Creative Computing
BSc (Hons)
Undergraduate degree - single honours
- UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course CC10 or CC11 (with professional placement year)
- Creative Computing - Programme Document
Join the next generation of digital creatives with our hands-on, industry-focused Creative Computing degree.
- Learn by making. Build a unique portfolio that showcases creative and technical skills in coding, games and web.
- Co-create. Work with like-minded students and gain experience of working on professional projects in the creative industries.
- Become adaptable. Graduate with in-demand skills and enter the exciting world of creative technology.
If you've ever wondered how to code beautiful web apps, bring stories to life through immersive experiences or build innovative games, our Creative Computing course could be for you.
You'll create an original portfolio of creative projects, including mobile apps, websites, games, virtual reality (VR) experiences and digital stories. You'll learn skills from the ground up, through a mix of workshops, tech demos, creative problem solving challenges and collaborative briefs. We believe in learning by making, so you can look forward to creating work from day one.
Interested in a particular aspect of Creative Computing? Our pathways allow you to specialise and focus your degree in these two exciting areas:
My goal was always to become a games designer, and thanks to Bath Spa that goal is now a reality. I gained everything I needed to get my foot into the industry: creative thinking, leadership, management, work placements and programming experience, all alongside an extensive portfolio filled with my projects throughout the years, with games from small single player stories to multiplayer arenas and Virtual Reality experiences. This breadth of knowledge and showcase of work was the very core to getting where I am today.
Matt Westlake, Junior Game Developer at Ndemic Creations
What you'll learn
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.
Course modules
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document for more information.
- CodeLab I
- Web Dev I
- Ideation and UX Design
- Digital Storytelling
- Creative Coding
- Digital Visual Design
- CodeLab II
- Alternative and Emerging Technologies
- Creative Industry Challenge
- Computer 3D Modelling and Visualisation
- Indie Game Design
- Extended Realities
- Smartphone Apps
- Web Dev II
- Image, Sound and Code
- Physical Computing
- Data Visualisation
- Playful Media
- Professional Placement Year
- Creative Project
- Creative Incubator
- Cyber Security
- Serious Games
- Commercial Games
- Creative Web
- Web Games
- Creative AI
- Industry Ready
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (for 2024/25 only)
Opportunities
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.
Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.
Facilities and resources
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.
Fees
| Student | Annual tuition fee |
|---|---|
| UK full time | £9,535 |
| UK part time | £4,768 |
| International full time | £17,670 |
Professional Placement Year
During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. This applies to UK and EU/International students.
- UK: £1,907
- International: £3,534
Additional course costs
You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document (linked under the main image on this page) for details of any additional costs. You can also read our Additional Course Costs Policy for further information.
Funding opportunities
Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.
Interested in applying?
We look for students with a drive to pursue big ideas and a clear willingness to try new things. Successful applicants will be imaginative, organised and have a keen eye for detail. Programming experience is not essential for this course; we teach coding from the ground up.
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below. Applicants are considered on an individual basis, taking into account any relevant skills and experience that may not be reflected in your qualifications. The most important consideration is for applicants to have the qualities and potential to succeed in the exciting area of study.
- A Level – grades BBB-BCC preferred.
- BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) accepted in any subject.
- T Levels – grade Merit preferred.
- International Baccalaureate – a minimum of 32 points are required.
- Access to HE courses – typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher).
If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.
English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants
IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply pages.
Course leader: Dr Jake Hobbs
Email: j.hobbs@bathspa.ac.uk
- Award
- BSc (Hons) Creative Computing
- School/s
- Bath School of Design
- Campus or location
- Newton Park
- Course length
- Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year. Part time available.
- UCAS codes
- Institution Code: B20
- Course Code: CC10 or CC11 (with professional placement year)
- Campus Code: A,BSU
Entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.