Q & A
Can you tell me a little about the Digital Media course and what is has to offer me?
The Digital Media course is part of the Communication Design Programme at The Robert Gordon University.
Digital Media focuses on the creative use of digital technologies to design and create a variety of digital products, including websites and computer games. You are taught traditional skills required by all designers, as well as the specific tools of the industry. It’s fast-moving and exciting course, spanning a range of dynamic subject areas including motion graphics, animation, and 3D modelling.
Digital Media students have access to laptop computers which facilitates a flexible working pattern.
What can I do once I graduate?
There are many different career opportunities in the field of Digital Media Design in a variety of industry sectors; previous graduates are employed by leading companies locally, nationally and internationally as graphic and web designers, computer and mobile game developers, architectural and mechanical CAD technicians, 3D animators, design project managers, multimedia design consultants, music and digital video producers. Graduates have also continued onto Post Graduate study whilst some have established their own successful businesses.
Why should I apply to The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen?
When it comes to graduate employment, The Robert Gordon University is Scotland’s top university for careers and second only to Cambridge in the UK, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
RGU has two campuses in Aberdeen, the oil capital of Europe. In the heart of the city centre the attractive 19th-century Schoolhill campus houses the schools of engineering, computing and pharmacy. Overlooking the River Dee, the beautiful parkland campus at Garthdee is home to the Sir Norman Foster designed Aberdeen Business School, the brand new Faculty of Health and Social Care, Gray’s School of Art and The Scott Sutherland School (Architecture and the Built Environment). There is also a £10m RGU Sports and leisure centre.
Read more on RGU and Aberdeen as featured in Scotland on Sunday.
Why should I apply to Digital Media?
The most important thing to consider is the course content and the type of portfolio that you will produce throughout your period of study. It’s important to learn the basic skills required by all designers, as well as the specific tools of the new media trade. You should also be looking to explore a number of subjects that span both design and computing. Our curriculum includes practical design projects, and theoretical and analytical study. Issues of design culture and context should be examined through lectures and seminars, with study trips to, and visits from, leading designers and companies. This keeps you up-to-date with current practice in the real world. We also incorporate an international exchange programme with other top European University courses.
Where do you go on study trips?
In 1st year we normally visit Glasgow and London. Amsterdam or Barcelona in 2nd year is and then New York in 3rd year. 4th Year Graduates also exhibit at D&AD New Blood Exhibition in London.
Is the course is any good and how do I find out more?
This course produces graduates to satisfy the demand for creative designers in the exciting field of digital media production. The discipline is fuelled by the continuing advance of communication and entertainment technologies and the increasing range of personalised user-orientated digital products. The curriculum enables students to develop a skill set which spans both design and computing. Subjects include: motion graphics; interaction; interface and web site design; 3D computer modelling and animation; visual effects; audio/video postproduction; DVD authoring and computer/mobile games content design.
You can find out more about the course in a variety of ways. The University prospectus and course web site is normally first point of call as well as searching on www.ucas.com. Make use of the internet and recent press articles to find out about recent graduates and current projects that students are involved in and look out for articles on us in the leading publications like Computer Arts & 3D World.
Teachers and careers advisors also play an important role however it is vital that you ask them to keep up to date with the very latest course titles and developments.
If you apply, you will be given the opportunity to visit the Design School and speak to existing students on the course, so there’s nothing really to lose.
What does the Design Industry look for in graduates and how does the course respond to these needs?
The design industry is fast-moving and consequently, there is great demand for adaptable designers who have transferable skills and the ability to work effectively across a range of dynamic subject areas. They look for both creative and technologically inclined graduates, who are imaginative and committed. They are also keen to see good communication, interpersonal and organisational skills. Most importantly they look for well rounded individuals who have the ability to work within team environments and effectively communicate their ideas.
Our course aims to produce graduates to satisfy this demand by listening to these companies and involving them within the course itself through live projects and work placements. Check out our list of Industry Partners.
I want to gain some industry experience while at University. Are there placement opportunities?
Students are often involved in ‘live’ projects with external industry partners, culminating in 4th year with a period of self-initiated and self-directed study. This normally involves collaboration with an industrial partner, taking students to the threshold of professional practice in the development of a concept or prototype to pre-production level.
In Semester 2 of 3rd year you can elect to take the AA3307 Industry Placement module which offers you the opportunity to work with a company for the entire Semester.
To what extent do you teach the subject areas and software applications do you use?
Over the first two years projects normally span an intensive 6 week period during which you will learn Adobe Software Packages (Creative Suite & Production Studio). The specific application (such as Photoshop or Dreamweaver) depends on the tasks set out by the brief.
As you progress through into Semester 2 of 2nd year we move into 3D Modelling and Video Post Production techniques using 3D Studio Max, Adobe Premiere and After Effects and tools like the Unreal Tournament Enginefor 3D games design.
The 4th Year Self-directed Hons Project spans an entire academic year.
Software Links
http://www.adobe.com/creativesuite
http://www.adobe.com/products/productionstudio/
http://www.autodesk.co.uk/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=452932&id=7736447
http://www.unrealtournament.com
Can you specialise in a particular area on the course and is this a good idea?
Specialising can work for and against you; graduates are faced with a wide variety of career possibilities. As I’ve mentioned the design industry is fast-moving and consequently, there is great demand for flexible designers who have transferable skills and the ability to work effectively across a range of dynamic subject areas. I would play safe and find a course which gives you a good basic grounding in a variety of subjects and specialise later on once you gain some real world industry experience.
What do you look for in applicants?
We mainly look for candidates who have a genuine desire to learn about the subject. Enthusiasm, motivation, qualifications and an inquiring attitude are all important.
What should I include in my portfolio?
There’s no specific requirement for content of portfolios. They really serve as a way for us to evaluate how you think and communicate visually. Also how you develop concepts and the range and level of practical skills you have already acquired. Try not to worry too much about it, just bring what you have; talking to you is just as important as the folio itself.
You might want to consider the following areas:
Individuality
- I recommend that you use a ‘visual diary’ to record things that interest you. This could include drawings, photographs and ideas development. A collection of articles that interest you, the recording an exhibition visit etc. The workbook should also reflect an individual’s interest in Design and might include examples of good and bad design. Add notes and annotation about why you like or dislike these examples.
Visualisation
- Evidence of the ability to use drawing to record/develop/communicate information/and to demonstrate some confidence in the selection and use of a range of media including photography.
- Some evidence of technical or detailed drawing is useful but not essential.
- Some evidence of CAD is useful but not essential.
Investigation and Analysis
- Evidence of ability to gather research material (visual or otherwise) in response to a specified brief and (ideally) also in response to the applicant’s own interests.
- Evidence of ability to apply some analysis to this material.
Development of Ideas
- Evidence of ability to develop information/ideas.
- Evidence of ability to resolve basic problems (through 2D and 3D development and experimentation).
I’m worried about my Portfolio Review appointment. Is there anything that you can advise?
The portfolio review consists of an appointment which takes the form of an informal discussion. This is an opportunity for applicants to meet with staff and students and have a look around the design studios and campus. Staff will take time to review your portfolio while current students show you around and tell you about the course. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. It’s really nothing to worry about.
What level of grades and subjects are required by school leavers in order to gain acceptance into the course?
We normally expect an applicant to have at least 3 Highers (BCC) including English and any Art & Design, Design & Technology or Computing subject. A Portfolio of work is also required for when you attend the application appointment/school visit.
How do I apply to the course?
Applying to Art School can seem like an overwhelming experience, whether you’re just leaving school, stepping up from college or have decided to change jobs and retrain. It’s hard to know where to start or what to expect so here is some information which might help you.
You should apply to Digital Media through UCAS – www.ucas.com (Universities and Colleges Admissions System).
UCAS Codes:
Institution Code: R36 – The Robert Gordon University
Course Codes: W280 – Design for Digital Media (Route A)
When should I apply to the course?
• Route A – You should submit your application form between September and January. We will consider all applications received at UCAS before June (if places are still available). After this date your application will be held for ‘Clearing’ (see below).
The deadline date for applications is 30th June.
Applications received after 30th June are then entered into Clearing.
For additional advice visit the RGU website - www.rgu.ac.uk and go to the ‘How to Apply’ section for a full application guide or alternatively call or e-mail our Admissions Department for assistance:admissions@rgu.ac.uk / Telephone: 01224 262105.
Please contact us if you have any questions.