Interactive media has permeated almost every aspect of our lives. Mobile apps, websites, games and social media have transformed the way we work, play, learn and interact with each other. But this is just the beginning. With new interactive technologies like virtual and augmented reality on the horizon, we are only just beginning to understand the huge potential of interactive media to transform and enhance our lives.
Our Interactive Media BSc will give you the power to create the new types of interactive media content that are transforming our society and culture. The unique multidisciplinary degree brings together technical, creative and socio-cultural perspectives on interactive media. You will be supported to develop your creativity, to acquire technical skills needed in the production of interactive media, and to have the ability to analyse and assess the impact of interactive media upon individuals and society as a whole.
The degree combines creativity with technical work, user experience design with computer programming, and human-computer interaction with critical contextual analysis of digital culture and society. You will gain hands-on experience of the latest digital technologies, study the theory and practice behind mediated interaction, and learn to assess the cultural implications of contemporary media developments. Upon completion, you will be a well-rounded professional, attractive to a huge range of employers, from entertainment to finance, from technology development to design, from industry to academia.
"The Interactive Media degree offers an ideal grounding for those wishing to work in the digital media industries, which increasingly require people to work with technology from a creative perspective. This is the course that will create the next generation of interactive media stars."
Charles Cecil MBE
Co-founder of Revolution Software
Innovation in interactive media requires an understanding of the field from technical, creative and socio-cultural perspectives. In the words of Steve Jobs, "technology alone is not enough — it is technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing". As a student on the Interactive Media BSc, you will gain a comprehensive skillset that combines programming and engineering, design and art, and media and cultural studies.
You'll learn how to understand and create interactive media software, content and products for a variety of platforms and uses including:
The course is strongly academically based but also gives you the freedom to develop your own practical ideas from the first year onwards, as you create a portfolio to show to your future employers. You will have access to superb technical facilities, be surrounded by students studying closely interrelated degrees in media technology and production, and be taught by lecturers who are world-leading researchers in interactive media. You will also benefit from our excellent links with industry, through masterclasses, internships and employment opportunities.
You'll learn the fundamental principles of software programming for media systems, how to create audio and visual assets and the nature of interactive storytelling. You will also explore the historical development and social and cultural impact of interactive digital media, ranging from video games to social networks and the Internet of Things.
Modules studied by our current first year students are:
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module. This covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
You'll continue to enhance your programming, media production, design and critical analysis skills and learn to combine them to create games, virtual environments, responsive websites and cross-platform mobile apps. You will also learn user-experience design techniques for understanding how users interact with interactive media and develop essential team working skills in a group project. At the end of the academic year, we'll support you in finding interactive media industry placements.
Modules studied by our current second year students are:
Develop your skills in the areas of interactive media that interest you most, by choosing four optional modules. Take a business, legal and professional issues module to prepare for employment. A major part of your third year is devoted to your final project, which allows you to develop an idea in depth and demonstrate all the skills and knowledge you've gathered during the course.
Modules studied by our current third year students are:
There isn't a study abroad option for the Interactive Media degree, but there are several study options here at York.
York's BSc in Interactive Media is taught by academics at the cutting edge of research that also have hands-on industry experience. You'll learn through a mixture of lectures, small-group seminars, practicals, one-to-one tutorials and masterclasses with visiting industry leaders.
You'll complete several different kinds of written and practical assignments, including: exams, written essays, technical reports, computer programs and media examples.
The interactive media sector is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy. This degree combines rigorous academic work with the development of practical skills so you can be successful in this competitive industry. There will be opportunities to undertake professional work experience and connect with our industry partners during the programme.
Graduates of this programme are well equipped for graduate jobs within and outside the creative industries or for masters or doctoral study.
The Department of Theatre, Film and Television supports the Made in Creative UK campaign.
All applications must be made through UCAS. If your application meets departmental qualifications, we will notify you at least two weeks in advance if you are invited to attend an interview or a post-offer visit day. Both include a talk about the BSc in Interactive Media and tours of the department's state-of-the-art facilities.
All students considering study at the University of York are invited to attend a full University Open Day.
Our normal offer is AAB
AAAAB at Higher Level
D3, D3, M2
Obtain the diploma with a score of 35 points overall.
AAAABB
80% overall average
6.5 overall, with 5.5 or better in each section
61 overall with no less than 51 in all components
Grade C
Grade A
Grade C
