e-merge ‘04

MA Computer Arts

Programme Overview

With the development of the computer, fundamental changes have occurred in the way we communicate, create, and express ourselves. The primary objective of this unique postgraduate course is to prepare artists and designers for a changing workplace and to provide an open context in which they can synthesise and invent.

At the Creative Technology Centre we serve three different types of students: those who want to upgrade their skills, those who want to specialise in Computer Arts and those who want to pursue original research. We have created a flexible and efficient studio environment for the emergence of a new breed of professional, an information specialist who is equally at home with both creative and analytical styles of thinking.

This course will give you the chance to explore the balance of aesthetic, conceptual and technical possibilities in new and emerging media. There are many opportunities – opportunities to learn new skills, create innovative artworks, launch new projects, design new games, create original narratives and find interesting work. It takes passion, skills, knowledge and a plan. Only you can provide the passion and the plan, this course, though can provide the knowledge and skills.

Philosophy and Rationale

The MA in Computer Arts develops your understanding of relevant technological, cultural and aesthetic perspectives on digital arts and provides a studio environment where you can explore, examine and experience this unique meeting of art and technology.

The faculty encourages students to take a philosophical overview of their work with computers. We ask them to investigate the nature of the ‘digital’ and to consider the relationship between mass media and society. We ask them to contemplate the ‘computer artist’ as a creative individual who must engage both the pragmatics of technology and the free invention of art, and bring them to a successful synthesis.

Computers and related technologies have their own character that gives their integration into art and design practice a specific direction. Therefore the course is designed to emphasise the creative use of digital media enabling you to develop a unique palette for personal expression. The ability to extend common notions of storytelling, place and identity is a notable aspect of the course, like memorable books and films good computer art has to capture the imagination, engage the intellect and excite the emotions. It is expected that as a graduate of the course you will participate in defining the field and will be instrumental in charting its future course in the 21st century.

Course Content

Computing Principles for Artists and Designers

This offers professional control of computer based media and explores theory/issues central to controlling the new media effectively. It also looks at technical competence in programming/authoring techniques, to the point where concepts may be realised at a proto-professional level.

Creative Applications for Audio and Video

This module explores the creative potential and processes for audio and digital video production. Students are encouraged to produce work that demonstrates a professional level of control and aesthetic understanding of the moving image.

Interactive and Immersive Virtual Artworks

This provides the necessary skills to demonstrate professional expertise in the development of virtual immersive media using 3D modelling and programming for interactivity. It also encourages students to criticise, evaluate and present their own work to a level consistent with professional criticism in relation to its cultural context.

Experimental Digital Media.

This examines the field of new and emergent media in order to determine the possibilities for new experimental combinations of media. Enables the student to produce a viable, working digital artefact to exhibition quality that displays contemporary approaches to unusual combinations of media.

Major Project

This affords the opportunity to create work that sits at the boundaries of current theory and practice. It also enables artists and designers to demonstrate a professional level of aesthetic, technical control and understanding, to a deadline. The course also develops tangible business skills, to secure relevant equipment, technical support and or sponsorship.

Contemporary Cultural Theory (non credit lecture series)

This provides a critical introduction to aspects of new media culture. Topics include: Liquid cities, the Nerve Net, the Phenomena of Decanting, Riffs and Rhythms in Developing Media. (The content of lectures is subject to change)

Assessment

On the MA in Computer Arts you will encounter a wide range of assessment methods. These include:

Presentations

Here you will be asked to present research you have undertaken or project proposals you have developed. This will enable you to demonstrate your communication and presentation skills, and to show that you can articulate and demonstrate complex ideas in a clear and concise fashion and in a style appropriate to a presentation. Visual Aids are often a substantial element of a presentation.

Essays

Here you are expected to write project proposals and reports. This type of course work should show that you could critically examine theories and texts and reveal a depth of knowledge and understanding about a specialised topic.

Other forms of assessment

Modules may require other forms of assessment, such as reports, critical investigations, case studies and research exercises e.g. Group Presentations – these allow students to form group projects and network from the outset of a module.

Module Study Guides provide detailed information on the exact assessment procedures and deadlines for each module.

Employment Opportunities

Many career opportunities exist in Computer Arts: areas include, the internet, virtual reality, gameplay design, 3D modelling, computer animation and interactive multimedia. The department has many active research links with industry including Macromedia, BT, Imaginary, BBC online, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Ealing Studios, the British Museum and the New York School of Visual Arts. These links encourage the sharing of cultural and regional diversity, styles and ideas and also foster experimentation and growth.

FT or PT

The MA in Computer Arts is offered on a full or part-time basis and runs over either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). Full time students are occupied in college on two days a week while part-timers either attend on one day or two half-days a week. All classes take place in Grove House between 10.00 - 6.00 pm. There are 9 contact hours per week for full time students and 3 or 6 contact hours for part-timers. The MA in Computer Arts requires a minimum of 20 hours of private and independent study per week in the studio, which for the full-timers could be scheduled between 9.00 am - 9.00 pm on the non-teaching days.

For more information visit:

http://mercury.tvu.ac.uk/ca

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