterprises is the understanding and protection of Intellectual Property (IP), managing project risks and market research. In addition to lectures and workshops on these topics, you will receive an opportunity to work alongside colleagues on project briefs that mimic typical aspects and issues encountered.
By the end of the module, you will have developed your individual idea and technical acuity and will be able to identify its location within the context of contemporary creative technologies.
Design and Development
(40 Credits)
Get hands-on by applying your newly acquired skills from previous module lectures, workshops, and mini briefs to your own personal project.
This enables you to take your initial design and market research developed in the previous module, to create a final design for your creative technology product or service, one that encompasses your idea. One to one and small group tutorials will provide support and feedback on your idea development and facilitate you realising it as a prototype product or service.
Workshops and lectures during this module introduce topics such as: technical documentation requirements, project management skills, and idea generation for creative solutions, commercialisation of creative technologies and product evaluation processes. In addition to lectures and workshops on these topics, you will receive an opportunity to work alongside colleagues on project briefs that mimic typical aspects and issues encountered.
By the end of the module, you will have started the development of the prototype product to service and have clear description of what will be delivered at the end of the next module. In addition, you will have a strategy and plan for evaluation.
Completion and Evaluation
(60 Credits)
This module continues from the previous ‘Design and Development’, you will concentrate on the final completion of your project with the support of one to one and small group tutorials. Before the end of the module, you will have evaluated your prototype product or service against the initial project goals.
There will be lectures and workshops on user testing and evaluation strategies, taking prototype to a commercial product or service and examination of case studies.
As part of your professional development, you will undertake self-evaluation of your learning journey, identify your professional and career goals, and create a strategy as to how to further develop your idea after the course.
Advancing Research Design: Maximising Your Methods
(20 Credits)
This multidisciplinary module offers an exploratory platform for students who are interested in using their course as a foundation for further research-based study, enhancing their professional practice through deeper knowledge of research methods, or progressing to PhD-level study. The module is designed to enable students to critically review, apply, and align a range of research methods to support their creative work within their discipline. By exploring and critiquing various research methodologies, students will learn how to apply these approaches to create coherent research designs and develop strong outcomes across diverse fields.
As students engage with this module, they will continue to cultivate creative approaches to their work, expanding their methods and outputs while gaining a deeper understanding of their place within the broader field of art and design research. Innovation and calculated risk-taking are encouraged, as students will position their research design choices to contribute to the creation of new knowledge and understanding that extends beyond the module itself, ultimately enriching their future academic and professional endeavours.
Professional Futures
(20 Credits)
This module is designed to offer students a space to explore and share ideas while considering future professional opportunities in the field of visual communications. By bringing together students from all visual communication disciplines, the module serves as a catalyst for cross-disciplinary debate and discussion on employment, enterprise, and innovation. Through collaborative exploration, students will engage in forward-thinking conversations, gaining insights into the evolving landscape of visual communications and how they can position themselves for success in this dynamic field.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
How you're taught
The timetable for this course is built around four distinct sessions.
Research workshops
- These are group sessions and are a forum for discussion and practical exercises, alongside other students on your course.
- You’ll work on tasks relating to module themes, which will give you the chance to learn about the research methodologies required at the postgraduate level.
Tutorials/Technical Supervision
- Tutorials take place in both group and individual settings. Group tutorials focus on the development of your critical thinking skills, and you’ll engage in critical discussion as a group, facilitated by academic staff. Tutorials will require you to prepare work for discussion.
Skills workshops
- These workshops are practical sessions, designed to explore the relevant practices and procedures relevant for your career in the creative industries. Many of these sessions will be universal for all disciplines, for example through subjects such as the use of VR in the creative industries.
- You’ll have the opportunity to personalise your learning experience as part of these sessions, by selecting those that meet your career aspirations. Sessions will be held in places such as our IT suites, studios and green screen rooms.
- You’ll also benefit from guest presentations, delivered by alumni and employers within the sector.
How you're assessed
The course enables you to develop a proposed project idea to completion through a structured pathway of modules and progressive coursework assessments.
The modules are scaffolded to support your progress and realise your project, including a series of mini-briefs, case studies and external professional briefs to extend your learning, project ideas and required creative skills.
You will receive developmental feedback throughout from peer discussion and work-in-progress reviews with tutors at scheduled points in order to submit your final personal project for assessment at the end of the course.
Contact hours
This course is delivered over one year full-time over 45 weeks between September to July, with six hours of contact per week.
Careers and employability
Throughout the course there are opportunities for work-like/work-based experiences.
In addition there in the optional module there are guest speakers and the opportunity for collaborative multi-disciplinary working.
- Potential job roles could include:
- Creative Technologist
- Freelance Designer/Developer
- Entrepreneur
- Futurologist
- Emerging roles for technologists in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and interactive installations.
Campus and facilities
You’ll be based in our PG hub in Waverley with access to new Design and Digital Arts Building – a landmark building for the creative industries in Nottingham equipped with cutting-edge technology and spaces to collaborate and exhibit work. View our Nottingham School of Art & Design Facilities Hub here
Entry requirements
UK students
Academic entry requirements: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or an appropriate equivalent, i.e. a professional qualification, from a recognised British or overseas institution, in a related subject. Related subjects include (but are not limited to), music technology, film production, TV production technology, music performance, games production, games art, VFX technology production and, live and technical events.
Other requirements: You'll be invited to an informal interview after you submit your application, to determine your project ideas, your fit with the course, and to discuss your aspirations.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or an appropriate equivalent, i.e. a professional qualification, from a recognised British or overseas institution, in a related subject. Related subjects include (but are not limited to), music technology, film production, TV production technology, music performance, games production, games art, VFX technology production and, live and technical events.
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
Other requirements: You'll be invited to an informal interview after you submit your application, to determine your project ideas, your fit with the course, and to discuss your aspirations.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
We welcome applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds and work experience. We consider credit transfer, vocational and professional qualifications, and any work or life experience you may have.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
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We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
