Unlock your creative potential, by joining a creative community and making engaging media content on Northern Ireland's inspiring North Coast
Dive into the dynamic world of digital media production on the enchanting North Coast of Ireland!
Are you ready to ignite your creative spark and embark on an exhilarating journey through digital innovation? Welcome to our captivating course, where the rugged beauty of the North Coast serves as both inspiration and backdrop for your artistic endeavours.
Here's why our program is unlike any other:
Nurture Your Creative Potential: On Digital Media Production, we're dedicated to cultivating your innate creativity. From mastering the art of storytelling to honing your technical skills, our comprehensive curriculum empowers you to craft compelling content that captivates audiences worldwide.
Embrace the Spirit of Innovation: Get ready to push boundaries and break new ground in the digital sphere! With a focus on creative risk-taking and innovation, our course encourages you to think outside the box, experiment fearlessly, and pave the way for groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of media.
Join a Thriving Creative Community: Step into a supportive environment where collaboration thrives and mentorship flourishes. With access to industry experts and a close-knit community of fellow creatives, you'll have the guidance and support you need to unleash your full potential and thrive in your artistic journey.
Real-World Experience: You’ll enjoy hands-on learning through immersive projects and real-world briefs, you'll gain invaluable experience and build a robust portfolio of creative works that showcase your talent to the world.
Make a Difference: Our commitment to sustainable and ethical production practices goes beyond the classroom. By addressing global inequalities and advocating for social justice, we empower you to use your creative voice as a force for positive change in our increasingly interconnected world.
Chart Your Path to Success: Whether you aspire to work in film, design, marketing, or entrepreneurship, our program equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today's ever-evolving media landscape. With a comprehensive understanding of media history and a keen eye on the future, you'll graduate as a socially responsible, digitally skilled, and media-literate trailblazer ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Join us on the North Coast and unlock your potential as a visionary storyteller, innovative thinker, and catalyst for change in the dynamic world of digital media production. Your adventure awaits!
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Digital Media Production focuses on nurturing students' creative talent, and developing the historical, theoretical and professional knowledges needed to create thoughtful and engaging content for a diverse range of audiences. The course encourages students to experiment, explore their creativity, disrupt and innovate.
Assessed through authentic, applied problem-based coursework and real world briefs, the course helps students reflect on their own production work and develop a portfolio of contemporary creative outputs aligned to the ever developing job market. Through mentorship and a strong creative community, the course champions students to develop their expertise and talent within a supportive community.
Students are exposed to a wide range of media forms in Year 1 to help them understand the established codes and conventions of each form and situate their practice historically and socially, whilst developing core visual, information and digital literacies. Throughout Year 1 students are taught to take measured, informed creative risks and foster critical thinking. In Year 2, these forms are put to work in a set of design contexts to help students deepen their understanding of the effect media have socially, culturally and politically. In Year 3, students are able to put these skills and knowledges to work in the field, through a Diploma of Professional Practice, helping them develop creative confidence, and vocational literacies.
The final year of the degree focuses on outward facing projects with clients, for external exhibition and for external stakeholders through the development of business plans. This means that every student will leave the course with a comprehensive portfolio of creative practice which can be used to demonstrate their skills and creativity for roles in the creative, cultural and media industries or used as a plan to help them establish themselves as a creative start-up.
The course focuses on sustainable and ethical production practices which are future-focused to help address current and developing global inequalities. It challenges students to explore local social, cultural, political and environmental inequalities and injustices and how they reflect larger entanglements.
The course helps students understand the history of a wide variety of media forms; print, motion design, video production, web design, visual culture, data visualisation, immersive media, business development, media management and social enterprise and how these media histories help us understand potential cultural, technological, aesthetic futures and professional vectors.
Through a deep understanding of our shared media pasts, our current social injustices, and a view to some of our probable collective futures, the program of study fosters thoughtful, considered, socially responsible, creatively confident, digitally skilled and media literate graduates that are empowered to meet the fast changing regional, national and international professional challenges and drive positive disruption and change in the creative industries.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in International Academic Studies DIAS
A full time 3-year course (4 years with optional work placement or study abroad year), students are expected to be in attendance during the normal working week.
Students are expected to attend all taught session on the Coleraine Campus throughout their time on the course. Each module has between 3-4 hours contact per week. This is split between 3-4 days. Students have between 11-12 hours teaching a week in the first two years of the course, which then lessens in final year when they have developed more structured independent working proactive in final year. Students in the first two years are expected to complete roughly 10-15 hours structured and independent study alongside this on campus contact to develop their skills and subject knowledge.
In line with the University’s attendance policy, attendance at all taught sessions is compulsory. In addition, students working on projects and in independent work may be required occasionally to attend for group meetings/seminars in the evenings and at weekends.
On Digital Media Production, we are committed to providing students with a dynamic and enriching learning experience that combines academic rigor with real-world application. Our program is designed to nurture creativity, foster critical thinking, and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.
Learning:
Our curriculum is carefully crafted to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of digital media production, from theory to practice. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and hands-on projects, students engage with a wide range of topics, including media history, digital storytelling, design principles, and ethical production practices. By exploring these areas, students develop a deep appreciation for the role of media in shaping society and culture, while also honing their technical skills and creative abilities.
Central to our approach is the emphasis on experiential learning. We believe that students learn best by doing, so they can explore their ideas through making, which is why our program incorporates practical projects and real-world briefs from day one. Whether it's producing a short film, designing a multimedia campaign, or developing a web application, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways and see the direct impact of their work.
Additionally, we recognise the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention and mentorship, while our diverse faculty bring a wealth of expertise and perspectives to the table. Through collaboration and peer feedback, students learn not only from their instructors but also from each other, creating a dynamic community of learners.
Teaching:
Our faculty are not just educators; they are media professionals, academics and researchers with years of experience in the field of digital media production. From award-winning designers to seasoned film makers, our instructors bring a wealth of real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring that students are exposed to a wealth of media experience as well as the latest trends, techniques, and best practices in the industry.
Our teaching philosophy is rooted in active engagement and student-centred learning. Rather than relying solely on traditional lectures, our instructors utilize a variety of teaching methods, including group discussions, hands-on workshops, and guest lectures. This multifaceted approach allows students to explore complex concepts from different angles and encourages active participation and critical inquiry.
Furthermore, our faculty are deeply invested in the success of our students. Through one-on-one mentoring, career guidance, and networking opportunities, they provide personalized support and guidance every step of the way. Whether it's helping students refine their creative vision, navigate technical challenges, or explore career pathways, our faculty are dedicated to helping students reach their full potential.
Assessment:
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process, providing students with valuable feedback and opportunities for growth. Our assessment strategies are designed to be practical, applied, and aligned with real-world expectations. They push students to be experimental, take creative risks and produce a portfolio of work to help showcase their skills. Rather than relying solely on traditional exams and essays, we utilize a variety of assessment methods, including project-based assignments, portfolio crits, presentations, and peer evaluations.
This approach not only allows students to demonstrate their understanding of course material in practical contexts but also prepares them for the demands of the professional world. By working on real-world projects and engaging with industry standards and expectations, students develop the skills and competencies needed to succeed in their future careers.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
Academics from the course work on a range of Research, Commercial and Project based work with communities and Industry, both in Northern Ireland and Internationally. They have won a number of awards for their Learning and Teaching and Research.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module delves into how digital media influences society, and its potential for facilitating or impeding social change. It examines key aspects of media and cultural studies to analyse shifts in human interaction, identity, and perception. Through academic writing exercises, students explore these themes, producing in a case study on a contemporary digital media campaign addressing human rights. Finally, they learn and apply scripting, sound recording, and editing skills to create an audio project highlighting a critical human rights issue.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module will introduce students to concepts and techniques surrounding the production of type-based motion graphics used in computer animation, special effects and web video etc. During the lectures students will explore the aesthetic and narrative forms of these types of moving images. During the workshops students will become familiar with Adobe After Effects software through the production of their own motion graphics.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module traces the evolution of the internet from its origins to present-day, examining its shaping forces. Students delve into the technological underpinnings of the web and its impact on the aesthetics and functionality of media online. Through workshops and resources, they acquire web design skills in HTML and CSS, which is tested using authentic industry informed assessment. Additionally, students learn contemporary AI Generative code techniques, and debate the ethical, creative and practical implications, to create interactive online media and design driven experiences, enhancing their foundational knowledge.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to graphic design and aims to develop their creative and technical skills through the production of their own graphic design work. The workshop series will cover visual language, principles and techniques involved in graphic design while during workshop sessions, students will undertake graphic design challenges using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign software to conceptualise, draft and complete their graphic designs.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module teaches the fundamental elements of screen storytelling: composition, camerawork, structure, editing, sound, and post-production. They develop technical proficiency in lighting, camera work, sound capture, and editing software, undertaking a video interview challenge. Through hands-on experience, students learn video production from writing to delivery, including planning, shooting, and editing an emotionally engaging piece of moving image work.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to some of the core theories of visual media, fostering research, writing, and critical thinking skills. Students explore themes across various visual and digital media forms, analysing their impact on society. Through image analysis and creative exercises, students develop a nuanced understanding of visual communication's power and influence.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will allow students to explore the creative design processes inherent in the design, planning and production of interactive media formats and their associated interactive media theories, and to respond to these concepts and methods in the creation of a small-scale interactive media outcome.
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and experience the how digital storytelling operates in contemporary public spheres, and the skills and techniques to enable students to create their own digital story.
Year: 2
Status: C
Integrating concepts from Media and Social Change, Graphic Design, and Web Design, this module challenges students to explore significant social issues through information design and digital storytelling. Employing data visualisation, storytelling techniques, connected campaigns, and social media outreach, students develop public-facing projects. These initiatives aim to foster audience interaction with data and encourage critical thinking and ethical responses to social and economic inequalities and climate crises.
Year: 2
Status: C
Building on knowledge from Web Design, Graphic Design, Video Production, and Visual Cultures, this module prompts students to craft a portfolio of accessible immersive experiences utilizing Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality. Students develop skills in generating ideas, capturing immersive content, and coding innovative experiences for public display. The module delves into how immersion transforms storytelling and communicates meaning to audiences, and creates engaging and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences
Year: 2
Status: C
Leveraging prior studies in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Visual Cultures, this module focuses on strategizing and pitching audience engagement methods for the Arts and Cultural sectors. Collaborating with outside organisation such as National Museums Northern Ireland and Thrive, students receive mentorship from experienced staff versed in digital innovation in museum projects and audience development. Through the Design Thinking framework and data-driven design, students develop projects addressing real-world challenges. They learn audience measurement techniques and tailor designs accordingly, gaining insight into professional approaches to media production.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the Erasmus Plus area such as the Americas, Australia or China. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline of Media whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This module offers a practical introduction to the range of legal and regulatory topics relevant to media professionals. At its core are defamation, privacy, contempt and copyright - the main areas of law pertinent to media production across all platforms. The module will examine how these impact on the output of the media. It will look at the various codes governing how the media operates and the ethical decisions that media professionals must make in complying with them. The module will demonstrate how to comply with this legislation and relevant codes while still generating engaging material. It will feature class discussions to test the learner's ability to apply this knowledge in decision-making pertinent to the work of media professionals.
Status: O
Year: 2
This module is optional
This reflective module aids students in crafting professional development plans to align with employer expectations and map out their careers aspirations. It supports students in defining their professional identity and specialization to focus their digital creativity. By exploring post-graduation employment prospects and requisite skills, students prepare for the job market. The module facilitates discussions on contemporary professional topics like Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Burnout, Remote Work, and Work/Life Balance, fostering preparedness for media, creative, and cultural industries. Assessment includes evaluating professional planning, self-improvement in specializations, and the opportunity a short work placement to validate skills and knowledge. Students will complete a 70 hour placement, or piece of work based learning as part of the module where they will apply their skills and subject knowledge to a professional context, reflect on their experiences and apply the learning from the module to a real world learning context.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This is an enterprising and innovative module which provides students with the opportunity to explore a business idea and transform it into a viable business or social enterprise as part of the Diploma in Professional Practice pathway. Students will be mentored and supported by experienced business advisors and industry experts to develop commercial and technical skills within their sectors, alongside developing professional behaviours and attributes.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module offers students a chance to apply their accumulated skills and knowledge in a real-world setting, fostering professionalism and exposure to new approaches through work-based learning. Students engage with various workplaces, including Design Agencies, Video Production Houses, Multi-Nationals, Tech Incubators, Sports Teams, and Media organizations like the BBC, gaining valuable experience. Completion of this module earns students a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) alongside their degree, enabling them to demonstrate their professional competencies effectively.
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year: 4
Status: C
The model provides students with the opportunity to explore key aspects of digital media research and put into place a small-scale independent research project.
Year: 4
Status: C
In tandem with the Enterprise Project, students undertake a double-weighted module in the course's final stages. Here, they craft an independent practice project, showcasing their skills and subject expertise through a significant body of work. While working autonomously, students receive mentorship from a staff member, aiming to create an experimental, innovative, and captivating media piece. This project culminates in the End of Year Showcase, serving as a portfolio center piece and fostering further growth in students' chosen specializations.
Year: 4
Status: C
Located at the end point of the Interactive Media programme this module will integrate to an advanced level the knowledge and skills acquired to that point around a group project of some complexity for a 'live' community partner or non-profit agency. The module will have a supporting series of agency sessions designed to support the students develop their interactive project to a complex and innovative level. This is an opportunity for the learner to evaluate their own work in a reflective manner, with reference to the academic and/or professional issues and debates explored in the degree programme as a whole.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides students with the opportunity to investigate and experience the processes involved in the development of a new enterprise idea that addresses audience and/or technology trends in the creative media sector.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BCC
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an A level C grade by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
*** To note that only qualifications defined as “Applied General” will be accepted for entry onto any undergraduate course at Ulster University.***
BTEC Awards
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Distinction Merit
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit Merit
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma(2012 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade B or award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Distinction Merit plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate/ OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of Merit plus A Level Grades BC
Diploma, National Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is grades
BCCCC
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is grades
CDD
Applicants may satisfy the requirement for an element of the offer grade profiles (equating to the final A-level grade stated in the standard 3A level offer profile - Grade C) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications to the same standard as defined by the University.
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum of
24 points to include 12 at higher level.
Overall profile of 60% (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access course)
Overall profile of 12 credits at distinction, 30 credits at merit and 3 credits at pass (60 credit Access course) (GB Access course)
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above English Language.
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HND - Overall Merit with distinctions in 30 Level 5 credits for Year 1 entry. Those applicants holding a subject-related HND with an overall merit may be considered for entry to Year 2.
HNC – Overall Merit with distinctions in 60 Level 4 credits for Year 1 entry.
You may also meet the course entry requirements with combinations of different qualifications to the same standard as recognised by the University (provided subject requirements as noted above are met).
Foundation Degree - An overall mark of 45% in Level 5 modules for Year 1 entry. Those applicants holding a subject-related Foundation Degree may be considered for entry to Year 2.
APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning)
The University will consider applications on the basis of experiential learning for those who do not hold the normal entry qualifications.
Transfer from degree level study at other institutions
Those applicants seeking entry with advanced standing, (eg. Transfer from another institution or year 2 entry) will be considered on an individual basis.
Those who wish to transfer from other institutions should apply via UCAS and will be assessed on an individual basis.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
The Digital Media Production degree offers the broad base of skills that the creative industry sector needs.
As a career path you might become a Designer or Developer creating digital media content.
Your interest through the course might be more developed in relation to project management skills, and you embark on a career where you manage a creative design team as a Creative Media Manager.
You might be involved in developing media content for the web as a Web Content Developer, or be involved in creating media content for a social media campaign, as a Social Media Officer.
An interest in video production may take you to a career as a Videographer, creating visual content for television, or even the video games industry.
However is not only the media industries that need these skills. Demand for these unique skills range from broadcasters, photographers, marketing and web-development companies, to the communications departments of private companies, public sector organisations and education.
Work Placement:
Work placement is really important to the course team, as it helps students apply their skills, work in different contexts, and get feedback from employers on their professionalism. We have an optional module in Year 2 where students complete a 2 week (70 hour) placement and part of their marks are allocated by their placement provider. We also have a number of options for additional work-based learning such as an optional year placement, where students can put their skills and knowledge to the test in a workplace to earn an additional qualification called a Diploma of Professional Practice (DPP), and an Enterprise Year (EPY) where students start their own creative businesses with mentorship.
Study Abroad:
StudyUSA, Turing scheme, International Student Exchange Programme. Students from the programme can study a year in a number of different countries including China, America and across Europe. It is advised that students undertake this between years 2 and 3 of the programme. Studying abroad for a year generates the extra award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS).
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
SMARTS Interactive Media Prize is awarded for the best final year Major Project.
SMARTS is a public relations and marketing campaign consultancy firm with office locations in Belfast, London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. They provide expertise on strategic planning, media relations, content creation, digital, social, design and brand partnerships.
The Patrick Fearon Alturism Award
Established to celebrate kindness and community in our course, and is named after one of our Alumni. This award is nomination based, and student nominate each other. They are rewarded for small acts of kindness and support by their peers.
We support flexible and remote working for independent and structured study. Each module in the course has an expectation that students will complete skills development activities in structured study time between taught sessions.
The University provides on site, industry level PCs, Macs, Cameras, and production equipment for students to use on (the Coleraine) campus to complete this structured study will full access to the Adobe CC suite on Campus.
Students are also issued with a licence to use the Adobe Suite from home to support flexible learning but students may need to purchase a laptop to use this from home, if they prefer this to coming to campus. If students choose to purchase their own IT equipment to support this flexible study, then it is important that you check the processor, RAM and graphics requirements. The most processor intensive software that we use is Adobe After Effects, find out about Adobe After Effects and the recommended spec.
We keep copies of books from all reading lists in the University library in Coleraine, but students may wish to purchase copies for themselves to support their studies.
In addition, students of the course will usually need to purchase;
There are also printing costs associated with the course at about £60 per year which are part of building a portfolio of work, and developing proficiency in design for print.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Graduate Lucy Fleming, class of 2022, has been appointed by the BBC in the role of ‘Creative’.
Describing the role Lucy said:
“When I read the job description I was like “this is literally word for word my degree, I couldn’t believe it! The role is basically if Interactive Media were a job as it includes video editing, graphic design, audio work and the odd bit of motion graphics and/or illustration. It’s mainly promotion of programmes on social media but with a bit of BBC Sounds and BBC Online as well.”
Lucy also nominated the Digital Media Production course team for “Team of the Year” at the UUSU Learning and Teaching Awards 2022.
Jack Morrow, Chief technology Officer, RETìníZE describing our graduates:
“Their expertise and unique knowledge allow them to sit between and across all workflows associated with immersive technology production. They are the link between the disciplines (TV, film, storytelling, content development, pre-productions, postproduction, techies etc.). Their real strength is in that they have a wide skill basis that often reveals its strengths within management, management of workflows and peoples in large project teams.”
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
