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Creative Technologies MSc

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): September 2024
  • Duration: One year
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time
  • Campus: City Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024/25

Introduction:

Be a part of the next generation of creative technology specialists, who through innovation and creativity will disrupt and revolutionise the industry and society.

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 emphasises a project-led learning approach with creative technology workshops, realistic mini-project briefs, and a personal project focussed on technology.

The course requires a proposal of what you wish to research that contains a rationale for it being masters level and why it is MSc (e.g. technology focussed and a science research methodology used).

  • 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. It is envisioned that you will be from industry or a student with a project that carries on from your undergraduate work. 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 of technology in the creative industries, and the evolution of technology.

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.

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)

Building on the foundation of the 'Design and Development' module, this next phase empowers you to bring your project to its final fruition, guided by one-on-one and small group tutorials. Engaging lectures and workshops will delve into user testing, strategies for evaluation, transitioning from prototype to commercial product or service, and insightful case studies to support your process. You will also 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 interdisciplinary module offers students an exploratory platform if they intend to use their course for further research-based studies, expand their research method knowledge, or contemplate PhD-level study. It aims to help students apply and critique diverse research methods, develop coherent research designs, and grasp the significance of their work in art and design research, fostering innovative thinking and calculated risk-taking for new knowledge creation beyond the module.

Professional Futures (20 Credits)

The module's purpose is to offer you room for exploring and exchanging ideas and envisioning potential professional prospects in visual communications. You'll work with students from various subject areas, functioning as a catalyst for interdisciplinary discourse and dialogues regarding employment, enterprise, and innovation.

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.

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.

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.

Careers and employability

Potential job roles could include:

  • Creative Technologist
  • Freelance Designer/Developer
  • Entrepreneur
  • Futurologist

Campus and facilities

You’ll be based in our 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

  • 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.
  • Mature students with at least 3 years industry experience are also welcome to apply.
  • Applicants who do not fully satisfy the general criteria will be considered if they are able to demonstrate that they are capable of successfully undertaking and completing the programme at the required standard. Eligibility may be determined by means of an interview for some applicants.
  • Applicants who have been taught and assessed in languages other than English should have an English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Interview

  • 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.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

  • Bachelor’s degree grade 2:2 or equivalent qualification.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2024 entry are yet to be confirmed. Please see our 2023 entry fees for reference:

Mode of study

Home tuition fee

Student fee

£9,700

Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount

We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.

Postgraduate loans

The government introduced a new postgraduate loans scheme in the 2016/17 academic year for Masters degrees. The loan will be a contribution towards the costs of study and it will be at the student's discretion to use the loan towards fees, maintenance costs or other costs.

Scholarships

We are offering a number of scholarships for Masters study.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on
+44 (0)115 848 2494.

Find out more about our terms and conditions of study for this course.

Fees for 2024 entry are yet to be confirmed. Please see our 2023 entry fees for reference:

Mode of study

International tuition fee

Student fee

£17,500

Alumni Loyalty Scheme - 20% fee discount

We're happy to be able to offer a 20% fee discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU graduates.
See if you're eligible.

International scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to international students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Please take a look at our International students page for information about fees, scholarships for international students, visas and much more.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying.

Application deadline

You can apply for this course throughout the year, but we'd recommend that applications should be received by the end of July for entry in September.

Examples of work

In order for us to consider your application, we need you to submit examples of your practical work. Please upload these as part of your online application.

For full details on what we require, please read our Masters Work Submission information.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieve, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Your portfolio 

If your initial application is successful, you may be asked to upload a portfolio of your work and you may also be asked to attend an interview.

Portfolio advice

Would you like some advice on your study plans? 

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.