Multimedia Engineering, MSc, PGDip

This course recruits graduates from a wide range of disciplines, although significant experience of computers is expected. Students manage images, video, sound animation and 3D worlds, developing their understanding of how these are stored, manipulated and delivered. The course emphasises the use of multimedia technology to build learning materials. Why choose this course?

Computer-based multimedia techniques are used to communicate a whole range of ideas in business, education, government, the arts and entertainment, and the aim of this course is to give you a clear understanding of the underlying principles and technical issues associated with developing computer systems that incorporate multimedia content.

You will examine the use of multimedia for a range of applications with a special focus on how multimedia can be used to build learning material. Explore the technology that is used to manage images, video, sound, animation and 3D worlds. You’ll learn how these multimedia assets are stored and manipulated, and how they can be delivered through the Internet and other media

This course can complement the knowledge and skills that you have obtained on almost any undergraduate course. We have had artists who wanted to present their material on the Internet, engineers who wanted to create product and factory simulations and even an archaeologist who wanted to create a virtual museum.

Study routes
We offer the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Multimedia Engineering. The MSc can have a sandwich element if you choose to carry out an industrial placement.

Questions? Ask NTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200

How do I study?

The course is delivered in two phases. A series of taught modules is delivered in the first 30 weeks of the course, covering the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma. The final 15 weeks of the academic year allow the MSc students the opportunity to complete a major project through independent study.

What do I study?

The coursework on this course will require you to undertake practical work together with research and critical evaluation. During the Major Project, you will be required to undertake a major piece of practical work, which then forms the basis of a dissertation and an oral presentation.

Modules

Digital 3D - 20 CP
This subject area deals with the technology involved with the creation of interactive 3D environments. Learn how to rig a character and how motion capture files are used.

Multimedia Technology Design - 20 CP
This module deals with the underlying technology for creating and manipulating multimedia assets, and the design principles that should be incorporated in this process.

Internet Development – 20 CP
You’ll cover current internet technologies and develop an understanding of the analysis, design and implementation of Internet and Intranet based software.

Multimedia Applications and Computer Aided Learning – 20 CP
Enhance your knowledge of the broader aspects of management of multimedia projects and the specific requirements for CAL systems.

Multimedia Programming - 20 CP
This module covers the theory and practice of using programming languages to enhance the effectiveness and interactivity of multimedia systems.

Research Methods - 20 CP
You will develop the skills of research and enquiry that will enhance your independent learning abilities and enable you to write effective project reports and technical papers.

Major Project - 60 CP
You will develop advanced skills in a relevant specialist topic area through the completion of a research project. The project integrates knowledge of the course and includes the design and/or development of an innovative solution to a complex and challenging multimedia problem presented as a dissertation or technical research paper.

Study routes

We are able to offer postgraduates the option to study either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Multimedia Engineering. Both courses aim to produce individuals whose multimedia skills mean that they can hit the ground running in their future careers.

Assessment
The taught part of this course is entirely assessed by coursework.

Who will teach me?

MSc Multimedia is taught by highly experienced staff members, many of whom are involved with cutting-edge research that ensures their teaching remains at the forefront of computing technology.

Much of our research is internationally recognised, particularly in the areas of Games for Learning and in Security. For example, Prof David Brown leads several projects, funded by the European Union, in games and assistive technology while Prof Paul Evans’ innovative developments in security are supported by USA Dept of Homeland Security.

We engage fully in our subject area and this engagement feeds directly and indirectly into our teaching. Other examples of our activity are:

• developing patents e.g. in voice signal processing
• involvement in the GameCity Festival
• organising conferences on Interactive Technology and Games and on Intelligent Environments
• working with local companies on funded projects e.g. enhancing the capability of the press association to search their image database
• publishing novel findings in research publications on for example financial prediction, mobile communications, detection of human behaviour patterns.

Based on Clifton campus the School of Science and Technology is a stimulating and creative environment. We provide facilities that enhance the quality of our education and push the boundaries of our research. As a student here, you will have access to specialist facilities including:

• games console laboratories
• networking and security laboratories
• human-interactive technology
• stereo-projection
• Imaging and Displays Research Facility and;
• our Centre for Innovation and Technology Exploitation (CITE).

You will also enjoy working with the latest software. Examples include:

• EnCase
• 3D StudioMax
• XNA Xbox development suite
• The Adobe Creative Suite (Flash, After Effects, Photoshop)
• the Unreal and Half-life Games Engines.

Across NTU, we have a range of first-class facilities that you would expect from a university with high quality teaching and world-leading research. These include:

• an £8m computing and informatics building
• a British Olympic Association-approved environmental chamber.