At Robert Gordon University, the Digital Media degree is a two-year top up programme that leads to an Honours degree for those with a relevant HND. Develop and enhance your creative design skills and high-level technical ability, so you can make an impact in an exciting and rapidly evolving industry.
The course will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to develop a client brief from design concept to practical implementation.
The four main themes of design, user interaction, web and programming run throughout the course, and are underpinned by technical and professional skills to increase your employability.
Top 3 in Scotland for overall student satisfaction in Computing (National Student Survey 2023, excluding colleges, small, specialist and private providers).
Year 3
You will expand your existing design and development skills by studying 3D graphics modelling and animation, underpinned by theoretical modules on prototyping, usability and team-based project management. You will also get a grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods, and learn to build dynamic web content. This will allow you to deliver expressive and engaging digital media solutions.
Year 4
In your Honours year, you will concentrate on a self-directed project in your chosen specialist area underpinned by research with an academic supervisor. You will learn to critically evaluate your work to a professional standard, and to underpin your work with relevant theories of human computer interaction and data visualisation. This is complemented by specialist classes on games development, audio-visual production and immersive technology including VR and AR.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Method
You will be taught through lectures, tutorials, and labs and have opportunities to learn from external speakers. You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment, with access to a wide-variety of resources. Your theoretical content will be complemented by practical work, to support your academic development and provide opportunities to engage with real-world problems.
Lectures are complemented by smaller practical lab sessions (approximately 40 students) to contextualise your learning.
Activity Summary
Year 1
- Lectures - 40 students per group, 3 hours per week
- Project Supervision - 1 - 8 students per group, 1 hour per week
- Practical class or workshop - 40 students per group, 12 hours per week
How long is a BSc (Hons) Digital Media course?
A BSc (Hons) Digital Media degree can be completed over:
- 2 years
- 2 years + 1 year placement
Independent Study
The development of self-directed learning skills is a key aim of the course. A typical 15-credit module represents 150 hours of study over the course of a term. Of this, roughly two-thirds will be self-study and completion of assessments, clearly indicating the importance of self-directed learning for this course.
Staff Delivering on This Course
You will be taught by experienced academics with industry and/or research experience in digital media.
Staff members on the course are frequently recognised by the student body through the annual STAR (Support and Teaching Staff with Appreciation and Recognition) Awards, which is voted for by students and organised by RGU:Union. In recent years, staff members on the course have been recipients of a number of nominations and awards, including two Lecturer of the Year awards, Supervisor of the Year, Personal Tutor of the Year, and multiple awards for Continued Excellence.
Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.
As well as academic members of staff, some teaching may be undertaken by industry experts, postgraduate research students, library staff, study skills and careers service staff.
Assessment
Year 3
- 2 Project Outputs
- 2 Reports
- 2 Practical Skills Assessment
Year 4
- 1 Written Exam. Average time of exam 3 hours
- 1 Written Assignment, including essay
- 2 Project Outputs
- 2 Practical Skills Assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Optional paid placements can be taken, either for a short-term (summer) or a year-long duration. The credits accumulated do not contribute to the award total for your degree. You are responsible for finding a placement but will receive support from the Placement Office who will compile a list of available opportunities. There is a dedicated member of staff responsible for coordinating placement activities and an Academic Placement Supervisor in addition to your work-based Industrial Supervisor.
The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.
Placements at RGUStudy Abroad
You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional period of Study Abroad instead of your placement at one of our partner universities across the world. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture, whilst gaining a valuable and tailored educational experience, building upon the expertise gained within the first few years at RGU.
Job Prospects
The skills you will gain in this course will equip you for employment in many different areas, including the games and film industries, training and education, data visualisation, advertising agencies, social media, mobile application and website development.
A wide range of opportunities exist in designing and developing software, and producing multimedia across the digital media sector.
Locally, there are a range of opportunities in the oil and gas industry, for example in simulating potential rig or subsea activities.
Is Digital Media a good career choice?
Previous BSc Digital Media have gone on to pursue the following careers:
- Graduate User Experience Designer
- eContent Developer
- Animation Intern
What is needed for a BSc (Hons) Digital Media course?
- The requirements are a HND Computing: Software Development or a similar Computing with Software Development diploma award.
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 3 subject to meeting requirements.
Advanced Entry
All other applicants who are interested in applying for advanced entry will be considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Tuition fees for this Digital Media course are as follows:
For Academic Year 2024/2025
SCOTTISH STUDENTS
- £1,820 per academic year
- TBC for a full placement year
EU STUDENTS
- £6,930 per academic year
- TBC for a full placement year
REST OF UK STUDENTS
- £6,930 per academic year
- TBC for a full placement year
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- £17,720 per academic year
- TBC for a full placement year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
SCOTTISH STUDENTS
- £1,820 per academic year
- £910 for a full placement year
EU STUDENTS
- £6,750 per academic year
- £3,375 for a full placement year
REST OF UK STUDENTS
- £6,750 per academic year
- £3,375 for a full placement year
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- £17,040 per academic year
- £1,000 for a full placement year
Additional Costs
- £50 for materials
- Whilst it is not essential to have your own laptop, some students choose to purchase their own computer for use throughout the course
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2024 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.