Creative Computing

Our Creative Computing course will equip you with core skills in creative technology including games development, creative coding, web development, digital storytelling and 3D digital art. It's taught by expert staff, with input from industry professionals.

Year one
Develop core skills. Start your journey through Creative Computing by mastering the basics of computing and digital creativity. You'll learn how to code through modules that uncover the fundamentals of programming and web development. Specific modules on creative problem solving, experience design and coding for the visual arts enrich your understanding of how creativity and technology collide. Weekly workshops introduce essential tools and software for building digital experiences and asset creation. You'll also explore how to create engaging narratives that work on digital platforms.

Year two
Extend your knowledge. You'll advance your understanding of programming to include object-oriented techniques, as well as working with real time data. You'll also experiment with emerging technologies and collaborate with industry partners on live briefs as you further investigate the field of creative computing. Optional modules provide the flexibility to get a flavour of the breadth of Creative Computing by gaining insights into 3D animation, games development, data visualisation or responsive web design.

Year three
Develop an industry-facing portfolio to kickstart your career. In your final year, you'll continue to enhance your skills as a creative technologist by collaborating with others across different subject areas and exploring professional and entrepreneurial development.

Optional modules give space for creating original, playful ideas within the areas of Creative AI or web games.

Alternatively, you may wish to focus on the gaining an understanding of field of cyber security or develop games with purpose in serious games.

Creative Computing is entirely coursework-assessed. You'll deliver a varied and balanced collection of projects including prototype software, websites, apps, games and VR experiences.

You’ll be taught through practical workshops and project-based learning. These sessions are supported by individual and team tutorials throughout your Creative Computing course. The practical nature of the course offers you the time and freedom to try new ideas, develop new skills and take a deep dive into topics of interest.

A network of visiting speakers and mentors keeps you in touch with the tech and creative sectors, while our technical demonstrators support you in developing new skills.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Our Creative Computing students have produced work for companies including the IBM Innovation Lab, Aardman, Complete Control, Opposable VR and Boomtown Festival.

Past field trips have included creative industry festivals such as Pixel Pioneers, London Games Festival, Now Play This and WASD alongside visits to immersive experiences like Wake the Tiger.

Recent graduates of Creative Computing are working at Rockstar Games, Codemasters, Complete Control, Dyson, Rocketmakers, Aerian, Network N and more.

The diverse nature of Creative Computing at Bath Spa opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in both the creative and tech sectors. Possible roles include:

• Creative Technologist
• Games Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Developer
• Digital 3D Design
• UX Designer
• Creative Producer
• Creative Tech Research and Development Associate

You may also decide to pursue further study or train to teach with a PGCE.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

The Professional Placement Year (PPY) provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for, and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your PPY, you'll work to identify roles of interest and secure a placement. The Placements Team will support through timetabled sessions and 1:1 appointments.

As well as completing a minimum of 900 placement hours, you will complete two assessments demonstrating your skill development, growth in professional behaviours and how the PPY has impacted your future career aspirations.

As a BSc Creative Computing student, you'll have access to our:

• Commons building
  You're taught within the cutting-edge Commons building, situated at the heart of our stunning Newton Park campus.
• High-end computing spaces, populated with dedicated PCs and access to 3D printers, VR kit and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
• Virtual Learning Environment
• Newton Park library
• Free access to software, creative, design and business skills courses via LinkedIn Learning
• Support from the ASk (Academic Skills) team
• If English is not your first language, the English Language Unit can support with your English language skills

You can also hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service.