BA (Hons) Design Digital
This award is one of six BA (Hons) Design Pathways which are all part of the same scheme that has been created to parallel the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary design practice and the employment opportunities that have developed around emerging design disciplines.
Please note that you need only apply to one of the scheme’s Pathways, even if you have an interest in more than one, since it is possible to transfer between Pathways throughout the course. Your final award title will be agreed prior to graduation such that you graduate with the title most appropriate to your personal design practice.
As digital technologies continue to pervade our society, manifested in a vast array of forms, one of the roles of the contemporary designer is to consider the appropriate use of the possibilities that these technologies present. Ever increasing amounts of the design process are now taking place using digital tools. Digital virtual models allow people to visualise design concepts in high levels of detail. Sequences of digitally generated movement open up new and exciting possibilities for the designer. Increases in high-speed networks have made new connections and relationships possible, forming social networks which have their foundations in digital media. Transference of information over these networks has created opportunities for design interventions, which are solely digital in nature. As society interacts with a myriad of digital products, systems and tools, the need for carefully designed, functional and usable interactive interfaces has become a key factor in the realisation of these outcomes.
The aim of the digital design Pathway is not to develop software specific or digital engineers, rather it is to help students understand how digital technologies can enhance our lives and to design suitable systems, models and interface structures through which to present digital design interventions.
Recent BA (Hons) Design students have created a range of digital pieces investigating issues around information sharing, death, child numeracy and interactive shopping. Projects have included a DJ agency website, an animated character driven child’s counting game, an information DVD for student freshers, a website for sales representatives promoting communication, competition and training features, interactive public information kiosks and a digitally enhanced commemorative bench.
Graduates have found employment in a number of related industries including graphic design, multimedia design, video production and website design. This is not to exclude students who find wide and varied applications for their digital skills within traditional design jobs and non design related employment.
Studying alongside students on the scheme’s other Pathways, the course introduces you to design principles and approaches fostering an investigative and experimental approach to resolving design briefs through creativity, an awareness of human needs, and the generation of new insights and ideas. We encourage reflection, flexibility and the independence to take increasing responsibility for focus of work, leading to self-initiated projects by the end of the course.
You have the opportunity to tackle ‘live’ briefs working with industrial partners and design consultancies, to study abroad as part of our exchange programme, and enter design competitions. Practical skills covered include applied textiles, graphic communication, multimedia design, ergonomics, copywriting and video, workshop experimentation and virtual modelling. An integrated programme of critical and contextual studies underpins the practice-based elements of the course. Through this you will gain knowledge of historical and contemporary design issues, engage with critical debate and develop research skills that enable you to rationalise, justify, promote and better develop design ideas.
The course has an optional fourth Masters year with exit points after one or three semesters offering Postgraduate certificate in design and Masters in Design respectively. This year includes a work placement and the potential for exploring the commercial potential for design projects.
There are various opportunities to visit Leeds Metropolitan University on Open Days which are held throughout the year. This is an opportunity to meet representatives from the course and see facilities. Click here to find the next open day.
Applicants who are invited for interview will meet staff and students at interview and have a guided tour of course specific facilities and studio space.
For further information contact our course administrator on 0113 812 3193 or or S.M.Ratcliffe@leedsmet.ac.uk
The general public can also see examples of student work by visiting the degree exhibition in Leeds, part of the University’s Arts Festival, and at the annual New Designers exhibition in London.