Immersive Media Design MA

This module is an introduction to contemporary design practices, concepts and issues in immersive media design. Conducted as a hybrid studio/lecture unit, you’ll work collaboratively in teams to complete both research and practical projects, including hands-on experimentation with specialist hardware; surveying current artists and practices in immersive media; prototyping for AR/VR; developing original 3D media through a variety of techniques; experimenting with volumetric capture; completing studio-based project briefs that fuse design thinking with immersive media; and working in teams to ideate and structure large scale, immersive media works. Additionally, the ethical considerations of being an extended reality storyteller will be addressed, with consideration given to issues of representation, diversity and inclusivity. By the end of the module, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the trans-disciplinary design process that underpins immersive media productions, preparing you for professional practice in the field.  
 

This module delves into the art and science of creating compelling virtual worlds, focusing on both practical and theoretical aspects of worldbuilding for immersive environments. You’ll gain hands-on, tangible experience with industry-level tools such as game engines technologies, learning to craft immersive digital worlds from the ground up. Key areas of study include narrative methods and worldbuilding strategies tailored for extended reality, environmental storytelling, spatial practices and scene design, ensuring that you can develop engaging, coherent, and richly detailed virtual environments. The module will reflect on storytelling in connection with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, empowering you to envision ethical futures through the power of immersive technologies. By the end of the module, you’ll have a robust set of practical skills accompanied by specialist theoretical knowledge, enabling you to design and produce high-quality, immersive virtual worlds. This module will equip you for advanced roles in the rapidly evolving XR and immersive media sectors, providing you with the expertise needed to excel in crafting next- generation digital experiences.  
 

This module provides you with a theoretical and historical overview of digital and immersive non-fiction narratives. It covers the evolution of factual storytelling since the early 2000s, spanning the platforms that have emerged since (mobile phone, tablet, AR, VR, XR, social media, spatial media, locative audio, interactive spaces and AI). Theories of agency, user experience, interactivity, interface and non-linear narrative structures will be analysed while looking at a multitude of cases studies and engaging in class debate and in depth analysis. By the end of this module you will have acquired a solid understanding of the current breath of digital and immersive narratives; you'll be aware of current and future trends in the field and will be ready to pitch an interactive idea of your choice to the rest of the class. 
 

The Immersive Design Futures module delves into pioneering research and methodologies in extended reality design and development, examining the forefront of immersive technology and storytelling. This module encourages exploration of innovative and interdisciplinary approaches, focusing on the creation of novel immersive experiences that move beyond conventional boundaries in their exploration of positive, equitable futures. You’ll engage with cutting-edge practices, including non-linear, sensor-based, performative, and data-driven immersive techniques. The course emphasises the importance of integrating accessibility, sustainability, and inclusive practices within extended reality, fostering a comprehensive understanding of socially-responsible design. By investigating new design contexts and emerging technologies, you’ll gain insights into the future of immersive media and develop the skills to create impactful and forward-thinking artefacts. This module will equip you with the vision and tools needed to lead in the evolving field of immersive media.
 

The Capstone Project in Immersive Media Design integrates skills and knowledge from the course with your prospective career goals. Guided by a faculty advisor, you’ll undertake original research based on an agreed brief. The initial phase involves confirming the project’s conceptual framework, aims, structure, and production schedule. The main focus then shifts to project production, supported by regular personalised tutorials and specialised seminars to enhance critical research skills. This module allows you to synthesise your learning and specialise in your chosen area, connecting your immersive media work to broader social and cultural contexts. You’ll be expected to address contemporary issues and incorporate relevant immersive media themes into your projects, creating innovative and engaging extended reality experiences. Sustainability, diversity and inclusion must be considered within the scope of the project. This capstone project enables you to showcase your expertise and readiness for professional practice in the field of immersive media.  
 

This module develops your skills in cutting-edge interactive and immersive media production technologies. You will be introduced to a range of interactive and immersive storytelling platforms. You'll research and explore different approaches to interactive video creation, geo-located audio, audio-visual interaction, and other online and interactive multimedia work. You will also be introduced to extended reality technologies and will have the chance to analyse and experiment with 360 content, immersive audio, AR projects and VR experiences. As the module progresses you'll focus on developing your own interactive or immersive production project,  learning how to implement your ideas and design them with a specific target audience in mind. In this module, you will develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills via in-class discussions, lectures and practical exercises, with opportunities for presentation and peer feedback. 
 

By definition hackathons provide a venue for self-expression and creativity through technology. Individuals with technical backgrounds come together, form teams around a problem or idea, and collaboratively code a unique solution from concept to completion these generally take shape in the form of websites, mobile apps, and robots more recently to wearable’s and VR otherwise described as creative technologies. This module is designed to equip you with the advanced knowledge of managing and assembling ideas, using a wide variety of creative technologies and advanced programming, in a real world context. Also developing a cultural understanding, critical and speculative theoretical and practice-based research in order to solve real-world problems. 
 

This module will enable you to engage with the critical evaluation of project management and entrepreneurship within the creative industries as well as required research methods and transferable skills for the programme. Entrepreneurial business and project management for creative industries has a significant effect on the development and promotion of new talent and is particularly relevant to students from both a creative and entrepreneurial background. This module develops ability to assemble creative project to market with consumer-faced outcomes, establishing presence of SMEs and practical outputs using an ecommerce solution, as you develop a new digital start-up.