Creative Digital Media - UX and Interaction Design - Blanchardstown

What is... Creative Digital Media - UX and Interaction Design?
The Master of Arts in Creative Digital Media - UX and Interaction Design, has been designed for students seeking a professional career or practice related to human computer interaction, user experience design or related fields, or for those who are interested in research in the area.

Growth in demand for online services, entertainment, education and communication has resulted in a demand for graduates with a range of digital technology and media skills. Within the sector, a specific shortfall of professionals with UX and Interaction Design skills has been identified, and this programme aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can contribute to the national and global technology economy.

The convergence of technology and design offers unique opportunities for learners from diverse backgrounds to exploit their potential using a wide range of technologies. The programme aims to equip students with an understanding and knowledge of human-centered interaction design principles and practices for a range of digital products, services and innovations. Students will develop a critical awareness of design principles, usability engineering and user experience methodologies informed by established and emerging technological environments.

This 90 credits NFQ level 9 programme will be made up of a taught component and a research project component. The emphasis of the programme is on applied skills with modules designed with the collaboration of industry. The research component will be focused on real world design in collaboration with real stakeholders. The course places a strong emphasis on project work and facilitates the building of a significant portfolio of work.

The programme aims to equip students with:

-An expert knowledge of User Experience foundations, principles and processes within the context of a rapidly changing cultural, technological and societal framework;
-An ability to design digital products and services with the optimal consideration of human-centered factors, universal and interaction design principles;
-Skills in selection of complex and advanced design research methodologies, tools, techniques and practices;
-Skills in solution-development, creative problem-solving, prototyping, and user interface design skills;
-An expert knowledge of product or service design life-cycles in innovative and collaborative environments;
-The knowledge and skills to lead, define, plan, research, prototype, design and manage interactive projects;
-An ability to communicate and engage with experts, collaborators, stakeholders, influencers, and decision-makers in a variety of professional and social contexts with respect to UX, Interaction Design and emerging technology trends;
-A critical self-awareness with respect to professional objectives and continuing professional development;
-An ability to critically examine and influence innovation, technology and design processes, institutional practices, social norms and current research;
-Independent research skills informed by the most recent debates within the field and wider social and cultural context.

Guest speakers from industry and hands on technology workshops are a dominant feature of the student experience.

Schedule
Mondays: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesdays: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Schedule TBC

**Please note that class timetables and modes of delivery are indicative and may be subject to change, depending on public health advice**

Programme Modules:

UX Design Process & Practice: explores the role, foundations, principles, processes and methods of UX design.

Interactive Technologies: Students are challenged to create innovative interactive experiences serving a variety of user needs.

Interaction Design Fundamentals: Interaction Design is the practice of designing user interfaces for digital environments & systems.

Graphic Communication: Students will learn to embrace an intensive design process.

Web Technologies: Develop the students' skills and knowledge in creating simple dynamic web applications.

Critical and Contextual Studies: Examines the historical, theoretical, cultural and philosophical underpinnings of interactive design.

Research Project: To give learners the experience of developing an individual project at postgraduate level.

The minimum entry requirement for standard entrants is a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (GPA 2.50 or equivalent) in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Media or other relevant primary degree at NFQ Level 8. Applicants who have an honours primary degree in a non-related discipline will be considered if their prior experience is considered an adequate background to prepare them for the programme. These applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis to assess their suitability and motivation for the programme. In the event of a student not attaining this standard level, students must achieve an acceptable standard for progression by other means approved by the QQI.

Applicants wishing to undertake this course, should ideally be coming from a creative background.

A portfolio of previous work would assist in the application/shortlisting process. This may be submitted in PDF format or a link to an online portfolio.

Apply to college directly

1 year part-time

Next intake: January 2020

Growth in demand for online services, entertainment, education and communication has resulted in a demand for graduates with a range of digital technology and media skills. Within the sector, a specific shortfall of professionals with UX and Interaction Design skills has been identified, and this programme aims to produce skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can contribute to the national and global technology economy.

The Master of Arts in Creative Digital Media - UX and Interaction Design, has been designed for students seeking a professional career or practice related to human computer interaction, user experience design or related fields, or for those who are interested in research in the area.